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NCAA Basketball: 5 preseason unranked teams that could win it all in 2023-24

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: New St. Johns Red Storm head basketball coach Rick Pitino during a press conference, at Madison Square Garden on March 21, 2023 in New York City. Pitino, who recently coach at Iona, became the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four and the first coach to win an NCAA Championship at two different schools. (Photo by Porter BInks )
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: New St. Johns Red Storm head basketball coach Rick Pitino during a press conference, at Madison Square Garden on March 21, 2023 in New York City. Pitino, who recently coach at Iona, became the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four and the first coach to win an NCAA Championship at two different schools. (Photo by Porter BInks ) /
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NCAA Basketball Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Buffaloes

Before they flamed out against San Diego State in the Sweet 16, Alabama was one of the few clear national title contenders last season. And it was thanks to Brandon Miller, an All-American freshman wing who single-handily lifted the team’s ceiling. If any team is in a similar situation, it’s Colorado and its highest-ranked freshman ever.

Cody Williams is a 6’8 combo forward, ranked in the top-5 of the 2023 recruiting class. The 5-star forward is the younger brother of Jalen Williams, a star from Santa Clara who ended up in the lottery of the 2022 NBA Draft. There are comparisons with the brothers due to the measurements, athletic ability, and overall scoring potential.

If Williams is great like Miller, the Buffs could skyrocket up the national rankings. They already have two top-100 players back in Tristan Da Silva and KJ Simpson, both of whom averaged 15.9 ppg last season. And along with other rotation players back, the team also added TCU starting center, Eddie Lampkin. He gives them real interior defense that can beat other teams in the Big Dance.

Coach Tad Boyle is respected in the sport and he has a very talented starting lineup. It ultimately will come down to the freshman Williams and well he plays but like with Miller, it’s possible to have a freshman lead a team to a top ranking.

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