Alabama Basketball Achieves No. 2 Preseason Ranking

As Alabama's football team struggles with two losses in the 2024 season, the Crimson Tide's 2025 recruiting class has surged to the top rank nationally, showcasing key commitments and potential future stars. Meanwhile, Oregon Ducks point guard Jackson Shelstad, despite not being included on the Bob Cousy Award watch list, has gained national acclaim as a National Player of the Year candidate, with expectations for a significant sophomore leap. Ohio State's men's basketball team, under new coach Jake Diebler, is set to feature a record 13 scholarship players, aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence. Alabama's basketball team, entering the season with the highest AP preseason ranking in program history at No. 2, will rely heavily on star guard Mark Sears, who ranks as the third-best player nationally. This season is shaping up to be highly competitive, with the depth of talent enhanced by NIL opportunities allowing more elite players to remain in college basketball. The college basketball season kicks off on November 4, with multiple teams and players poised for promising performances.