Saddle up, everyone!

It is time to grant you permission to emotionally invest in the great sport of College Hoops. That is, if you one of the true passionate lovers of this insane sport. You'll need the ability to lock in and focus, beginning at 8 AM Eastern, 5 AM Pacific for tip-off between Winthrop and Queens next Monday morning.

Sound okay to you?

The joys, the collective consciousness bustling with endorphins, and the emotional pain will quickly become so real. It all begins with 169 games involving D1 squads on Monday, November 3rd.

Each week I will be with you as a guide. Allow me to unlock your potential as a great member of the College Basketball community. Our common goal is simple, to leave no great team week behind across each of the 31 conferences.

But there are important ground rules for weekly recognition-

Rule #1 - Go undefeated for the week against hard, decent, or relative competition. Hey that's easy! Right? Actually, that's usually false. You might be shocked to learn how hard that is. I have seen entire conferences go 1-1 or winless in a week plenty of times, and we will see it again. There is an occasional exception to the undefeated simple rule, if a team goes 1-1 for the week with a season-changing and/or season/program-altering victory in the midst of going 1-1 or 2-1. It takes a lot of muscle though for a team with an L to make the final cut.

Rule #2 - Beat opponents who you weren't expected to beat! Another level of genius here. The highest recognition is given to those that impress the most in each week. Five total teams are selected as "Teams of the Week." Five additional teams are selected as "Just Missed the Cut," and everyone else is an honorable mention team with a brief shout-out for what they achieved.

Rule #3 - Wins contributing toward an NCAA Tournament position or a league-title race will consistently have more importance and will be weighted appropriately. Winning a true road game is the hardest thing for a team to achieve in College Basketball. Winning a game or multiple games in a single week that check all of the aforementioned boxes will almost certainly guarantee your team some high praise.

Let's practice: Let's now hand out well-deserved hardware to programs that truly moved the needle in each league this offseason.

OFFSEASON TEAM AWARDS

Since I had the daily task of calling schools all over the country to this past spring and summer for scheduling exercises, I also started forming opinions as to who "won" the offseason compared to my initial expectations. So, in true Teams of the Week fashion, here is who wins the awards:

N.C. State - The Pack completely invested in its coaching hire, snagging Will Wade away from potential SEC, B1G, or B12 landing spots. Talk about a homerun! Wade and staff got to work early and often to build a high-caliber roster led by Darrion Williams. Were at the point now where the question is how deep can this team advance into the NCAAT? And not if they can make it.

Denver - Consider me sold with the idea of hiring a highly-successful D2 coach who also brings four starters from the same team with him. CSUN, Cal Poly, Drake, etc. in recent seasons have all tasted the fruits of such a proposition. Add the Pioneers to the list. Minnesota State-Moorhead's Tim Bergstraser brings Carson Johnson and the boys to Colorado's capital city. Given the continuity factor alone, there is a dependable leg up here. I am hearing nothing but positive things early on. It's at the point where I think Denver can go .500 or better in this conference, despite being picked at the bottom. Bonus: The WCC just added Denver to the league in 2027-28, just in case Denver didn't already have enough momentum.

South Florida - If there was a high major, non-P5 hire that can compare to Wade in any way, let's give it up for the Bulls. Coach Bryan Hodgson has been an elite recruiter with connections everywhere for years now. Now, two quality years at Arkansas State with a share of last season's Sun Belt regular-season title in hand, he makes a step up the ranks. The Bulls roster is in a great place thanks to building the team around Izaiyah Nelson and Joseph Pinion, very talented vets from ASU.

Murray State - New HC Ryan Miller has completely helped rejuvenate the trajectory and overall future for Racers' Basketball. A quick look at the roster build, and its quite clear that a fundraising plan was well in order as part of this transition. This team is ready to win right now. There are not many teams left (sadly) in the non-power ranks that can realistically advance in the NCAA Tournament, but this roster potential sure has "it."

via Three Man Weave

George Washington - Incredible to see from afar, how invested GW is with this roster. They enter the season as a Top-60 team in the country per Torvik. Revolutionaries may have revolutionized its program. The roster is loaded and kept its core around Rafael Castro.

Hawai'i - The last we heard from the Rainbow Warriors came in the final week of league play. Hawai'i effectively needed one win to clinch a top eight spot in the BW and advance to the BW Tournament. They instead were swept by Cal St. Bakersfield and Cal St Northridge. After that tough ending, the staff got to work. Quandre Bullock, Isaac Johnson, and Tanner Cuff lead a notable list of eight older transfers to upgrade the program. Then, a pleasant surprise occurred when Gytis Nemeiksa was granted a waiver for a 5th year. Nemeiksa is an all-Big West performer and adds so many punches to the lineup, while raising the floor. This team has the goods to become one of the best mid-major squads if they can solve winning away from the island.

