Praise the hoops gods, the season is less than a week out. We are almost to actual games, people! As we pack up the car and prepare to embark on a five-month journey along the road to the Final Four, we can’t get to where we need to go without a reliable atlas of college basketball. As is custom here at CBS Sports, I’ve provided a preseason map of the top teams from every state with a Division I program. (That means everyone except Alaska is included. Shouts to D-II Seawolves of Alaska Anchorage.) This project is a projection of the schools I expect to be the best within the borders of their respective territories across the basketball realm from now until March.
In college basketball, the landscape is ever-evolving. Teams rise and fall, but one constant remains: the importance of a reliable roadmap to guide us through the season. As we anticipate the upcoming college basketball season, it’s crucial to take a closer look at the state of the game, both at the national and regional levels.
This season, we can expect fierce competition and thrilling matchups, but one thing stands out above all: the growing importance of wings in college basketball. While the game is often referred to as a guard’s game, and big men tend to receive much of the spotlight due to their impressive stats, wings are now essential contributors in the world of college hoops.
To understand the significance of wings, we need not look any further than the defending national champions, the University of Connecticut. Last season, UConn showcased the deepest group of wings in the country, with players like Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson Jr. making their mark and even getting drafted into the NBA. Alex Karaban played a critical role in the starting lineup, contributing to their championship run. Joey Calcaterra provided additional versatility as a smaller floor-spacing wing, while Nahiem Alleyne emerged as one of the best fifth wings in the nation. Even the guard, Tristen Newton, boasted wing size at 6-foot-5. UConn’s success was undoubtedly influenced by their exceptional wing players.
Wings, often considered the unsung heroes of college basketball, play a pivotal role in holding lineups together in the modern basketball environment. They are versatile players who can impact various facets of the game, both offensively and defensively. Their ability to shoot, handle the ball, and defend makes them invaluable assets for any team striving for success.
As we dissect the top teams in each state, it becomes evident that wings are central to their strategies. Some states feature close competitions between two or three schools, with each relying on their wing players to lead the charge. In contrast, other regions have clear-cut picks for the top spot, and these schools often boast exceptional wing talent that sets them apart from the competition.
The significance of wings goes beyond individual performances. They facilitate ball movement, create scoring opportunities, and contribute to a team’s defensive prowess. The game has evolved to prioritize versatility, and wings embody this ethos. Whether it’s knocking down three-pointers, slashing to the basket, or locking down opponents on the defensive end, wings are multifaceted players who can adapt to different situations.
In the ever-competitive landscape of college basketball, where every possession and every game matters, wings are the glue that holds lineups together. They are the X-factors that can swing the momentum in favor of their team. As we prepare to witness another thrilling season of college basketball, keep an eye on the wings. Their contributions will likely play a significant role in determining which teams make it to the Final Four and ultimately vie for the national championship.
In conclusion, the upcoming college basketball season promises excitement and intense competition. While the importance of guards and big men cannot be overstated, the spotlight is increasingly shifting toward the unsung heroes of the game—wings. These versatile players are the linchpin of successful teams, and their impact goes beyond the stat sheet. As we embark on this five-month journey through college basketball, remember that wings are the key to navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of the sport. So, fasten your seatbelts, basketball fans, and get ready for a season where wings will soar to new heights.
