College Basketball: Ten teams who can win a national championship in 2023-24

College football season starts in a couple of weeks, which means it is time to start talking about college basketball. This season seems to be unique in that there is a lot of parity throughout the country, with no teams really standing firm at the top. That should make for an exciting season. With that, let’s discuss ten teams who have the pieces to win a national championship.

The teams

*in alphabetical order

Arizona

Head Coach: Tommy Lloyd
2022-23 record: 28-7
Conference: Pac 12

The skinny: Tommy Lloyd likes to play fast, and he has three guards who can absolutely burn it up the floor. Returner Kylan Boswell is in line to take a big step forward after a promising summer with the USA Basketball U19 team. UNC transfer Caleb Love will be a key piece on this team, he could be the x-factor for the Wildcats. We have all seen his very best, and that can carry a team. We have also seen his worst, which can kill a team. Jaden Bradley is an up-tempo point guard who touches the paint and has excellent vision in transition. Oumar Ballo and Keshad Johnson form an older frontcourt pairing who can rebound, block shots, and draw attention from a defense. Can Pelle Larsson get his consistent shooting form down? This team has the pieces and the talent. 

Arkansas

Head Coach: Eric Musselman
2022-23 record: 22-14
Conference: SEC

The skinny: Arkansas lost three players to the NBA draft, but thanks to their activity in the transfer portal and players getting healthy, their team may have more cohesion than last. Eric Musselman likes to spread the floor and take advantage of one-on-one matchups. Through the portal, the Razorbacks added Khalif Battle (Temple) and El Ellis (Louisville), who have a little boogie in their step. The return of Trevon Brazile, the conference’s best pure shot blockers will be big as well. They have depth up front, with Makhi Mitchell, Jalen Graham, Chandler Lawson, and four-star recruit Baye Fall added to the mix. Perimeter defense should be upgraded as well with Davonte Davis and Tramon Mark. 

Most Eric Musselman teams take a month or so to get things together but come tournament time when he is given guys who can beat one-on-one matchups, his teams can be dangerous.

Connecticut

Head Coach: Dan Hurley
2022-23 record: 31-8
Conference: Big East

The skinny: The UConn Huskies are the defending college basketball national champions. They also lost three players to the NBA. However, this team returns some firepower, as well as a possible breakout star. Tristen Newton and Alex Karaban are the returning starters, Newton a combo guard, and Karaban at the skilled four spot. Donovan Clingan looks to take a step out of the shadow of Adama Sanogo and possibly become one of the most dominant big men in the country. UConn adds a four-man recruiting class, each ranked among the top 100 players in the country. Point guard Stephon Castle, a five-star from Newton, Georgia, headlines the group. But do not sleep on what contributions Solomon Ball…