Miami-Ohio - The Redhawks' caught a wave last year that propelled the program to its best MAC finish (14-4) since 2006. The next step was to bring back as many of this young core as the Redhawks possibly could. Well, six of them are back including Peter Suder, a popular preseason pick for MAC POTY. This team put itself in position to dance for the first time in two decades.

Iowa - The Hawkeyes went from Frenetic Fran McCaffery to deliberate Ben McCollum, and it was well-timed. McCollum is coming off a single-season success story with Drake that turned national heads. Bennett Stirtz showcased the D1 ability as a do-it-all catalyst against, including every P5 team that Drake faced a season ago (wins over Vandy, Mizzou, Miami, and K-State) to grant the credibility required for this award distinction. Iowa managed to bring several other pieces over from Drake and beyond, to make them a an easy-to-pick forecasted NCAAT squad.

LIU - One of the fascinating stories of the offseason. Defending NEC POTY, Malachi Davis, is a high major player. He played at Arizona State earlier in his career and simply did not want to be lost in the shuffle at a P5 school again, even if it hurt his wallet. The inspiration generated by Davis's return also sparked Jamal Fuller to return, and a previous relationship with Greg Gordon (via UAB) helped secure a commitment from him. There are five Canadians on the roster. Rod Strickland continues to evolve in the roster and staff construction world, and if LIU runs the NEC this season, Strickland will have a ton of calls at the next CBB level up.

Kentucky - Mark Pope had an outstanding year one in Lexington. You know what that means? Yes, expectations are rising. Well, this Kentucky roster has even more high-octane defenders and quantitatively more future pros. The numbers being tossed around for the salary pool to build this thing, are crazy. Biggest question today is the long-term health of Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Denzel Aberdeen. Otherwise, this team is built to win it all in Indy come April.

Stephen F. Austin - Such a proud Lumberjack program, it was hard to see them near the bottom of the Southland last year. Those days are now behind us and a vibrant new dawn under Matt Braeuer has arrived. Coach Braeuer tasted plenty of success in his previous stop at Texas Tech as an assistant. He carefully brought back Keon Thompson and Chrishawn Christmas, to build a team around them. SFA has new life, new blood, and should quickly restore the old program magic that we all got used to.

BYU - Let's be real, a big part of winning the offseason in 2025 is resources. BYU, seemingly overnight in the past 18-24 months, has effectively leveled up from a WCC team falling short, to competitive B12 team hoping to make the dance, to now building a national championship roster. The Cougars are firmly in the mix for a predictable Final Four appearance. Although the run to the Sweet 16 was a lightning strike, this season's roster is a different tier above.

Western Carolina - Tim Craft's first season in Cullowhee could not have been more difficult. Dealing with the impacts and aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Craft was simply trying to get a bunch of players up to speed with his proven style, that worked annually at Gardner-Webb. The entire set of cards from the roster to human nature, led to a lot of frustration. Hope is here now! The Catamounts worked hard and should suddenly have one of the bigger SoCon teams. In the backcourt, Tidjiane Dioumassi is a proven playmaker on both sides of the ball, he comes from a successful Southern Jags program. WCU is poised to be your go-to Darkhorse in an open SoCon race.

Seattle U. - For Redhawk Nation, this was the offseason from Heaven. The climb back up to D1 officially started in 2008, but on July 1st of this year - Seattle U. officially is at the WCC level, which is a massive achievement. An incredible bonus is included, sharing the conference with Pacific NW big brothers Washington State, Oregon State, and Gonzaga for one season. So much anticipation! On top of that Maleek Arington, Brayden Maldonado, and John Christofilis all returned. Even more, is the addition of Junseok Yeo. Yeo is a super talented player via Gonzaga in the portal, and Chris Victor raved about playing offense through him during WCC Media Day.

Siena - Sometimes the best gets are the ones you already have, right Trilly? The Saints retained connected glue guys, including burgeoning star Justice Shoats, to arguably lead the MAAC in continuity experience. Tasman Goodrick was unstoppable at Gannon Univ, can he do it here? I don't know for sure, but I do know that HC Gerry McNamara has several pieces to win a MAAC Title now.

Navy - The Midshipmen leveraged the service academy thresholds to effectively bring back Mr. Patriot League All-Star, Austin Benigni, and nearly every player who still had eligibility. Now, Navy is in position to win the Patriot League for the first time since 1998. A long way to go, but what an outstanding offseason from the Mids.

