Gonzaga strong again (of course) as FAU, SDSU attempt to run it back

FAU coach Dusty May brings back all five starters from last year’s Final Four team this fall. The 2023-24 men’s college basketball season begins Nov. 6. Come back each day this week as we break down the biggest conferences, teams, and more leading up to the season. Check out our previews on the Big 12, the ACC, the Big Ten, the SEC, the Big East, and the Pac-12.

It’s not fair to group together mid-major schools, as there are plenty that can make a run in March. Memphis with Penny Hardaway and Drake in the MVC are examples. However, let’s focus on Gonzaga, Florida Atlantic, and San Diego State, which have the best chance of competing with major programs this season.

Ranked Mid-Major Teams:
No. 10 Florida Atlantic (AAC)
No. 11 Gonzaga (WCC)
No. 17 San Diego State (Mountain West)
No. 23 Saint Mary’s (WCC)
Others Receiving Votes: Memphis (AAC), Boise State (Mountain West), Charleston (CAA), New Mexico (Mountain West), Drake (MVC)

Notable national championship odds:
Odds via BetMGM
Gonzaga +3000
FAU +5000
Memphis +6000
SDSU +8000

Gonzaga back after losing Drew Timme:
This season marks the first without Drew Timme in Spokane. However, Mark Few has reloaded the team. Senior forward Anton Watson returns after an impressive performance last season that helped Gonzaga reach the Elite Eight. Guard Nolan Hickman also had a solid sophomore campaign. In addition, transfers Steele Venters, Grahm Ike, and Ryan Nembhard have joined the team. Nembhard, who was with Creighton, is regarded as the best point guard in college basketball by Few. Venters was the Big Sky Player of the Year, and Ike dominated in the Mountain West. Gonzaga has a tough non-conference schedule, facing top-ranked teams before WCC play.

FAU immediate favorites in AAC with two Player of the Year candidates:
FAU returns all five starters from last year’s Final Four team, making them the preseason favorite in the AAC. Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin, co-Preseason Players of the Year, led the team in scoring last season. While the American Athletic Conference is not a major jump from CUSA, FAU has a challenging non-conference schedule, including games against ranked opponents. Their strong performance in March last season shows they have the potential to do well again, but the tougher conference and opponents may present a challenge.

SDSU favorites again after national championship game run:
Despite losing Matt Bradley, San Diego State is favored to win the Mountain West and make it to the tournament. Darion Trammell and Lamont Butler are back and expected to excel in the backcourt. However, the team lost forward Keshad Johnson to Arizona. The Aztecs have tough early matchups against BYU, Saint Mary’s, Cal, Stanford, and Gonzaga, which will reveal their true potential for the season.

Notable Early Games:
Nov. 10: No. 17 San Diego State at BYU
Nov. 17: No. 23 Saint Mary’s at No. 17 San Diego State
Nov. 20: No. 3 Purdue at No. 11 Gonzaga
Nov. 23: No. 10 FAU at Butler

Reference

Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.