This college basketball season has definitely been one of the most ever-evolving in the history of the NCAA. Even after delaying the start of the season to Nov. 25, 2020, due to the pandemic, there has been much anticipation and nervousness from fans, athletes and coaches. 

At the start of the season, Duke’s coach, Mike Krzyzewski, questioned the NCAA’s decisions and protocols.

 “I don’t think it feels right to anybody. I mean, everyone is concerned…. Do I think things should be done a little bit differently? Yeah… We’re just plowing through this,” Krzyzewski said. 

Others disagree and believe that a season is just what the colleges need at a time of such uncertainty. While some schools require masks to be worn during games, the NCAA does not require it.

With all of the new guidelines, players and coaches are often unsure as to whether they will play or not, sometimes finding out only moments before the game. Many teams have had several games canceled or postponed. Without all of the fans in the arenas, the energy during games is very different; however, people seem to be tuning into this season more than ever before. 

Each week the NCAA highlights a team of the week and a sleeper team. This helps draw attention to those that may not have been talked about as much, but are sought to have future potential in the coming weeks. 

The NCAA called the Colorado Buffaloes the Pac-12 sleeper for the season so far. After coming back from a pause, due to the virus, the Buffs lost a rough game to Tennessee. They then went on to win four straight games and currently hold the fourth spot in the Pac-12 conference with a record of 11-3. While the uncertainty could completely change the standings, as of now, many project a good rest of the season for the Colorado men’s team. 

For the women’s teams, the NCAA noted the Arizona Wildcats as a sleeper team that has the potential to make it to the final four, after ending the 2019-2020 season No. 12 in the nation. They are currently No. 10. The NCAA highlighted Arizona’s defense and their balance of new and returning players. While the Wildcats have some easier upcoming games, in the weeks following they play higher ranked teams such No. 6 UCLA on Jan. 31. With an upset last time they played UCLA, the team is optimistic for another win. 

This week, Louisville’s women’s team took the number one spot after Stanford’s loss against the unranked Colorado Buffs in overtime. Stanford had been No. 1 for seven weeks in a row, and now has a record of 11-1. This upset caused a major shift in the standings, dropping Stanford down to number five. 

For the men, number one Gonzaga currently has a record of 14-0. They beat the unranked Saint Mary’s on Sunday with a final score of 73-59. While the Zags have an easy stretch for the rest of the season, No. 2 Baylor is still seen to have a chance to take the number one spot.