The college basketball season is upon us and students have a lot to look forward to. The season tipped off Nov. 3.
“There will be some really good teams this year and it will be a fun year to watch basketball,” junior Chace Maple said.
Purdue University is ranked number one in the week one AP poll, and Butler University brought in three four-star recruits and one three-star for the 2025 season. Indiana University fans are looking forward to seeing what new coach Darian DeVries will bring to the team.
“I am excited for this season because IU got a new coach and all new players so I’m excited to see how they perform this year,” sophomore Charlie Barnes said.
Notre Dame fans are excited to see what is in store for the Irish. Junior guard Markus Burton was named preseason first team All-ACC. Burton was also featured on the watch list for the Bob Cousy award, an award for the best point guard in the country.
“[Markus Burton] is a very exciting player to watch. I think he is one of the best players in the country and is very underrated,” junior Michael Barda said.
Notre Dame took on Butler on Oct. 17th in an exhibition match at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Notre Dame came out on top in a 77-76 thriller.
The Purdue Boilermakers brought in center Oscar Cluff in the transfer portal, along with guard Liam Murphy from North Florida. Purdue returns the heart of their lineup with Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kauffman-Renn all coming back for their senior season.
“I think Purdue has a good shot at winning it all this year. They have a bunch of experience and can compete at a very high level,” Maple said.
The Final Four is also being hosted in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. This is the ninth time the Final Four has been in Indianapolis.
“Indy is a great host city for all sports. It is also good for the schools here because playing in Indianapolis is almost like a home game,” Barda said.
Indiana has one of the best rivalries in the country with Purdue and Indiana University. Both schools are some of the best programs in the country and students have different opinions on who will come out on top.
“I think rivalries and college basketball in general are great ways to have a competitive friendship and help bring people together,” Barnes said. “I think Indiana will be the best team in the country and destroy Purdue.”
Purdue is leading the all time series against IU 128-93.
“I’m looking forward to beating IU this year and hopefully beat them twice,” Maple said.