Idaho - The Vandals have been stuck in the mud for quite some time. It's unbelievable to look back and see that the last Idaho NCAAT appearance came in 1990. That 80's era produced four Idaho tournament teams including the great run to the 1982 Sweet 16, led by the late Don Monson. Heading into this season the Torvik model loves that this program, which returns eight players who had significant roles a year ago. Such a rarity in today's CBB world. Vandals went the extra mile to retain these guys, and that is a sign. Kolton Mitchell is blossoming before our eyes, Alex Pribble is a promising young prodigy coach, and the investment into the new ICCU Arena is ideally representative of Idaho's future commitment to basketball success.

Virginia - The Cavs' hire of Ryan Odom has quickly caught UVA up in the modern era of roster construction. Finding a way to get Malik Thomas eligible is a potential major needle-mover. Dalin Hall and Jacari White are deadly from deep in spots. Devin Tillis is an absolute winner. Johann Grunloh is a German-born exciting piece, who is popping early so far.

Washington - Investments aplenty. UW came off its first season as a Big Ten member, finishing in a tailspin, resulting in dead last place. The program pivoted and went into the spring with their collective Husky heads on a swivel. Acquiring two USC stalwarts, Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates along with freshman sensations JJ Mandaquit and Hannes Steinbach. Two reigning POTY players from the ASUN and SoCon joined the movement with Jacob Ognacevic (now out for 2-3 months) and Quimari Peterson. Plus two more Big Ten transfers, Lathan Sommerville and Bryson Tucker. The hefty investment has the masses on Montlake ready to embrace its first Washington NCAAT appearance since 2019.

Radford - Ahead of the curve? Highlanders were incredibly bold by hiring Zach Chu, a young 33-year old, with NBA and G-League experience prior to one season as SMU's Chief Strategist. This Highlanders program clearly raised difference-making funds to acquire a handful of capable high major players and have its new coach be such a well-rounded organizer. This team screams of upside. The spring Radford moves has to at minimum make High Point and UNC Asheville somewhat uncomfortable on their perch currently as the Big South standard for excellence.

San Diego State - The backcourt pieces are tremendous, and the frontcourt will come into immediate focus once Magoon Gwath is fully cleared for action. The invested resources were on full display for the Aztec program. It paid off, the only mystery remaining is if last season's unusual rebounding woes have been solved. But they won the offseason, no question.

Charleston - Chris Mack has gone on record by saying this is the most talented team he has ever had. If that is anywhere close to remotely true, it will be largely because of the transfer class he brought in, led by Mister Dean, Colby Dougan, and Jlynn Counter. This Cougar team appears to have a much higher ceiling than last season's 153rd ranked finish per Pomeroy.

Oakland - Preseason Horizon POTY Tuburu Naivalurua is ready to give the legendary Greg Kampe yet another magic carpet ride. The Golden Grizzlies also convinced Nassim Mashour to come back for another year. All of this is refreshing to see after Oakland was gutted one offseason ago, following its near-Sweet 16 run. One of the several amazing Kampe attributes is his ability to adapt to change. He proved that this offseason in keeping these two core pieces and finding older portal players, even via D2 and NAIA, to mold in with Tuburu and Nassim. Oakland has the chops to dance again following a true rebuilding year.

UMBC - This team lacked size in a major way. I think the Retrievers have the chance to be much improved with the addition of Caden Diggs from ODU, who will have a larger role. Freshman and 6-9 Riley Jacobs has the opportunity to emerge, looked good in the near-upset Exhibition Game vs. Maryland and logged 30 minutes.

Indiana - Darian DeVries provides a stylistic direction for the Hoosier program following four mediocre Mike Woodson seasons. DeVries blossomed a season ago at West Virginia as the director of transition-denial defense. All following a shortened season for his son and now Hoosier, Tucker. WVU fought hard after the injury, and DeVries was able to inadvertently show us his coaching chops. NCAAT or not, the way the Mountaineers competed last year should impress Hoosier fans. The addition of emerging Lamar Wilkerson, who exploded in CUSA last season, should enchant IU diehards. The defense of Tayton Conerway should help reinforce Coach DeVries' aforementioned denial defense, as Mr. Conerway demonstrated, time and time again, as a Troy Trojan.

