College Basketball Season Preview Highlights Coaches, Teams

As the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches, previews are spotlighting coaching prospects and other storylines, while Wisconsin enters the season outside the AP preseason poll despite Greg Gard’s winning record and a roster that includes returning veterans and new contributors. The Badgers’ omissions reflect roster turnover and modest expectations, though the program has repeatedly exceeded forecasts and reached the NCAA Tournament. A separate look back at the sport’s history argues that remarkable seasons by less celebrated programs—including Drake’s 1969 Final Four run—deserve more recognition alongside the familiar powerhouses.