Three Men’s Basketball Power 5 Programs to Watch
Official practices for college basketball teams around the country start on Monday. Sure, there have been summer workouts, skill sessions and late-night pickup – but Monday officially launches the 2023-2024 college basketball season. As we approach the 20-hour practice season – and the “in-season” segment, let’s take a look at three Power 5 men’s basketball programs that will be under scrutiny this season:
Oregon State: A Crossroad Season
The journey of the Oregon State Beavers illustrates a narrative of roller-coaster highs and challenging lows. A pinnacle reached with an Elite Eight appearance in 2021, the subsequent seasons were plagued with struggles, casting shadows on the once-luminous path of Coach Wayne Tinkle and his squad. The Beavers’ journey, marked by victories and setbacks, sees them standing at a critical juncture—facing a future undetermined, potentially on the precipice of significant transformation.
An aura of uncertainty envelopes Oregon State, as questions of conference affiliations and future trajectories circulate. The upcoming season holds the promise of redemption or the peril of further challenges. The Beavers’ itinerary, laden with clashes against formidable opponents such as Nebraska, Baylor, Florida, or Pitt, foreshadows a testing ground, a crucible in which the future of Oregon State will be forged.
Virginia: Upholding a Legacy of Success
In the hallowed halls of Virginia’s basketball history, echoes of a triumphant past reverberate. The Cavaliers, crowned national champions in 2020, bear the mantle of a legacy interwoven with victory and high expectations. However, the path has not been devoid of stumbling blocks. The unprecedented loss to UMBC in 2019 and subsequent tournament exits have ignited discussions and debates about sustaining success and meeting the elevated standards synonymous with Virginia basketball.
Coach Tony Bennett, steering the Cavaliers’ ship through calm and turbulent waters, finds himself in familiar territory—balancing the scales of expectation and reality. The upcoming season stands as a canvas, a platform for Bennett and his Cavaliers to paint a narrative of resurgence and reaffirmation, to silence the doubters and rekindle the flames of Virginia’s basketball prowess.
Syracuse: A New Era Begins
Syracuse Orange stands at the threshold of a new era, as Adrian Autry steps into the colossal shoes left by Jim Boeheim’s legendary tenure. The whispers of the past mingle with the anticipation of the future, as Autry inherits a legacy laden with expectations and aspirations. The Orange’s recent seasons, marked by a mixture of triumphs and tribulations, set the stage for a narrative of rediscovery and rejuvenation.
Adrian Autry, a familiar figure on the Syracuse bench, embarks on a journey to carve his own narrative, to build on the foundations laid by Boeheim and to navigate the Orange towards uncharted territories. The symphony of the upcoming season plays a tune of opportunity and challenge, as Autry and his Syracuse Orange seek to craft a story that honors the past and embraces the future.
As the spotlight focuses on Oregon State, Virginia, and Syracuse, the unfolding chapters of the 2023-2024 college basketball season hold the promise of drama, excitement, and a treasure trove of memories in the making. The courts are ready, the players are poised, and the fans are waiting—the game is on.