NCAA Basketball: Top-20 mid-major teams to buy stock into entering 2024-25 season

No. 1 - Grand Canyon Antelopes

Every year, a surprise mid-major squad cracks the polls and finds its footing alongside many power-five teams. Last season was James Madison, the year before was Florida Atlantic and the year before that was Murray State. All three of those teams won at least a game in the NCAA Tournament and, of course, Florida Atlantic’s run to the Final Four was well-documented.

Looking for a team that fits that bill? Look no further than the Grand Canyon Antelopes.

Last season, Grand Canyon won 30 games, including a 5-12 upset over Saint Mary’s in the Round of 64. This season, they have the pieces to be even better thanks to the return of Tyon Grant-Foster, who not only has one of the coolest stories in college basketball but was among the best pure scorers at the mid-major level last season.

To supplement Grant-Foster, the Lopes return nearly 58% of their scoring, according to BartTorvik’s preseason rankings, including the likes of Ray Harrison, Duke Brennan and Collin Moore. All three were starters on last year’s team.

Frontcourt transfer portal pieces such as Dennis Evans (Louisville), JaKobe Coles (TCU) and incoming freshman Sammie Yeanay -- the highest-ranked GCU recruit ever, according to the Antelopes’ athletic department website -- give even more upside for Bryce Drew to work with, making Grand Canyon the No. 1 team to buy stock into entering the 2024-25 season.