The college basketball season is here, and the court is stacked with talent. We have breakout stars and seasoned vets who are both chasing serious records! Some are rewriting history books, others are redefining their programs, but all of them have one thing in common: they’re ready to dominate. Here are the top 10 college basketball players poised to make headlines this year!
LJ Cryer – Houston Cougars
LJ Cryer has been making waves since his early days at Baylor, where he tasted championship glory in 2021. After steadily transforming into a go-to scorer, he took his talents to Houston, instantly becoming the offensive spark for the Cougars.
Last season, he poured in 15.5 points per game and showed his long-range prowess with nearly 39% shooting from beyond the arc. Back for a fifth year, Cryer’s leadership and scoring punch keep Houston firmly in the spotlight, with championship aspirations as bright as ever.
Tamin Lipsey – Iowa State Cyclones
Tamin Lipsey’s rise from overlooked high school recruit to Iowa State standout is the stuff of Cyclone legend. Staying close to home, he embraced the challenge and quickly grew into a defensive force, leading the Big 12 in steals last season.
On offense, he dished out nearly five assists per game while proving he could knock down shots from deep. Now a junior, Lipsey is the engine that keeps Iowa State’s success rolling, and he’s got the talent to take them even further.
Johni Broome – Auburn Tigers
Johni Broome has been on our radar for a while, and it’s no wonder why. After starting his journey at Morehead State, he’s spent the past two years proving he belongs in the SEC, thriving as Auburn’s versatile big man.
Last season, he put up 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, showing off his two-way dominance. Now, with an expanded role under Bruce Pearl, Broome is set to shine as a dynamic inside-out threat — and don’t be surprised if he starts dropping bombs from deep.
Caleb Love – Arizona Wildcats
Caleb Love, once a top-tier recruit, is now the steadying force for Arizona as they step into the Big 12. Coming off a standout season where he dropped 18 points and grabbed nearly five boards a game, Love is primed to be the Wildcats’ main man.
With most of last year’s top scorers gone, the fifth-year senior is set to shoulder a massive offensive load. Expect Love to be one of the most electrifying and relied-upon players in college basketball this season.
Ryan Kalkbrenner – Creighton Bluejays
Ryan Kalkbrenner isn’t just Creighton’s anchor — he’s a generational defender aiming to make history. Already a three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he’s on track to be the second player to win it four times, along with Patrick Ewing.
Last season, he averaged 17.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks while staying remarkably disciplined, rarely landing in foul trouble. With his offensive game reportedly leveling up, Kalkbrenner could be the key to Creighton’s rise and a legitimate contender for national player of the year honors.
Hunter Dickinson – Kansas University Jayhawks
Hunter Dickinson has already cemented himself as one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball, with 2,208 career points—and he’s got a real shot at cracking 2,800. Sure, it’s taken him five seasons to reach that milestone, but the numbers don’t lie.
At 7’2”, Dickinson dominates offensively, putting up 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds a game last year while logging over 32 minutes per contest. Now at Kansas, he’s not just chasing records — he’s chasing a national title with the top-ranked Jayhawks.
Alex Karaban – UConn
Alex Karaban could’ve joined the pros after a stellar sophomore season, but instead, he’s back to help UConn chase history with a shot at a rare three-peat.
While other stars grabbed the headlines, Karaban quietly emerged as the Huskies’ most efficient weapon, shooting nearly 50% from the field and 88.5% from the line. His 14-point, eight-rebound showing in the Final Four proved his value on the biggest stage. With his versatility and clutch play, All-America honors might be just around the corner.
RJ Davis – North Carolina Tar Heels
RJ Davis is more than a Tar Heel standout — he’s their heartbeat. The First Team All-American shattered expectations last season with 21.2 points per game, nearly 40% shooting from deep, and all-around brilliance that makes UNC a legit Final Four contender.
With 2,088 career points and records piling up — including the school’s single-season three-point mark — he’s inching closer to legendary status. Davis’ clutch play, unwavering confidence, and loyalty to one program make him one of college basketball’s quintessential stars. Will 2025 be the year he cements his legacy? It’s a bet worth taking.
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Mark Sears – Alabama Crimson Tide
Mark Sears was a force to be reckoned with last season, delivering 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. But it was his electrifying performance in the NCAA Tournament — where he averaged 24.2 points and shot 45.5% from deep — that cemented Alabama’s historic Final Four run.
Though he tested the NBA waters, Sears opted to return, making the Crimson Tide preseason SEC favorites and a top contender nationally. With some fresh faces around him, Sears remains the engine for another potential Final Four charge under Nate Oats’ leadership.
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Cooper Flagg – Duke Blue Devils
Cooper Flagg, the 6’9” forward from Maine, has the basketball world buzzing as he steps onto the court for Duke. Touted as a generational talent, Flagg’s versatility — scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense — sets him apart.
His college debut against Maine showcased his all-around game, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a commanding 96-62 victory. As the projected top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, all eyes are on Flagg to see if he can lead the Blue Devils to new heights under Coach Jon Scheyer. The journey has just begun, and the excitement is palpable.
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