NCAA Basketball: Biggest storylines for each current top-25 team for rest of 2023-24
The 2023-24 NCAA Basketball season is in its final stages, at least in the regular season. For the power conferences, there are two weeks left before the respective league tournaments and Selection Sunday follows after. For "most" of the current top-25 teams, there's plenty of games left, including hopefully the NCAA Tournament.
Here's a closer look at each top-25 team from the latest AP poll and what to look for going forward.
25. South Florida Bulls - Are they the best team in the AAC?
After being picked 9th in the preseason poll, South Florida is first in the current American standings, 14-1 and 21-5 overall. Unfortunately for them, a bad non-con that includes losses to Central Michigan and Maine likely has them in "autobid or bust" in the conference tournament. They're now three games ahead of other teams, including Memphis and Florida Atlantic. The Bulls have proven to be a quality team but can they win three straight in March to cash their ticket?
24. Florida Gators - Can Riley Kugel get back into form?
Coming into the season, Kugel was projected to be one of the best sophomores in NCAA Basketball, coming off averaging nearly 20 ppg down the stretch last year. However, unless there's an unknown injury we don't know, he seems to have fallen out of the rotation, playing just nine combined minutes in the past two games. Transfers Walter Clayton Jr. and Zyon Pullin have been excellent in the backcourt but for them to be a threat in March, they need to find a way to get Kugel back into the fold.
23. Gonzaga Bulldogs - Will the NCAA Tournament continue?
Gonzaga is back in the top-25 this week, after an incredibly rare three-week absence after losing to Santa Clara. They're firmly on the cut-line to make the NCAA Tournament, with just one big win (Kentucky) on its entire resume. But they have two Quad 1 opportunities coming this week in San Francisco and Saint Mary's. If they go 2-0, they won't need to win in Vegas to get the autobid.
22. Utah State Aggies - Danny Sprinkle looking for NCAA COY consideration
After Ryan Odom left the Aggies last offseason for the VCU job, the program was supposed to be in rebuilding mode. Former Montana State HC Danny Sprinkle arrived and brought with him Great Osobor and instead of falling back, they might be even better this year. Currently tied for 1st at 11-4 in the Mountain West, Utah State has been one of the top surprises in the country and if they win the regular-season title, Coach Sprinkle should be in the mix for National Coach of the Year.