Despite the USF men’s basketball team's impressive record of 24 regular-season wins and a 16-2 performance in the American Athletic Conference, the NCAA Tournament selection committee snubbed the Bulls.
USF’s weak non-conference schedule appeared to be the reason for this.
However, the Bulls are trying to correct that flaw for the upcoming season. College basketball analyst Rocco Miller reported that USF and the Florida Gators are finalizing an agreement for a game on Nov. 4 in Jacksonville.
While the schools are still working on the details, the game appears likely to happen.
Earlier, multiple outlets in Charleston, S.C. reported that USF will play a road game at the College of Charleston on Nov. 8.
NEWS: Florida and South Florida are finalizing an agreement to open the 2024-25 College Basketball season inside Jacksonville's VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, according to multiple sources.
— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) June 27, 2024
The date for this neutral-site contest is set for Monday, November 4th.#SEC #AAC pic.twitter.com/8AqizJpn9A
Both teams made the NCAA Tournament last season.
USF’s 2023-24 schedule ranked 116th in the country. It included games against South Carolina State, Central Michigan, Northern Iowa, Maine, Hofstra, and U-Mass.
Not strong.
Even worse, they lost to Central Michigan, Maine, Hofstra, and U-Mass before going on a 17-game winning streak. That basically eliminated any path to an at-large tournament bid.
The Bulls have undergone a roster transformation since last season.
Three mainstays of that team – Chris Youngblood, Kasean Pryor, and Selton Miguel – left via the transfer portal.
Head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim responded to fans who might have been freaked out by the departures of those players with a reassuring tweet.
“Bulls Nation … relax,” he said.
I’m Gonna Just Leave This Here! Go Bulls 🤘🏾🟢 #WhatTheHatSays pic.twitter.com/rZCB0A5hXu
— Amir Abdur-Rahim (@sunsetAMIR) May 14, 2024
The Bulls looked to the portal for reinforcements, adding 6-11 center Jamille Reynolds from Cincinnati, 6-6 forward from Kennesaw State, and 6-9 forward De’Ante Green from Florida State.
They also added 6-9 forward Jaylen Wharton from Walters State Community College. Wharton played high school ball at nearby Plant City.
Oh, and Abdur-Rahim – the reigning AAC Coach of the Year – agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season.
Like the man said … reeeeelax.