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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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21. Marquette Golden Eagles

While everyone else is focusing on using the transfer portal, Coach Shaka Smart has elected to go old school and has not landed anyone for the second straight year. That’s a big risk this time, as the team lost both Oso Ighodaro and former Big East Player of the Year guard Tyler Kolek to the NBA this past offseason.

What should keep the Golden Eagles in contention is Kam Jones, who led the team with 17.2 ppg on 51% shooting from the field and 41% from three-point range. He showed he’s capable of being the lead guard, including a pair of 34-point games in Big East play.

The key to Marquette’s success will be which supporting cast member breaks out in larger roles. Veterans Stevie Mitchell, Chase Ross, and Sean Jones are capable of being potential double-digit scorers, while Ben Gold and returning starting forward David Joplin have real potential as a spacing frontcourt duo. Incoming freshmen Joshua Clark and Poyce Parham will also be part of the rotation.

Coach Smart deserves the benefit of the doubt that he can keep Marquette as a top-25 team going forward, thanks to Jones's presence. But if things go south, it’ll be a good example of why using the portal is important for programs.

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