Top Ten Mid Major Men's College Basketball Teams of the 2023-24 Season
This list consists of the best teams from the 2023-24 college basketball season. It does not include schools from the Power 6 conferences: ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Big East, Pac-12, and SEC.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, Washington, United States. Even though Gonzaga hasn't had the best season by Gonzaga standards, they have still put up a fairly impressive season, inking a 23-6 record to this point, with a 13-2 conference record. As of late, they have picked it up with a 7-game winning streak and still have a good chance to win their conference and make a run in the tournament.
Representing San Diego State University in California, the Aztecs compete in the Mountain West Conference. Notable for their football and men's basketball programs, they have received several accolades. Their colors are red and black. Coming off a championship game appearance last season, San Diego State has come back fairly strong this season. They have posted a 22-7 record and an 11-5 conference record in an incredibly tough Mountain West conference.
This includes fantastic wins against teams such as Saint Mary's, Gonzaga, Stanford, and Cal, making San Diego State an opponent that nobody wants to play deep into March.
Saint Mary's, a team that has been fairly good over the past decade with a good number of tournament appearances, took a step forward this year. They currently hold an undefeated record in WCC play. This season, they seem to have surpassed Gonzaga, with the latter half of the season showcasing a roster of incredibly consistent players who are on fire. Saint Mary's could most definitely turn heads in the tournament.
Dayton has had a very successful season, reminiscent of their 2020 season. As of right now, they have a 22-6 record with a 12-3 record in conference.
Dayton has been an incredibly formidable opponent, with Daron Holmes leading the way, averaging 20 points per game. Be on the lookout for them in March!
Utah State, another fantastic team in the Mountain West Conference, is currently on top of the conference after a gauntlet of a schedule. Currently holding a 23-5 record and an 11-4 conference record, Utah State has proven themselves to be a formidable opponent. We will see if they are able to hold it together through the Mountain West tournament, but if they do, they have a good chance of pulling an upset or two in the tourney.
Indiana State, one of the best shooting and high scoring teams in the country, has proven to be incredibly problematic to play against this season. Players like Robbie Avila and Isaiah Swope have led the way for this three-point scoring powerhouse, powering them to a 25-5 record and a 16-3 conference record. They have performed well against nearly every team they've played this season. The Sycamores definitely have the chance to make a run in March, and I wouldn't be envious of any team that has to play them.
Grand Canyon has been another surprising team this season, with the Antelopes compiling a 24-4 record thus far. This includes wins against high-profile opponents such as San Francisco and San Diego State, both huge upsets. As long as they play at home, one of the best home atmospheres in the country, they're almost untouchable.
In March, however, we will see how they perform.
South Florida has been one of the biggest surprises of this year's basketball season, currently riding a 13-game winning streak and securing wins over teams such as Florida Atlantic and Florida State. They have proven themselves to be problematic in a relatively strong AAC and look to make an impact when it comes time for the tournament.
The athletic teams of the University of Kentucky are known as the Kentucky Wildcats. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, they are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Their men's basketball team is historically successful, boasting numerous NCAA titles. The team colors are blue and white, and their... read more Florida Atlantic, coming off an incredible tournament run last season capped off with a Final Four appearance, has mostly maintained their strength from last season. Starting off the season with a 22-7 record and an 11-4 conference record is nothing to scoff at, but they have slightly underperformed expectations leading into the season. Nonetheless, they have put up strong numbers and could potentially make another run this season.
The Memphis Tigers men's basketball team represents the University of Memphis in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The Tigers have competed in the American Athletic Conference since 2013.
The athletic program for the University of Nevada, Reno, is a member of the Mountain West Conference. With a focus on football and basketball, they have received multiple conference titles. The team's colors are navy blue and silver.
After finishing last season 11-23, McNeese State and new head coach Will Wade entered this season with low expectations and ended up blowing them out of the water. Starting the season 25-3 with a 14-1 conference record to this point, it is safe to say that the program and the former LSU head coach have turned things around. The question of how long Wade will stay is a valid one, but as long as he is at McNeese State, it seems the basketball program will be in good hands.
Based at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, the Lobos compete in the Mountain West Conference. They have achieved prominence in sports like basketball and cross country. The team's colors are cherry and silver.
