The #1 ranked team heading into the 2025 season has just finished its preseason campaign, and let’s just say — it wasn’t exactly the dominant showing fans were expecting. In fact, it was downright disastrous.

With high expectations and a roster full of talent, this team was poised to be a juggernaut. Yet, what we saw on the court in the preseason was nothing short of shocking. Here’s why the preseason performance of the #1 ranked team is raising some serious red flags.

 Early Struggles: Underperformance Across the Board

The preseason should have been a time for fine-tuning, not scrambling. But the #1 team looked anything but sharp. Here are some of the major issues that stood out:

Lack of chemistry: The players, despite being highly ranked individually, couldn’t get in sync. Offensive sets looked disjointed, and defensive rotations were sloppy.

Star players struggling: The supposed “leaders” of the team failed to dominate the way many had expected, looking disinterested and out of rhythm.

Poor shooting: Whether it was from the field or the free-throw line, the team couldn’t hit shots when it mattered. Their shooting percentages were abysmal, and in several games, they couldn’t even break 40% from the floor.

The preseason games were a far cry from the well-oiled machine many had predicted.

 Defensive Woes: The Achilles’ Heel

One of the biggest concerns? Defensive lapses. The #1 ranked team had been heralded for its solid defensive identity heading into the season, but that went out the window during the preseason.

Too many fouls: They struggled to stay disciplined, constantly putting opposing players on the line.

Defensive breakdowns: Whether it was missed rotations or lazy closeouts, the defense looked unrecognizable from what was expected.

Teams that rely on defensive consistency to control games simply cannot afford such lapses — especially when it comes against teams that are not even at their full strength.

Coaching Concerns: Adjustments Not Working

While the players have certainly had their fair share of struggles, coaching decisions have also been called into question. Head coach [Coach’s Name] was supposed to be a tactical genius, but many are wondering whether the team’s poor performance was a result of poor rotations, questionable strategies, or simply inability to adjust.

Lineups didn’t click: There were moments when certain players just weren’t in sync together, and the coaching staff failed to make necessary changes.

Inconsistent rotations: Key players spent extended time on the bench without clear reasons, while others who were struggling stayed in too long.

While some of these issues could be chalked up to the nature of preseason games, lack of adjustments in real time is concerning when you’re supposedly a top-tier team.

 What Happens Next?

Tuning up the system: The regular season is fast approaching, and the #1 ranked team will need to make significant improvements. A new defensive scheme and better ball movement on offense should be top priorities.

Player accountability: Some players will need to step up their performances and shake off the rust. It’s clear that no one on the roster is exempt from criticism after their lackluster showing.

Coaching under scrutiny: If the early-season struggles continue, there will be pressure on the coaching staff to get the team on track. Adjustments will be key to preventing a repeat of the preseason disaster.

 Final Thoughts

A #1 ranked team should look, well, like a #1 ranked team. The preseason disaster we witnessed from this team is raising serious questions about their readiness for the upcoming season. If they don’t course-correct quickly, they may find themselves out of the top spot sooner rather than later.

Fans are holding their breath to see if the team can bounce back, or if the preseason was a sign of bigger issues lurking beneath the surface.