As nonconference play concludes before Christmas 2025, CBS Sports experts outline targeted gifts that could boost struggling or promising teams heading into conference schedules. From point guards to health recoveries, these whimsical suggestions highlight key needs across the sport.
In a festive edition of CBS Sports' Dribble Handoff, writers played Santa Claus for various college basketball programs, identifying critical improvements needed for success in the 2025-26 season.
For St. John's, Gary Parrish wishes for a true high-major point guard. Despite a talented roster ranking 20th at BartTorvik.com and 26th in the Top 25 And 1, the Red Storm lack a lead guard, as coach Rick Pitino lamented after preseason hype around Ian Jackson faded.
Matt Norlander gifts UCLA coach Mick Cronin cozy clothes, sleeping pills, and an airplane pillow to ease the Bruins' grueling Big Ten road schedule starting January 3 against Iowa. The 10-3 Bruins face four road games in their first five conference contests, two or three time zones away.
Kyle Boone suggests Illinois add a playmaking defender. The Illini rank second nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency at 127.5 points per 100 possessions but 27th defensively at 98.1 allowed. They rank last in major conferences for steal and turnover rates forced.
David Cobb prescribes Kentucky magic shoulder cream for point guard Jaland Lowe, who has missed seven of 13 games due to injury. Lowe is the Wildcats' most impactful offensive player per EvanMiya.com's BPR metric.
Isaac Trotter hopes Vermont and Mercyhurst win a jump ball, as both are 0-for-all in Division I tips. Models predict a 3% win probability boost from winning the tip.
Cameron Salerno wishes Kansas a healthy Darryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who has played only four games. Coach Bill Self confirmed a mutual decision to wait until full strength.
These gifts underscore the sport's holiday spirit amid high expectations for March.
