In perhaps the most exciting sport to watch in the world of sports, the 2024-25 College Basketball season commenced earlier this month. We've already seen a bunch of exciting matchups and some very interesting styles of play. The in-season tournaments have been stellar watches and this is just the beginning of what should be an absolutely amazing CBB season.
The month of November means more to certain teams that it does to others. Some programs will take games very seriously right now while others are simply just trying to find their legs and hit the ground running. This is the perfect time to see what your team is about, facing top teams and battling it out in style. Here are your winners and losers (known schools) in the month of November.
Winners:
1.) Auburn Tigers (7-0 Record)
The Auburn Tigers have been the most impressive team so far this season in my opinion. They've beaten everyone that's gotten put in front of them and have an amazing group of guys. Already this season, Auburn has won @Houston & has wins against ISU, UNC as well as Memphis in the Maui Invitational. Two of those four wins came by double digits! Now, the SEC is one of, if not the toughest division in College Hoops this season. So, don't be shocked if they pick up the occasional loss in conference play. However, the Tigers are out for revenge this season after being sent home early in last year's March Madness (1st Round Loss to Yale.)
Season Prediction: Elite Eight appearance - possible Final Four team.
2.) Oklahoma Sooners (7-0 Record)
The Sooners have been great so far this year and their record proves it. They began the season as a mid/low-tier SEC school and have absolutely shaken things up in this highly competitive conference. No, I do not expect them to keep winning every game, especially in the SEC. However, with wins over teams like Providence, Arizona & Louisville in Nassau, Bahamas, and an In-Season Tournament Championship Trophy to show for, they should be flying high on confidence through their first month in a new conference.
Season Prediction: Round of 32 appearance
3.) Marquette Golden Eagles (7-0 Record)
Just like the first two teams of this list, Marquette has looked excellent and owns a perfect 7-0 record to begin the season. Now, they are in the Big East, which is also a very strong conference as well. Now, even though the Golden Eagles don't have as many strong wins against top teams so far, they've looked dominant in the one's that they've played in. With a win over a 6-1 Maryland team and blowout wins against Purdue & Georgia, it's tough not to put them on this list. They will bump up in the rankings when the next Top 25 is released next week. Expect another title contending season for Marquette.
Season Prediction: Sweet Sixteen appearance
Losers:
1.) Connecticut Huskies (4-3 Record)
The UCONN Huskies are my top 'Loser' of the opening month of this season. They lost every game in the Maui Invitational in very winnable games where they were sizeable favorites. Those losses were suffered against Memphis, Colorado & Dayton. Now, I don't expect this to hurt UCONN very much as we head into conference play. However, Connecticut will need to shake it off and smarten up. I think that they very much can do so with the likes of Dan Hurley behind the bench coaching them. Look for another big year from the Huskies as they search for their third consecutive.
Season Prediction: Final Four Appearance
2.) Arizona Wildcats (3-4 Record)
It has not been a pretty start for the Wildcats of Arizona. They've had a couple of very tough games this season and haven't shown signs of being a very strong contender so far. Losses against all of the tough teams that they've played including Wisconsin, Duke, OU & West Virginia in overtime. Well, what's next for them? They're in one of the top three conferences in CBB in my opinion with tough teams all over the place. Don't get your hopes up this season Arizona fans. If they don't smarten up, this is going to be a very rough season for Arizona.
Season Prediction: If they make it (I'll give them a 70% chance right now,) Round of 32 appearance - possible Sweet Sixteen team.
3.) Creighton Blue Jays (4-3 Record)
Although just like all of these teams, the Blue Jays still have plenty of time to find their identity, it's been a struggle for them so far. After losing their best player to the NBA in Baylor Scheierman this offseason, they were forced to regroup a bit. Now, they still have great talent in Ryan Kalkbrenner & Steven Ashworth. And they did add Pop Isaacs to the team. But, they've lost three consecutive games in late November against Nebraska, San Diego State & Texas A&M which won't look so good on their resume come the end of the season. I don't think that they'll have much trouble making the Big Dance. But, they could have early problems in that tournament with the lack of early-season success against Non-Conf opponents. They are currently playing Notre Dame to finish off the month with a win.
Season Prediction: Round of 32 appearance