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NCAA Basketball: Ranking of the only 12 teams that can win a national title in 2024-25

By Tristan Freeman

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats and Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats and Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
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9. Marquette Golden Eagles - 9-1

When former Big East Player of the Year guard Tyler Kolek and starting forward Oso Ighordaro left, Marquette’s decision not to replace them with any from the transfer portal was a risky move. However, it’s paid off greatly, with the team currently in the top 10. They have wins over Maryland, Purdue, Georgia, and Wisconsin, with just a loss at Iowa State being their only blemish.

The Eagles are led by Kameron Jones, who produced a triple-double in the win over Purdue and is averaging 20.3 ppg and 6.6 apg, all while shooting 58% from the field and 41% from three-point range. He’s undoubtedly in the National Player of the Year discussion, but can he keep up this level of play?

That’s the problem with believing this team can win it all. David Joplin has had a trio of 27+ point games and is averaging around 15 ppg, but can Marquette trust him to be the team’s second-best player? Guards Stevie Mitchell and Chase Ross are solid double-digit contributors, and there is depth, but this roster will still rely a lot on Jones to win six straight in March.

It’s a rough sell to have Marquette in the bottom-tier of this ranking, but some teams on this list are better equipped to win a national title than this one.

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