College basketball season 2024 is on, but it has come bearing some major surprises or rather down. From the underperforming teams to the marquee coaches who may not be living up to potential this year’s upset makers are quickly being spotted by fans and oddsmakers. Below is a highlight of some of the biggest letdowns witnessed in the season so far.
Kentucky Wildcats’ John Calipari
John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats teams are being criticized for another bad start to the current season. Expected to be dominant and powerhouse recruiters, the Wildcats have failed to meet fan’s expectations at Kentucky over the years. Although Oklahoma has a collection of superb freshmen and many experienced players, the Thorns have been characterized by instability at the offense and defense end.
Some analysts are doubting Calipari’s capacity to change and fit his exotic style to college basketball today. What the Wildcats have lacked in offense has seemed practically stagnant at some point and their usual defensive strength has been rather leaky at times. However, with SEC play just around the corner, fans are getting impatient with Calipari and what appears to be a continued decline of his Kentucky program.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
There were high hopes for Steve Pikiell’s Rutgers squad after they rebuilt themselves recently but Rutgers are yet to make proper use of it. They lack firepower offensively and are inconsistent in the late game which hinders Rutgers from competing more often.
Day-smart Scarlet Knights have not been able to finish off some of the close match-ups showing the world that the team is unable to finish close games. The shooting woes and inability to have a sure-shot performer at the end of games have cost them many chances in a difficult Big Ten conference. Other Notable Disappointments
Michigan State Spartans: Everybody had great expectations of a Tom Izzo this current season and up to date the Spartans have not delivered. Some of their defeats against non-ranked opponents are making people ask what the Spartans are capable of during the playoffs.
The Tar Heels were projected to better last season but flip-flopping and poor defense killed any chance of the Heels returning to their home of dominance.
Looking ahead
Despite the weaknesses pointed out in this article, we are still early in the season and these losses show fairly well how volatile college basketball is. They still have the opportunity to turn it around and make some noise this year but the time is fast running out for Kentucky and Rutgers.
Since the confernce schedule is picking up this weekend, all fans will be hoping to see those teams fight back to the results desired or even fold further as they did this past week. But one thing is for sure about college basketball: nothing is set in stone.
