Are These College Basketball Teams Overrated?
As the college basketball season tips off today, the hype and expectations swirl around several elite programs, but some of them may be outpacing their actual potential. St. John’s, under the legendary Rick Pitino, is drawing attention for its revamped roster, yet skepticism remains. Reigning Big East Most Improved Player and 2025-26 Big East Pre-Season Player of the Year, Zuby Ejiofor, stands as the defensive anchor. Still, beyond him, the Red Storm’s ability to shut down opponents remains questionable. Transfers Ian Jackson from North Carolina and Bryce Hopkins from Providence, along with Ejiofor, are expected to shoulder the bulk of the scoring; however, concerns about the outside scoring and defensive consistency loom large. Pitino’s teams are known for their defensive intensity, but whether this group of millionaires can execute defensively remains to be seen. The talent is there, but cohesion and two-way play will determine if St. John’s is truly ready to contend or simply riding the wave of offseason buzz. Pitino might have some tough starting lineup decisions to make.
UConn, meanwhile, enters the season with the weight of high expectations, but not every piece of the puzzle looks championship-caliber. While Dan Hurley remains one of the most respected coaches in the game, some of the talent on the roster may be getting more credit than it deserves. Alex Karaban, in particular, is viewed by many as a breakout star, but I personally see him and a few other Husky players as a bit overrated. The player to watch might actually be Silas Demary Jr., a transfer from Georgia, who brings a strong two-way presence. His ability to score and defend on the perimeter could make him one of UConn’s most valuable assets. Still, the team’s overall success may hinge on whether the supporting cast can rise to the occasion or if they’ll fall short of the lofty bar set by their success over the past few seasons. Without a transparent alpha and some inflated reputations, UConn could struggle to match the hype.
Beyond these two programs, several other traditional powerhouses may also be skating by name recognition rather than current roster strength. North Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan State all have the pedigree, but each could end up as lower-tier teams this season. UNC has talent but lacks the cohesion and defensive identity needed to make a deep run. Tennessee’s physicality is well-known, but their offensive limitations persist as a concern. Michigan State, while always competitive under Tom Izzo, doesn’t appear to have the elite-level talent to separate themselves from the pack. Purdue, on the other hand, is banking heavily on their outside shooting and core group to carry the load once again. While continuity can be a strength, it also suggests a lack of new impact players who can elevate the team when it matters most. If those veterans don’t deliver, Purdue could find themselves exposed in high-pressure situations. In a season where parity is expected to reign, these programs may find that reputation alone won’t be enough to keep them in the national spotlight.
