The Post takes a look at the biggest storylines to watch for the upcoming season:
The Zion Williamson hangover
Stars will emerge. Brilliance will be easy to find. But if you’re looking for a phenomenon like Williamson you may end up looking for another decade. Only a few players — Williamson, Jimmer Fredette, Pete Maravich and others — in college basketball history, especially in the one-and-done era, have become must-see events. Soon, you will appreciate even more what you witnessed last season.
Elite freshmen choosing different path
Several of the nation’s premier freshmen passed on blue bloods, instead picking programs that don’t usually land premier prospects. Memphis (James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa), Georgia (Anthony Edwards). Washington (Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels), Florida (Scottie Lewis) and Villanova (Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Bryan Antoine) each landed studs. Similar moves have left some stars at home in March. Remember, No. 1 overall picks Ben Simmons (LSU) and Markelle Fultz (Washington) failed to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Who’s next?
Virginia’s Tony Bennett became the fourth coach since 2012 to win his first national championship, joining John Calipari, Kevin Ollie and Jay Wright. Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Louisville’s Chris Mack could finally break through after several strong runs through March. Other candidates to join the club include Florida’s Mike White, Maryland’s Mark Turgeon and Texas Tech’s Chris Beard.
A wide-open field
The top contenders are familiar: Michigan State. Duke. Kentucky. Kansas. But none seems untouchable. Even when recent juggernauts emerged — Zion Williamson and Duke, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kentucky — they haven’t finished the season on top. Virginia just shredded its choking reputation by winning the first title in school history. A seven-seed or lower has made the Final Four in six of the past seven years. Hope is open to all.
Pay-for-play scandal not going away
Aside from the notice of allegations with Level 1 violations — the most serious charge the NCAA levies — Kansas and N.C. State now face, the other shoe has yet to drop from the FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball. In June, NCAA vice president for regulatory affairs Stan Wilcox told CBSSports.com six programs would be receiving NOA’s with Level 1 violations. Thus far, only Kansas and N.C. State have been named. The NCAA has been reportedly investigating Arizona and Louisville. This isn’t finished.
All-Americans
Sr. G Cassius Winston, Michigan State
The reigning first team All-American is the best bet to earn the honor after leading the Spartans to the Final Four, while averaging 18.8 points and 7.5 assists and shooting nearly 40 percent on 3-pointers. Last season’s Big Ten Player of the Year is the biggest reason why Tom Izzo may finally get his second national championship.
Jr. F Jordan Nwora, Louisville
After considering a jump to the NBA, Nwora has given Louisville hope of returning to its former glory. The 6-foot-7 wing was one of last season’s biggest breakout stars — averaging 17.0 points and 7.6 rebounds one year after putting up 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds — and still has room for growth.
Sr. F Kerry Blackshear Jr., Florida
The most well-rounded big man in the sport turned Florida into a Final Four contender when he left Virginia Tech for the SEC school in the spring. Blackshear will score, make opponents pay for double-teaming him — he averaged 2.4 assists last year — and is a difference-maker on the glass.
Sr. G Myles Powell, Seton Hall
The most anticipated season at Seton Hall in almost 20 years can be traced back to one moment: Powell’s decision to return for his senior season. A high-scoring, high-character leader and tireless worker, Powell has Pirates fans dreaming of a magical March.
Fr. F Isaiah Stewart, Washington
Cole Anthony and James Wiseman have received more hype — and both may be better pro prospects — but Stewart is the most impact-ready freshman. He’s a two-way dynamo, capable of owning both ends of the paint. At 6-foot-9, and a chiseled 250 pounds, he will not need time adjusting to the college game.
Second Team
So. G Tre Jones, Duke
Sr. G Markus Howard, Marquette
Fr. G Cole Anthony, North Carolina
Fr. F James Wiseman, Memphis
Sr. F Udoka Azubuike, Kansas
All-local team
First Team
Fr. F Precious Achiuwa, Memphis, Queens
A key part of Penny Hardaway’s stacked freshman class, the multi-dimensional 6-foot-9 forward is a projected one-and-done lottery pick.
Sr. G Bryce Aiken, Harvard, Randolph, N.J.
The 6-foot guard has March Madness king-slayer potential. A lights-out shooter and quality playmaker, Aiken’s biggest shortcoming has been staying healthy.
Fr. G Cole Anthony, North Carolina, Manhattan
What the ACC lost in one-and-done star power with Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, it gained in this 6-foot-3 floor general, who was the MVP of the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic games.
Sr. G/F Alpha Diallo, Providence, Harlem
The physical, and skilled, 6-foot-7 Diallo gives coach Ed Cooley flexibility — as a big guard or undersized power forward. He’s a matchup nightmare.
Sr. G Myles Powell, Seton Hall, Trenton, N.J.
The high-scoring sharpshooting guard is the face of the Pirates’ most anticipated season in nearly two decades, and Seton Hall’s first-ever AP preseason All-American.
Second Team
Jr. G Jose Alvarado, Georgia Tech, Brooklyn
Sr. G Desure Buie, Hofstra, Bronx
Fr. G Scottie Lewis, Florida, Hazlet, N.J.
Fr. G Luther Muhammad, Ohio State, Newark, N.J.
So. G Nate Pierre-Louis, Temple, Plainfield, N.J.
Third Team
Fr. G Bryan Antoine, Villanova, Tinton Falls, N.J.
Fr. G Jose Perez, Gardner-Webb, Bronx
So. F Nick Richards, Kentucky, Queens
So. G Keith Williams, Cincinnati, Brooklyn
Jr. G Isaiah Washington, Iona, Harlem