NCAA Basketball: Alabama, Kentucky rises in latest way-too-early top-25 power rankings for 2024-25

6. Duke Blue Devils

Between the NBA Draft and transfer portal, the Blue Devils lost around 10 players, including several former five-star prospects. However, they once again have the No. 1 incoming recruiting class, led by No. 1 player and highly-touted prospect, Cooper Flagg. Other five-star freshmen to watch include Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel.

To make sure Duke isn’t too young next season, they added four veteran transfers, led by big man Maliq Brown and guard Sion James. He and returning guard Tyrese Proctor should be one of the best backcourt duos in the country next season. This is a team with plenty to prove on paper but from a talent-standpoint, could be the best, if the freshmen core is as good as advertised.

5. Iowa State Cyclones

In the transfer portal era, the Cyclones are the rare team to return its top four scorers, automatically making them a Final Four contender once again. Guards Tamin Lipsey, Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert are back, along with forward and brekaout candidate, Milan Momcilovic.

Iowa State still managed to land several transfers to add to the overall depth, mainly in the frontcourt. Joshua Jefferson was one of the best players at Saint Mary’s and may not even startm while Dishon Jackson and Brandton Chatfield will share the minutes at the center position. Assuming that the defense remains elite once again, there’s no reason why this team can’t at least be as good as last season and likely will be better.