Insider knowledge about college basketball Jon Rothstein uses a superlative statement to group Duke, Auburn, and Alabama.
In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, analysts and insiders often offer insights and predictions that set the tone for each season. One of the most respected voices in the basketball community is Jon Rothstein, a prominent college basketball insider whose analysis is highly regarded for its accuracy, depth, and foresight. In one of his recent statements, Rothstein made a bold superlative declaration about three of the top programs in college basketball—Duke, Auburn, and Alabama. He grouped them together under one umbrella as “the three best teams in college basketball.” This assertion sent ripples through the basketball community, as it not only highlighted the potential of these teams but also sparked conversations about how they would fare throughout the rest of the season.
This statement wasn’t made lightly. Rothstein’s reputation for keen insight into the dynamics of college basketball means that his words carry weight, and his assessment of Duke, Auburn, and Alabama as the best teams in the nation immediately drew attention from fans, analysts, and even the programs themselves. But why did Rothstein single out these three teams? And what does it mean for the landscape of college basketball moving forward?
The Significance of Rothstein’s Statement
When Jon Rothstein declares a group of teams as the “three best” in college basketball, he is making a statement about more than just their current standing in the polls or their on-the-court talent. Rothstein’s analysis goes beyond simple rankings and looks at several critical factors: team depth, coaching prowess, individual talent, potential for growth, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
By grouping Duke, Auburn, and Alabama together, Rothstein is emphasizing that, based on these factors, these three teams have the potential to dominate college basketball not only in the regular season but also in the NCAA Tournament, where pressure and intensity are at their highest.
Duke: A Legacy of Excellence and Renewed Ambition
Duke University’s basketball program has long been considered one of the premier programs in college basketball. With five national championships under their belt and a history of developing some of the game’s greatest players, Duke is always a team that analysts keep a close eye on. After the retirement of the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, there were questions about how the program would fare under Jon Scheyer’s leadership. However, early returns have been extremely promising, and it’s clear that Duke remains as formidable as ever.
One of the key reasons why Rothstein has placed Duke in his superlative group of top teams is the program’s depth and talent. The 2025 Blue Devils roster boasts a blend of experienced upperclassmen and exceptional freshmen. Cooper Flagg, a five-star recruit and arguably the best player in the 2025 class, is expected to make an immediate impact. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a generational talent who could propel Duke to national prominence in his freshman season.
Additionally, Duke has several returners from the previous season, including Tyrese Proctor, who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, and Kyle Filipowski, who has emerged as one of the best players in the ACC. Filipowski’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, paired with Proctor’s playmaking and Flagg’s versatility, gives Duke a formidable core of players who can compete with the best in the country.
Duke also boasts one of the most intimidating home-court advantages in college basketball—Cameron Indoor Stadium. The atmosphere created by the “Cameron Crazies” and the electric fanbase provides a massive edge for the Blue Devils, particularly in high-stakes games against top-tier competition. With the combined talent and the unrelenting energy of their fans, Duke is a team that could very well be poised for another run to the Final Four under Scheyer’s leadership.
Auburn: The Rebirth of a Contender in the SEC
Auburn basketball has undergone a renaissance in recent years under head coach Bruce Pearl. The Tigers, once known as an underdog program, have transformed into one of the most competitive teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). After an impressive run to the Final Four in 2019 and several NCAA Tournament appearances, Auburn is once again among the most dangerous teams in the country, making it a natural inclusion in Rothstein’s grouping of the best teams.
The 2025 Auburn Tigers are primed to be a top contender in college basketball, thanks to a dynamic roster filled with skilled players. At the center of this roster is an elite defense, which has become the trademark of Bruce Pearl’s teams. Auburn’s ability to stifle opposing offenses, coupled with their high-octane offense, makes them a difficult team to beat. Players like Johni Broome, a standout forward who was named to several preseason All-SEC teams, have proven themselves as leaders on both ends of the floor.
Broome’s leadership, combined with the presence of athletic guards and wings, gives Auburn a balanced attack that can compete against the best. Their ability to score in transition and lock down opponents in half-court settings makes them a formidable matchup for any team. Auburn also has a reputation for being able to win big games in tough environments, and they are not intimidated by facing high-caliber teams in hostile arenas. Their physicality, combined with their depth, makes them one of the toughest teams in the SEC and a legitimate threat on the national stage.
What sets Auburn apart from other programs is the steady growth of the program under Bruce Pearl. While other teams may have strong individual talent, Auburn’s success can be attributed to the system Pearl has built, which emphasizes defense, ball movement, and an unselfish style of play. If they continue to develop chemistry and execute under pressure, Auburn could very well make a deep run in March and challenge for a national title.
Alabama: A Powerhouse in the SEC and National Title Contender
Alabama has risen to the top of the SEC over the past few years, with the 2025 season positioning them as one of the favorites for the national championship. Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide have become a juggernaut in college basketball, known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense. The team’s style of play—characterized by quick transition, three-point shooting, and aggressive defense—has made them one of the most exciting and dangerous teams to watch.
Alabama’s rise has been fueled by a combination of elite recruits, solid development, and a commitment to playing an up-tempo style that is difficult for opposing teams to keep up with. In particular, the presence of star players such as Brandon Miller, who has emerged as one of the top prospects in the country, makes Alabama a national title contender. Miller’s versatility, ability to score in a variety of ways, and his length on the defensive end make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
In addition to Miller, Alabama’s backcourt is filled with talented players who can create opportunities for themselves and others. The Crimson Tide’s guards are excellent ball handlers who can push the tempo and distribute the ball to create high-quality shots. This offensive firepower, coupled with a defense that can generate turnovers and fast-break opportunities, makes Alabama one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
What separates Alabama from many of its competitors is the ability to excel in virtually every facet of the game. The Crimson Tide can dominate offensively with their high-scoring capabilities, but they are equally adept at shutting down opponents with tough defense. Alabama is a team that is capable of both outscoring opponents and grinding out wins with defensive stops. Given their style of play and their depth, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NCAA Tournament, and their combination of talent, coaching, and system makes them a natural contender for the national title.
The Common Thread: Talent, Coaching, and Depth
So, what makes Duke, Auburn, and Alabama the “three best teams in college basketball” in Jon Rothstein’s eyes? The common thread that ties these programs together is their ability to combine elite talent with strong coaching and exceptional depth.
- Elite Talent: All three programs boast some of the best players in the country. Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Auburn’s Johni Broome, and Alabama’s Brandon Miller are all players who have the ability to take over games and are projected to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Their ability to perform at the highest level is a major reason why these teams are considered among the best.
- Coaching Excellence: The coaching staffs at Duke, Auburn, and Alabama are led by some of the brightest minds in the game. Jon Scheyer, Bruce Pearl, and Nate Oats have all established themselves as top-tier head coaches capable of getting the best out of their players. Their ability to develop talent, create game plans, and motivate their teams will be crucial come tournament time.
- Depth and Balance: Each of these teams has a well-rounded roster with multiple players who can contribute in different ways. Whether it’s Duke’s combination of Filipowski, Proctor, and Flagg, Auburn’s defensive prowess combined with scoring options, or Alabama’s high-powered offense alongside stifling defense, these teams have the depth to compete on a national level. Depth is crucial in college basketball, particularly in the grueling tournament environment, and these three teams are built to succeed.
