In a sport as dynamic and unpredictable as college basketball, making bold predictions can be a risky endeavor. Yet, The Post's Zach Braziller has taken on the challenge, offering five bold forecasts for the upcoming season, along with his selections for the All-American first and second teams. From the continued struggles of a coaching legend to the rise of unexpected contenders, this article delves into the potential storylines that could captivate the college basketball landscape in the months ahead.

Unveiling the Unexpected: A Season of Surprises Awaits

Calipari's Coaching Conundrum: A Streak of Disappointment Continues

It's a familiar narrative that has played out time and time again: John Calipari, the renowned coach, assembles a roster of talented players destined for the NBA, yet falls short in the NCAA Tournament. This trend, which has seen Calipari's teams fail to reach the Sweet 16 since 2019, is poised to continue as he embarks on his new journey at Arkansas. Despite the influx of high-profile transfers and top-30 freshmen, there are concerns that Calipari's coaching prowess may have diminished, a weakness that has always been a point of contention. With a limited roster of just nine legitimate players, Calipari's strategy could open him up to criticism if any injuries occur, further complicating his quest for postseason success.

A Big East Breakthrough: Xavier's Unexpected Final Four Run

While the Connecticut Huskies' reign as back-to-back champions may come to an end, the Big East conference will not be left out of the sport's biggest stage. Braziller predicts that after finishing two games behind UConn in the regular season, Xavier will make a surprising run to the Final Four in San Antonio. The key to the Musketeers' success will be the emergence of Ryan Conwell, a do-it-all 6-foot-4 guard from Indiana State who is poised to become one of the best transfers in the country. Conwell's leadership and versatility will propel Xavier to its first-ever Final Four appearance, showcasing the depth and talent within the Big East.

Mid-Major Madness: Grand Canyon and Princeton Earn Single-Digit Seeds

The college basketball landscape is often dominated by the power conferences, but Braziller foresees two mid-major programs making their mark this season. Grand Canyon, fresh off a 30-win campaign and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance, returns six of its top seven scorers, including the talented Tyon Grant-Foster. Meanwhile, Princeton, which was upset in the Ivy League Tournament last season, is poised to bounce back and earn a tournament berth. Led by juniors Xaivian Lee and Caden Pierce, along with key contributors Blake Peters and Dalen Davis, the Tigers will secure multiple major nonconference wins, including victories over Rutgers and Saint Joseph's, and enter the tournament as a single-digit seed, ready to make a deep run.

Baylor's Triumvirate Reigns Supreme: A National Title in the Cards

Baylor's roster boasts a formidable trio that Braziller believes will lead the Bears to a national championship. The combination of Miami transfer Norchad Omier, Duke transfer Jeremy Roach, and five-star freshman V.J. Edgecombe will form the best trio in college basketball. Complemented by returning contributors Langston Love and Jayden Nunn, this Baylor Big 3 possesses the necessary blend of experience, skill, and NBA-level talent to cut down the nets in San Antonio. Both Omier and Roach have already proven their worth at the high-major level, while the versatile and athletic Edgecombe is considered a potential top-five NBA draft pick.

Flagg's Meteoric Rise: The Youngest Wooden Award Winner

In a testament to his exceptional talent, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is poised to become the youngest player ever to win the prestigious Wooden Award, given to the best player in the country. The 17-year-old forward, who has drawn comparisons to the likes of Zion Williamson, is expected to guide Duke to the ACC regular season crown, a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and a berth in the Elite Eight. Despite falling just short of the Final Four, Flagg's dominant performance will cement his status as a top NBA draft prospect, likely earning him the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming draft.