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NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25 season

By Tristan Freeman

Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) talks with head coach Nate Oats during the Final Four semifinal game against Connecticut at State Farm Stadium.
Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) talks with head coach Nate Oats during the Final Four semifinal game against Connecticut at State Farm Stadium. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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5. Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have been in the news lately due to realignment. They are set to leave the WCC in two years. However, if things go well this season, they could have a national title on the program’s resume. Coming off another Sweet 16 appearance, the Bulldogs lose their best player (Anton Watson) but essentially return everyone.

The backcourt duo of Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman will be one of the best in the country. They combined for 26.6 ppg and 9.6 apg and played over 35 mpg. The senior duo has returning guard Dusty Stromer and Arkansas transfer Khalif Battle, who averaged 14.8 ppg mostly off the bench.

Graham Ike, who led Gonzaga with 16.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg last season, returns as the offense's focal point. Michael Ajayi is replacing Watson at the four-spot, a 6’7 combo forward who led Pepperdine with 17.2 ppg and 9.9 rpg. He might not be as good of a defender and passer as Watson was, but he should make the Bulldog’s offense even more potent. Plus, Ben Gregg and Ben Huff are as good of backup forwards as a team can have.

Even with transfer wing Steele Venters (out for the season with an injury), there’s plenty of depth and offensive firepower to give Gonzaga another 30+ win season and be the clear favorites to win the WCC title. Could this be the year Coach Mark Few finally wins it all?

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