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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 teams in 2024 Cayman Islands Classic

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 24, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Boise State Broncos head coach Leon Rice reacts against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Boise State Broncos head coach Leon Rice reacts against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
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4. Duquesne Dukes

2023-24 season record: 25-12 (10-8 Atlantic 10)

The Dukes had a miracle March run to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly 50 years due to an elite defense and the guard duo of Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark. Both are gone, along with HC Keith Dambrot. New coach Dru Joyce has a couple of starters back (David Dixon and Jake DiMichele), along with a quality transfer core.

Guard Tre Dinkins (Canisius) and forward Jahsean Corbett (Chicago State) each averaged 15+ ppg last season, while forwards Alex Williams and Elijah Winborn create new frontcourt depth. And Maximus Edwards is already a proven A-10 scorer, averaging 11.5 ppg and 6.6 rpg in two years at GW. There certainly are questions on paper on how this new staff and roster will work out but they have the talent to remain a threat in the league.

3. High Point Panthers 

2023-24 season record: 27-9 (13-3 Big South)

High Point was one of the biggest team surprises all of last season, going from the bottom tier of the Big South to winning the regular-season title. And while losing leading scorer Duke Miles hurts, they were able to bring back three other double-digit scorers for next season. Guard Kezza Giffa (16.2 ppg) will be a favorite to win Conference Player of the Year and the clear lead guard, while returning veterans Kimani Hamilton and Abdoulaye Thiam also return after averaging 12 ppg.

The Panthers also added a few notable transfers, including ECU transfer PG Bobby Pettiford, as well as Dee Barnes (Southern Utah), and D’maurian Williams (Texas Tech). The only concern with this roster is the lack of frontcourt depth outside of Hamilton. Though if 7’2 center and former Syracuse center William Patterson can be an impactful newcomer, High Point will be a legit threat to win the Cayman Islands Classic.

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