When a college basketball game hangs in the balance, sometimes the x-factor isn’t on the hardwood — it’s the fans.
Fan bases can shake the roof after their respective team goes on a run or become one’s biggest nightmare after a missed free throw.
With the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season just a few months away, here are Andy Katz’s top 10 fan bases:
1. Kentucky
Three words: Big Blue Nation.
Even with long-time coach John Calipari leaving to steer the ship at Arkansas in April, the Wildcats’ fan base showed out at coach Mark Pope’s introductory press conference — nearly selling out Rupp Arena.
If the Kentucky faithful can fill Rupp to a brim on a random off-season Sunday with no basketball in sight, imagine what it’s like throughout the season.
2. UConn
Coming off the program’s second straight national title, the UConn fan base has dealt with its fair share of pressure cookers when it comes to big games.
Yet, similar to coach Dan Hurley’s squads, the fan base has continually risen to the occasion. Whether at home, away, at a neutral site or Madison Square Garden, the fans are always in attendance.
3. Kansas
Kansas’ ‘Rock Chalk, Jayhawk’ chant is well-known across the college basketball world for a multitude of reasons, specifically for its uniqueness and longevity. The short and emphatic slogan rings loud for Jayhawk fans and even louder in the losing team’s ears.
Now imagine how loud it gets with over 16,000 fans packed into Allen Fieldhouse shouting it together.
Attending a game in Lawrence might cost a fan some of their hearing.
4. Duke
Going to a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium must be on every college basketball fan’s bucket list, no question.
However, it’s the people drenched in blue and white paraphernalia with painted faces that make it even more special. The Blue Devils fan base can make their humble abode jump like no other arena in college hoops.
5. Purdue
The Purdue faithful are always in attendance when coach Matt Painter and his team are in town, selling out the West Lafayette, IN. venue consistently.
And with Mackey Arena’s circular structure and dome roof, the Boilermakers fan base makes the compact environment feel like a nightmare for visiting teams.
Like Duke, it’s a must-see experience.
6. Illinois
The Fighting Illini’s fan base is one of the most passionate audiences in college hoops, whether it’s online or in-person.
The fans can turn a basketball game at State Farm Center into a massive party at any moment, especially when the team is on a roll.
7. North Carolina
Whenever college basketball fan bases are brought up, it’s impossible not to mention UNC.
A member of ‘The Triangle’ with Duke and NC State, supporting a team is a way of life for most fans. For UNC, the Tar Heels’ supporters are always in attendance for their games — whether it’s at Dean E. Smith Center or elsewhere.
8. Indiana
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Is there more that needs to be said?
Hoosiers fans of all ages consistently pack up their historic arena, no matter how good or bad the team is. Combining a spacious venue with a rowdy fan base, Assembly Hall can become one of the loudest arenas in the country.
9. Arkansas
The Razorbacks faithful had Bud Walton Arena jumping even before coach Nolan Richardson’s tenure from 1985 to 2002.
20-plus years later, nothing has changed. And with Calipari now at the helm, the fan base might get even stronger.
10. Iowa State
Hilton Coliseum’s ability to hold in sound because of its concrete structure and steel doors continues to pay off for Iowa State. The venue’s loudness has allowed Iowa State fans to play a role in the program’s biggest upsets since the coliseum opened in 1971.
Their impact has been so strong that they coined the term ‘Hilton Magic’ because of the fans’ effectiveness in stifling the Cyclones’ opponents in the coliseum.
Honorable Mention: Auburn
Coach Bruce Pearl has worked his magic during his 10 years at Auburn, helping build up Neville Arena into an exciting atmosphere.
More importantly, though, his teams’ success has created a devoted fan base that has given opposing teams trouble.
