D3Hoops Pre-Season Contenders: A Glimpse into College Basketball Excellence

As the anticipation for the college basketball season builds, it’s time to turn our attention to the elite contenders who are primed to make a significant impact on the court. The D3Hoops Pre-Season Contenders list is a prestigious selection of teams that have shown remarkable promise, skill, and determination, setting the stage for an electrifying season of Division III basketball.

Stay tuned for in-depth analysis, highlights, and updates on these dynamic teams as they embark on their journey to prove themselves in the world of college basketball. The D3Hoops Pre-Season Contenders are ready to write their own chapter in the rich history of the sport, and we’ll be there to witness every moment. Let the games begin!

D3Hoops Shoutout – In Division III, there’s no athletic scholarships. Unlike Division I and Division II basketball, which often get a lot of attention for big-name schools and high-profile athletes. Imagine a world where basketball is all about the love of the game, where players are true student-athletes. Now, picture this: the games are intense and competitive, but they’re not on national TV, and you won’t often see these players making millions in the NBA. Instead, they’re regular college students, balancing classes, exams, and practice. Here’s the thing that makes D3 basketball special: it’s pure basketball. It’s about teamwork, dedication, and the joy of playing the sport. These athletes are driven by their passion for the game, not by big contracts or fame. So, if you stumble upon a meme suggesting that D3 basketball is where basketball unicorns practice their slam dunks, just remember that it’s more about the heart and soul of the game than the glitz and glamour you see in the memes.

Contenders

1. Christopher Newport – Last Year Result: National Champs

This squad will roll into the season with another Natty on their minds, and it is very possible to go back to back with the coaching and talent. True Contender

2. Oswego State – Last Year Result: Elite 8

So much talent and elite coaching. This team knocked off Randolph Macon in the hardest place to play in the country in MARCH, impossible but nonetheless they did it and return almost everybody that accomplished that, however beating RMC is not a natty this group has bigger goals. They are a Contender

3. Randolph Macon – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

The hardest team to play against in the country. The changing defense and masterful offense is unmatched at this level. Elite coaching. Will always be a Contender

4. Keene State – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

Rematches are always tough and this team got ran off the court last year. But they return everything and will be poised to be a Contender all year long. Coaching change does not matter for this group.

5. John Carroll – Last Year Result: Round of 32

Return one of the more talented core of players. Well coached and better bring your track shoes playing this team they fly.

6. Swarthmore – Last Year Result: Final 4

Realistically should have won it all last year. They were that good and were an absolute machine. Which is why they will always compete come March and return All-American Vinny Deangelo.

7. Johns Hopkins – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

Tough end to season, but they return and add some pieces that could put them over the top. Add one of the best coaches in the country and this team will be a Contender every year. Tough schedule but that will only help come March.

8. NYU – Last Year Result: First Round

Very up and down season for one of the best offensive teams in the country. Spencer Freedman will lead this squad again and having another year of coaching will increase this squads potential. Look out.

9. St. Joesph (CT) – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

The #1 defense in the entire country last year and they return + bring in some serious talent. Very well coached in Glen Miller, who was taught by the Hall of Famer himself Jim Calhoun

10. Nichols – Last Year Result: Elite 8

Heart break. Had one of the best teams in the country BEAT. They bring in a lot of D1 talent, but how will they mesh and combine their talents. Contender.

11. UW-Whitewater – Last Year Result: Final 4

This team had Mount Union on the ropes up double digits nearly all game, but it didn’t turn out that way. This team has a ton of pride and a story many can’t imagine. New coach at the helm should provide new opportunity for this young talented group.

12. UW-Oshkosh – Last Year Result: Elite 8

Very well coached group year in and year out. Play in a very tough conference and return talent. They always play a tough non conference and will be poised to compete for another national championship.

13. Mount Union – Last Year Result: Runner Up

Fresh off an appearance in the Championship game this squad returns key pieces, but also loses the most experience in the country. Well coached and talented group look out for All-American Christian Parker.

14. Mary Hardin Baylor – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

After losing star PG to injury in the tourney (playing a minimal role in Sweet Sixteen) the Cru will be on the revenge tour. Always playing one of the hardest non conference schedules in America.

15. North Park – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

Love this team style uptempo get in your face defense, always tough to play against. Not sure on talent returning, but based on past success they have a chance.

16. Wash U – Last Year Result: Round of 32

Playing in the absolute gauntlet of the UAA is always a challenge, this group does a great job of weathering the storm always competing for a regular season championship. Look for Pat Juckem to always be eyeing that National Championship. Contender

17. Case Western – Last Year Result: Round of 32

Extremely offensive minded team, always going to shoot it and defend. Tough conference as always. Look for this team to host again.

18. Rowan – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

Another uptempo team coming from the NJAC. Always will have a few tough road games in hostile environments which builds character. Look forward to this team.

19. Stockton – Last Year Result: Sweet Sixteen

Same as Rowan, great group of talent and coaching. This team has some shooters. They will look to hopefully knock off Rowan this year.

20. Guilford – Last Year Result: Last team out

Somehow did not make the tourney after making it all the way to the ODAC final, very puzzling to many. But a new season looms and this team cannot be more hungry. They return most of the talent and having a coaching staff that brings it on defense. Tough out always.

21. Hampden-Sydney – Last Year Result: Round of 32

After beating the National champs once they got another shot at home in the tourney, the rest is history as the Captains advanced. However this team returns much of the core that beat the Captains in the Freeman Center.

22. East Texas Baptist – Last Year Result: Round of 32

Heart break. Seeing this game on video surely does not do it justice. 1 shot away from the Sweet Sixteen. Very talented and well coached group year in year out.

23. Williams – Last Year Result: Round of 32

Injuries killed this team in March, a healthy squad very well could go to the Final 4. A weak non conference schedule is always puzzling, but the conference is always a powerhouse.

24. Tufts – Last Year Result: Round of 32

Year 3 under Coach Linton should provide better results, they lost a lot of experience, but keep valuable pieces and have a great recruiting class.

25. Middlebury – Last Year Result: Round of 32

After hosting the first weekend last year this squad looks to repeat that same feat, they return the top 4 scorers, but lose D3Hoops POY Alex Sobel to the portal. Watch out for Jackson Mckersie this year.

Just Missed: Wheaton (Ill), Ponoma-Pitzer, WPI, Calvin, and Carleton

The key every year is playing enough “true road” games around March and having the experience + skill to win 6 straight games on 3 straight weekends.

Thank you for joining us on this preview of the D3Hoops Pre-Season 30 Contenders, and we look forward to sharing the upcoming season with you. Until next time, let the games begin!