college basketball: “Terrible list”, “This seems accurate”: College hoops fans divided as NCAA analyst releases way-too-early top 25 list feat. Purdue, UConn and more

Jeff Borzello shared his take on which teams are going to dominate men's college basketball in the upcoming season, and fans had mixed feelings. The ESPN insider shared the fourth version of his "Way-Too-Early Top 25" list on X on Tuesday.

Purdue took the top spot, followed by Dan Hurley's UConn Huskies and Rick Pitino's St. John's squad. The list was rounded out with North Carolina in the No. 25 spot.

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College hoops fans shared their opinions on Borzello's rankings in the replies. Some praised his insight.

"This seems accurate."

A Louisville fan says Borzello's rankings are accurate

"Ball knower"

An X user hypes up Borzello for his basketball knowledge

Others were unsatisfied with Borzello's list.

"Terrible list."

A reply calls Borzello's rankings terrible

"Laughed"

An X user says they laughed at Borzello's list

"That's a joke."

An X user calls Borzello's preseason rankings a joke

Some replies pointed out teams that they believe Borzello is underestimating.

"Illinois should be top 10."

An X user says Illinois should be ranked top 10

"UK is much higher."

A reply says Kentucky should be ranked higher

"You are sleeping on OU."

An X user argues that Borzello is underestimating Oklahoma

NCAA analyst reacts to Jeff Borzello's list

Rob Dauster also gave his two cents about Borzello's rankings. The Field of 68 analyst replied to Borzello's post on X, recounting what someone, possibly Borzello himself, had told him about UConn and St. John's.

"'Rob, you are such a UConn homer b*tch for saying they could be better than St. John's,'" Dauster's reply read.

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Dauster is a UConn fan who has confidence that his team can outperform St. John's despite shortcomings this past season. The Huskies entered the 2024-25 season as back-to-back national champions but were unable to replicate that same level of success. Hurley's squad was a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament and lost in the second round.

UConn dropped both Big East matchups against St. John's this season. Pitino's Red Storm went on to win the conference regular season and tournament titles and received a No. 2 seed in March Madness. Although St. John's was upset in the Round of 32, the Red Storm had a more successful season that UConn.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round-Arkansas at St. Johns - Source: Imagn

Dauster believes that UConn can outperform St. John's this coming season, and Borzello agrees with him in his most recent rankings. Borzello points to Alex Karaban's decision to return for his senior season and the addition of Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. and five-star recruit Braylon Mullins as reasons why the Huskies can get back on track this season.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Rajdeep Barman