The Need for Seeds podcast, hosted by Griffin Warner and Big East Ben under the Pregame.com network, kicks off with a detailed look at the 2024 college basketball season. Packed with expert insights, player analyses, and humorous banter, this episode explores the top teams to watch and future betting picks.

Kansas Jayhawks: A Controversial Top 10 Inclusion

Timestamp [1:32 - 4:17]
Despite the AP ranking Kansas as the number one team, Big East Ben places them at 10th, expressing doubts about their actual potential. While KJ Adams receives praise for his solid play, Hunter Dickinson is described as chasing NIL deals rather than NBA dreams. DeJuan Harris, the team’s point guard, is deemed uninspiring: “He is blah,” Ben quips, questioning his impact if placed on other teams like Northwestern or Butler.

Ben scrutinizes Kansas' transfer strategy, highlighting AJ Store, who initially demanded a significant NIL package before returning to Kansas for a lesser deal. The team's ranking is justified by Ben as a platform to voice concerns over their AP hype and coach Bill Self's health, which could impact their season.

Kentucky Wildcats: The Underrated Contender

Timestamp [4:42 - 6:30]
Ranked 9th by Ben but 18th by the AP, Kentucky could be a dark horse. New coach Mark Pope, known for offensive ingenuity at BYU, is expected to revamp the Wildcats’ play. The roster boasts Kobe Brea, a sharpshooter from Dayton, and Kirk Creasa, a former West Virginia and Arizona standout. Ben lauds Pope’s ability to build cohesive teams and believes Kentucky fans will see a return to “team basketball.”

Marquette: Under-the-Radar Powerhouse

Timestamp [7:29 - 9:47]
Marquette lands 8th in Ben's top 10, a ranking that aligns with cautious optimism. Although they lost stars like Tyler Kolek, coach Shaka Smart is heralded as an exceptional developer. Players like David Joplin and Chase Ross are expected to lead, with young talents such as Ben Gold and Trey Norman making sophomore leaps. Ben forecasts a competitive season, supported by Smart’s proven system.

Gonzaga: Reclaiming Dominance

Timestamp [10:36 - 12:20]
Gonzaga’s previous season featured challenges, including losses to Purdue and St. Mary’s. However, Ben is optimistic about their future. With returning players like Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike, and Ben Gregg stepping up in the front court, Gonzaga looks poised for a strong season. Ben notes, “They'll return to the level... seen the last decade.”

Baylor: Talent-Rich and Ready

Timestamp [13:03 - 14:59]
Baylor, ranked 6th by Ben, is highlighted for retaining coach Scott Drew. The roster includes Jaden Nunn, who, despite modest stats, has shown explosive potential. The addition of Jeremy Roach from Duke and Norchad Omier from Miami further boosts their depth. Vijay Edgecombe, a freshman standout from the Bahamas, could be a game-changer.

Iowa State: Built on Defense

Timestamp [15:44 - 17:52]
Ben ranks Iowa State 5th, commending their defense under T.J. Otzelberger. Tamin Lipsey stands out as a reliable point guard, while Milan Momcilovic, a sharpshooter from Wisconsin, is expected to make significant contributions. With strong home-court advantage at Hilton Coliseum, Ben believes they will build on last year’s success.

UConn: Defending Champs with Challenges

Timestamp [19:54 - 21:55]
UConn is ranked 4th but faces skepticism about their All-American Alex Karaban and backcourt. Despite that, Ben respects coach Dan Hurley, recognizing UConn’s history of strong finishes. New addition Aiden Mahaney could play a pivotal role, especially in key tournament moments.

Alabama: High Variance, High Potential

Timestamp [23:19 - 24:29]
Alabama ranks 3rd, featuring a loaded backcourt led by Mark Sears and Chris Youngblood. Cliff Omoruyi from Rutgers adds defensive strength. While they possess great potential, Ben warns of the volatility inherent in their playing style, which could impact March tournament results.

Houston: Defensive Powerhouse

Timestamp [25:38 - 26:38]
Despite moving to the Big 12, Houston's defensive prowess under Kelvin Sampson remains intact. LJ Cryer leads the returning players, and Milos Uzan from Oklahoma is a key transfer. Ben notes, “They were a Jamal Shedd injury away from a potential championship run last season.”

Duke: A Title Contender

Timestamp [29:01 - 31:00]
Ben's top pick, Duke, is led by standout Con Knipple and point guard Tyrese Proctor. Concerns remain about coach John Scheyer’s ability to handle high-pressure games. The roster's height and talent suggest a formidable team, but execution will be key.

Best Bets and Future Picks

The hosts conclude with their future bets: Kentucky at 35-1 and Marquette at 75-1 odds for the national title. Ben believes Kentucky will erase memories of recent early exits, while Warner highlights Marquette’s upward trajectory as a strong value pick.

Final Thoughts

The podcast delivers a mix of bold predictions, player insights, and humor. The hosts’ detailed analyses, combined with their candid, engaging dialogue, make for essential listening for college basketball enthusiasts gearing up for the 2024 season.