Top 5 College Basketball Players for the 2024-2025 Season
November 6, 2024
College basketball is buzzing with star power as we head into the 2024/25 season.
From veteran leaders like RJ Davis and Hunter Dickinson to rising stars like Cooper Flagg, excitement is in the air.
Alabama’s Mark Sears leads the pack and is our top-ranked player, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season.
Top 5 College Basketball Players for the 2024-2025 Season
With a shift towards guard play, this year’s rankings spotlight talented guards ready to redefine the game.
Let’s dive into the dynamic roster shaping college basketball.
Top 5 College Basketball Players for the 2024-2025 Season
Mark Sears | Alabama
Mark Sears is a pivotal figure for Alabama, combining skill and strategic acumen as the team’s lead guard.
A graduate player, Sears made headlines last season with an impressive average of 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
But he truly shined during the NCAA Tournament, boosting Alabama to its first-ever Final Four.
His remarkable performance included scoring an average of 24.2 points per game and hitting 45.5% from the three-point range, making basketball enthusiasts and scouts alike take notice.
Although Sears initially tested the waters for the 2024 NBA Draft, his decision to return to Alabama brings an exciting prospect for the Crimson Tide.
With a few roster changes, the team’s mix of fresh talent and Sears’ leadership could drive them to another Final Four appearance, keeping fans eagerly watching.
If you bet on the NCAAB, keep a close eye on Sears and the Crimson Tide’s performance this season.
RJ Davis | North Carolina
RJ Davis is back for another season with North Carolina, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
As the lead guard and only returning CBS Sports First Team All-American, Davis has carved out a significant place in Tar Heel history.
Last season, he exceeded expectations with an impressive 21.2 points per game and a strong 39.8% from the three-point line.
His 2,088 career points rank him fifth all-time at North Carolina, and he’s chasing Tyler Hansbrough’s legendary record.
Beyond scoring, Davis contributes across the board with his 500 rebounds, 400 assists, and 100 steals.
Known for his clutch free-throw shooting, he’s also the school’s all-time leader at 85.8%. His return cements North Carolina’s Final Four hopes, making him a player to watch.
Cooper Flagg | Duke
Cooper Flagg is undeniably the player to watch this season.
As a freshman forward, Flagg arrives at Duke with sky-high expectations, bearing the title of the consensus top high school player and the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-9, Flagg’s versatility sets him apart; he isn’t just a scorer but excels in rebounding, passing, and guarding as well.
His dynamic skill set has already turned heads at Cameron Indoor Stadium, piquing interest among college basketball aficionados.
Many are eager to see how he’ll handle the pressure of collegiate competition and whether he can propel Duke to another Final Four appearance under coach Jon Scheyer.
Look out for his debut against Kentucky in the Champions Classic on November 12.
Ryan Kalkbrenner | Creighton
Ryan Kalkbrenner, affectionately known as “Big Kalk,” is back on our radar this season, and for good reason.
As Creighton’s towering center and a senior leader, he’s not just a veteran presence but also a force of nature on the court.
Last year, we had him at No. 5 on our preseason Top 100 and 1 list. This year, his ambitions are even bigger, eyeing the National Player of the Year award while being a frontrunner for National Defensive Player of the Year.
His impeccable defensive prowess, which earned him three consecutive Big East defensive POY titles, is rivaled only by Patrick Ewing.
Impressively, Kalkbrenner has managed to stay out of foul trouble, logging almost 35 minutes per game—all while elevating his offensive game this offseason.
His average of 17.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks hints at a promising season ahead, making him a linchpin for Creighton’s top 20 aspirations.
Hunter Dickinson | Kansas
Kansas is thrilled to welcome back graduate center Hunter Dickinson, a powerhouse both in presence and performance.
Standing tall at 7-foot-2, Dickinson is not just a towering figure but a monumental scorer, with 2,208 career points already under his belt.
This season, he aims to etch his name in history by potentially becoming one of the few Division I men to amass 2,800 career points, a milestone only 21 players have surpassed before him.
While some speculate on his defensive limitations, Dickinson deftly balanced any weaknesses last season by delivering an impressive 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
Conclusion:
With Kansas preseason-ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, the potential for a national championship adds an exciting allure to his final collegiate season.
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