Columbia - The Lions have been in a drought for over a decade, so they leaned into its last successful period, which was under then-HC Kyle Smith. A man named Kevin Hovde (among several other amazing coaches), was part of this culture. Now, Hovde is a national champion as an offensive coordinator. He coached with Chris Mooney at Richmond prior to Florida, with great success. When he arrived in NYC, he was able to convince a handful of quality vets to stay. This award goes to a great hire and Hovde also making the most in a challenging set of circumstances.

TCU - The Horned Frogs and Jamie Dixon gave themselves a chance with this roster. Despite being one of the more-strapped basketball budgets in the league, they have a collection of guys that appear to fit. Brock Harding and Tanner Toolson, specifically, can optimize TCU success by playing with an up-tempo approach. Early returns, FWIW, are excellent. A demolition of Tarleton and Texas in exhibitions, were inspiring. David Punch brings substantial upside

Queens - Grant Leonard's program joined St. Thomas, Stonehill, Lindenwood, ETAMU, and Southern Indiana by capitalizing on relaxed NCAA transition rules to become eligible for the NCAA Tournament. That in itself is a big win. Queens, behind Chris Ashby and some key pieces, were picked by one group at Media Day to win the ASUN. Keep your eye on the Royals.

Lindenwood - The news of the Lions eligibility for the 2026 NCAAT sparked a return from Anias Futrell. Lindenwood was already feeling better once Jadis Jones announced he was coming back. An influx of transfers surround the two proven Lions, Futrell and Jones. They have tough competition with SEMO, Little Rock, and SIUE, at the top. At the very least, this program should have its best D1 year so far and be a factor in the OVC race.

Georgetown - The Hoyas have not received an at-large bid since 2015. Hard to believe, and if not for the Patrick Ewing-led Big East Tournament run of 2021, that would still be its last NCAAT appearance. Bringing in KJ Lewis was an underrated addition, which now has made its way to the spotlight thanks to a surprising win at Kentucky during Exhibition season. The tandem of Lewis and Malik Mack proved at minimum, they can play well off each other. Hoyas won't be able to sustain the shooting percentages they achieved at Rupp that night and they will likely need much more from Langston Love, but the danger factor is now there heading into opening night. Something that is a foreign feeling over the past decade-plus.

Alabama A&M - Donte Jackson has been a respected winner at Grambling, taking the Tigers to a First Four win over Montana State in the 2024 NCAAT. After a great eight-year run at Grambling, Jackson pivots over to SWAC foe, Alabama A&M. He brought with him his catalyst to run the show, Kintavious Dozier, and big man, P.J. Eason. In addition, Sami Pissis, makes the portal move from New Hampshire to AAMU. Jackson has pieces now, and the Bulldog program has a new look - seeking its first dance in 21 seasons.

Campbell - John Andrzejek takes over the Fighting Camels' program with a surge of momentum that includes a national championship run at Florida as the program's defensive coordinator and helping build a really old and capable CAA roster in his first season in Buies Creek. Don't be surprised when you are reading more about Campbell in this column throughout the upcoming season.

Abilene Christian - ACU was interesting factor throughout scheduling season, as the Torvik model really loved the Wildcats returning minutes component. Yes, teams were ducking ACU! Bradyn Hubbard, Rich Smith, and Joseph Venzant provide a proven core when healthy, and in the seven-team final season of the WAC, its wide open. On a relative WAC basis, ACU defined its roster in a clear way to be ready to capitalize on this opportunity.

Howard - Kenny Blakeney was able to earn the MEAC's auto bid in 2023 & 2024 before dropping to 7-7 last season in the league. This season he did what it took to retain Bryce Harris, and added key pieces with Cam Gillus, Cedric Taylor, and Eddie Holland. The rest of the MEAC is in rebuild or recovery mode, the Bison are suddenly back in a position to pounce.

FIU - Certainly no promises here. But just look at the roster. The projected starters, led by Zwadie Jackson, are old. Nearly all seniors. If this team can mesh, and its a big if at a place like FIU, there is high end potential with the roster. This is now Jeremy Ballard's eighth season if you can believe that, he hasn't been better than 8-12 in the conference since year two. All you can ask as for his staff to go get guys who can win now, and I believe the Golden Panthers have accomplished that. Now let's see if they execute.

Louisiana-Lafayette - Quannas White's background, most recently with ultra-physical Houston, will pack a mean defensive and attack-the backboard approach in Cajun land. Jamyron Keller played substantially in the Big12 last year, and will help lead the revamped squad. Rumblings around Cajun practices are vibrant because freshman Joshua Lewis has a chance to be immediately special. He is the highest-ranked Cajun recruit in recent history, per 247Sports.

Congrats to all the amazing offseason team award recipients mentioned above. From now on though, you got to prove it on the court. See you next week!