NCAA Basketball: Biggest storylines for each current top-25 team for rest of 2023-24

9. UNC Tar Heels - Recent up and down play a growing concern

Ever since UNC started out 9-0 in ACC play, they’ve had some growing pains, including some losses and close wins. RJ Davis (21.7 ppg) is playing at an All-American level but the supporting cast, including Armando Bacot, hasn’t been as consistent. They very well could end up with a 1 seed in the Big Dance but if things don’t improve, could be a popular upset pick in the brackets.

8. Iowa State Cyclones - Can Cyclones look dominant away from Hilton Coliseum?

It’s hard to find a tougher homecourt advantage in NCAA Basketball than what Iowa State has. They’re unbeaten at home this season, including marquee wins over Kansas and Houston. But the Cyclones are more vulnerable away from the Coliseum and we saw in the 11 over 6 loss to Pittsburgh in the NCAA Tournament that the offense doesn’t always travel. They could be a 1 or 2 seed but the Big 12 Tournament will be a good test of what they can do away from home.

7. Kansas Jayhawks - Health status of Kevin McCullar Jr.

Kansas doesn’t have much depth, which has been a concern for them all season. And it’s been tested even more, with star senior wing McCullar Jr. (19.0 ppg and 6.4 rpg) out with knee issues. It’s been a problem all season but now he’s reportedly out indefinitely. We’re seeing the results, as the Jayhawks recently lost to BYU at home. Unless transfer Nick Timberlake can become a big impact piece after an overall disappointing season, this team could be in big danger if McCullar doesn’t return.