The NCAA basketball rankings for the 2024 season have been filled with surprises and shakeups as upsets and upstarts have made their mark on the top 10 teams.
One of the biggest upsets came early in the season as the then number one-ranked team, the Duke Blue Devils, fell to unranked opponent, the Creighton Bluejays. This loss sent shockwaves through the college basketball world and caused a major shift in the rankings. Duke dropped several spots while Creighton entered the top 25 for the first time all season.
Another major upset happened when the reigning national champions, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, suffered a defeat at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes. This loss derailed Gonzaga’s undefeated season and knocked them out of the top spot in the rankings. Iowa, on the other hand, soared up the ranks and solidified themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to the upsets, there have also been several upstart teams that have exceeded expectations and climbed their way into the top 10. The Michigan Wolverines, led by standout freshman forward, Isaiah Williams, have been a major surprise this season. They have notched impressive wins over top-ranked teams and have risen through the ranks to secure a spot in the top 5.
The Kentucky Wildcats have also made a splash this season, with their high-flying offense and suffocating defense propelling them into the top 10. Coach John Calipari has once again proven himself as a master recruiter, bringing in a talented group of freshmen that have made an immediate impact on the team.
Overall, the 2024 NCAA basketball season has been filled with excitement and unpredictability as upsets and upstarts have shaken up the top 10 rankings. While traditional powerhouses like Duke and Gonzaga have faced setbacks, teams like Creighton, Iowa, Michigan, and Kentucky have emerged as contenders and are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Fans can expect more surprises and twists as the season progresses, making for an exhilarating and thrilling college basketball season.
