College basketball is almost back. The 2025–26 season tips off Monday, ushering in another year of intrigue, talent and high expectations. Can Florida defend its national title? Will Houston or Purdue finally break through? And who will claim national player of the year honors — a seasoned star like Purdue’s Braden Smith or Texas Tech’s JT Toppin or a dynamic freshman ready to take over? Beyond the headlines, plenty of players and storylines deserve attention. Here are 10 names to know — in alphabetical order — as a new season begins. OK, these are two names here, but you must know them. Power forward Cameron Boozer (6-foot-9) and point guard Cayden Boozer (6-foot-4), both five-star prospects, won a state title last season at Miami’s Columbus High and are expected to play key roles as freshmen at Duke, which eyes a return trip to the Final Four. Cameron Boozer is a preseason All-American candidate. In recent years, Donovan has built up almost a cult-like following. He’s also associated with an excellent medi
