5 most intriguing storylines ahead of 2024 NCAAB season ft. Cooper Flagg

At the start of every NCAAB season, plenty of storylines spark curiosity and anticipation among fans. These narratives usually spark from the potential of fresh prospects, change in the coaching staff, the rise of an unexpected program, the downfall of a notable squad, and other unfoldings.

Nevertheless, these storylines capture the raw and unpredictable essence of college basketball, resulting in one of the largest fanbases in the world. With that, let’s look at the most intriguing narratives to follow as we near the start of the 2024-25 NCAAB season.

5 most intriguing storylines for the 2024 NCAAB season

#5. Kentucky Wildcats and Arkansas Razorbacks coaching combustion

John Calipari left the Wildcats after 15 years this offseason, leaving an empty coaching staff and roster as no scholarship player returned to the program. Moreover, four Kentucky players entered the portal and followed him to Arkansas.

The Wildcats bought their 1996 NCAA championship player Mark Pope to grip the squad, which is experimenting with a roster full of transfer players and fresh recruits. The offseason storylines have caused ripples in the two school's fan bases, dividing them mostly behind their current coaches and sparking a potential long-term rivalry.

#4. Mike Woodson's hot seat in Indiana

Mike Woodson has a winning percentage of over 60% with the Indiana Hoosier but is yet to prove his acumen as a true player-developmental and culture-igniting coach. After his star player Trayce Jackson-Davis was picked by the Golden State Warriors last year, the Hoosiers succumbed to a 19-14 record (10-10 in Big Ten).

Moreover, failed to utilize Xavier Johnson and promising freshman Mackenzie Mgbako. Now, with notable additions from the portal, the clock ticks on Mark Wooden’s time with the Hoosiers, making his hot seat year one of the most crucial storylines in the coming season.

#3. Jayhawks' success with Hunter Dickinson

While nine players left the squad in the 2023 offseason, Hunter Dickinson’s transfer from Michigan aligned the Jayhawks to mount a successful season. They entered the season with the first spot on the preseason AP poll. However, they recorded the worst conference season since 1989, falling in eight games for a 23–11 record (10–8 Big 12).

Moreover, after earning the NCAA bid, they were eliminated in the second round by Gonzaga. As Dickinson, touted as the best center in the nation, returns for another year, Bill Self is tasked with setting a high standard for their program.

#2. The hype behind Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg became one of the biggest storylines after he declared for the 2024 class. He committed to the Blue Devils early and has been living up to expectations ever since. Apart from winning battles against other top players in high school, Flagg recently held his own against a star-studded Team USA roster, adding more eyes to his first college season.

Flagg is aligned to be the most-watched player in the 2024-25 NCAAB year. He is expected to dominate in college basketball and lead the Blue Devils to their first NCAA title since 2015.

#1. Dan Hurley joining UCLA’s historic feat

In the greatest storylines this season, not only does Dan Hurley have the opportunity to join John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins by clinching a three-peat, but the opportunity to become the best modern-day college basketball coach.

Hurley has already left behind the 2007 Gators as the first team to clinch back-to-back titles. Now, a three-peat will rocket him to the top of the podium. Moreover, adding to his coaching acumen will be that Hurley led UConn to glory with different star players in all three years.