Dickie V's Dazzling Dozen: Best of the 2024-25 men's hoops season - ESPN

Get ready to crank up the excitement because I've got my Dazzling Dozen Hoop Happenings from the 2024-25 season. And let me tell you, it was March Madness all year long!

We had Diaper Dandies lighting it up, legendary coaches rewriting the record books and historic moments that had me jumping out of my seat. From coast to coast, buzzer-beaters to blowouts, this season had it ALL, and I'm here to give you the top 12 sizzling storylines that made this year one for the ages.

Sit back, grab your popcorn and get ready for some primetime PTPer action, baby!

The Florida Gators swamp Houston for the title. The Gators are kings of the court, cutting down the nets as your 2025 NCAA men's basketball national champions. What a ride, what a run! Billy Donovan's legacy lives on. These Gators were resilient, relentless and ridiculously talented. From Walter Clayton Jr. hitting clutch shots to his stifling defensive stop at the end of the game, Florida brought the heat all season.

Cooper Flagg, a legit Diaper Dandy deluxe. This freshman phenom from the Duke Blue Devils was unreal. Points, boards, dimes, steals — he led 'em all. He was so good, he didn't just live up to the hype, he blew it out of the gym, and he's your national player of the year.

The SEC was absolutely awesome. A hoops heaven all season! Count 'em: Fourteen teams in the Big Dance. That's a Dandy Dozen, plus two. No conference brought it night in and night out like the Southeastern Conference.

We got chalk in the Final Four. For the first time since 2008, all four No. 1 seeds punched their tickets to the promised land: The Auburn Tigers, Duke Blue Devils, Houston Cougars and Florida Gators. And they didn't just win, they dominated by over 16 points a pop.

Holy Toledo!