Indiana Basketball: Top 3 confirmed non-conference opponents for 2024-25 season

For most teams, the goal of the non-conference is a few things. Mainly to get good wins and avoid bad losses for one's resume, while also not hurting the metrics with poor results. One team that couldn't do that was Indiana Basketball, whose near upset defeats to Army, FGCU, and Wright State torched their resume to the point of no return. That was without losing to any bad team as well.

This time around, the Hoosiers are hoping for success in the Battle 4 Atlantis, with three games against likely top-100 opponents. Some key teams include Arizona, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, and Providence. But they need to make sure not to lose to the other eight confirmed opponents as well. Some could pose more of a challenge than expected.

Here's a list of the top three teams Indiana Basketball will have to deal with in the non-con.

3. Sam Houston State Bearkats

In the program's first year in Conference USA, the Bearkats won the regular-season title. And they return several pieces from the balanced roster, including 13.8 ppg scoring guard Lamar Wilkerson and starters, Damon Nicholas Jr. and Marcus Boykin. They'll have the most experienced returning backcourt among the non-con opponents next season.

2. Chattanooga Mocs

The Mocs won 21 games last season and return star guard Honor Huff, who led the team with 17.4 ppg and 2.6 apg. Point guard Trey Bonham (16.0 ppg and 3.5 apg) is also back, giving Chattanooga one of the best backcourts among all mid-major teams. If transfer forwards Makai Richards and Adam Larson have an impact next season, Chattanooga should be the favorites in the SoCon next season.

1. South Carolina Gamecocks

As the lone high-major among the confirmed matchups, South Carolina being No. 1 isn't a surprise. But coming off an NCAA Tournament, they should prove to be a competitive battle next season. That's even without leading scorer Meechie Johnson, who Indiana will be facing in the Big Ten as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Who is back is Collin Murray-Boyles, a star sophomore forward who is an early projected 1st-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. If Norfolk State transfer guard Jamarii Thomas can take Johnson's place in the backcourt, they'll be in the mix for another postseason appearance,