As part of its 2024–25 men’s basketball preseason coverage, Sports Illustrated is rolling out previews of the top teams and conferences in the sport. Wrapping things up is our “best of the rest” preview featuring the top teams in mid-major leagues. Previously: ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC.
The NIL landscape has made it harder than ever for mid-majors to keep up off the floor, but on it, teams outside the nation’s top conferences are still as competitive as ever. The Mountain West sent six teams to the NCAA tournament last season, more than the Big East, ACC or Pac-12, while teams from the WAC, Horizon League and Ivy League each pulled off first-round NCAA tournament upsets. Which potential Cinderellas should you circle for this season? Here’s a look at the top 10, plus 10 more intriguing rosters to keep an eye on.
