NCAAM 2024-25 Season Recap: Awards, All-America Teams, and Surprising Turnarounds
A comprehensive recap of the 2024-25 NCAAM season, highlighting key awards, All-America teams, and the biggest surprises and disappointments in college basketball.
Player of the Year
Consensus: Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg, despite being only 17 years old, has made an immediate impact in his freshman year at Duke. Averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals, Flagg has been a defensive powerhouse, guarding all five positions. His performance has been instrumental in Duke's top-five defensive efficiency.
Freshman of the Year
Consensus: Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils Flagg has swept the Freshman of the Week awards a record 11 times this season. His 42-point game against Notre Dame set an ACC freshman single-game scoring record. Flagg's consistency and elite defense have made him the clear choice for Freshman of the Year.
Transfer of the Year
Consensus: John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers John Tonje has been a key player for Wisconsin, averaging 19.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. His 41-point game against Arizona and 32-point performance at Purdue have been highlights of his season. Tonje's late surge has propelled Wisconsin into the Big Ten title race.
Coach of the Year
Myron Medcalf: Dennis Gates, Missouri Tigers Dennis Gates has orchestrated one of the greatest turnarounds in college basketball. After a 19-game losing streak last season, Gates has led Missouri to a top-third finish in the SEC. His ability to rebuild and inspire his team makes him a strong candidate for Coach of the Year.
Jeff Borzello: Bruce Pearl, Auburn Tigers Bruce Pearl has led Auburn to one of the most dominant seasons in college basketball history. With the best offensive rating in KenPom history, Auburn has been a powerhouse, losing only two games all season.
Biggest Surprise
Consensus: Missouri Tigers After a dismal 2023-24 season, Missouri has made a remarkable turnaround. Under Dennis Gates, the Tigers have improved from 145th on KenPom last season to a top-five adjusted offensive efficiency this season.
Biggest Disappointment
Jeff Borzello: North Carolina Tar Heels North Carolina, a preseason top-10 team, has struggled mightily and is in danger of missing the NCAA tournament. Despite having ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis and two five-star recruits, the Tar Heels have failed to meet expectations.
Myron Medcalf: Rutgers Scarlet Knights Rutgers, with two projected top-three NBA draft picks, has underperformed, failing to make the NCAA tournament bubble conversation. Despite the talent of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, the Scarlet Knights have not lived up to the hype.
All-America Teams
First Team
- Cooper Flagg, Duke
- Johni Broome, Auburn
- Braden Smith, Purdue
- John Tonje, Wisconsin
- Mark Sears, Alabama
Second Team
- Kam Jones, Marquette
- Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
- Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
- PJ Haggerty, Memphis
- RJ Luis Jr., St. John's
Third Team
- Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
- Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
- JT Toppin, Texas Tech
- Javon Small, West Virginia
- Eric Dixon, Villanova
All-Freshman Team
- Cooper Flagg, Duke
- Tre Johnson, Texas
- Derik Queen, Maryland
- Dylan Harper, Rutgers
- Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
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