ESPN's brand of college basketball returns to the virtual hardwood with fresh features and a familiar name. This "2K5" edition of College Hoops boasts a new graphics engine, a revamped "Legacy" mode, and a "Reactive Court Sense" AI system designed to produce realistic player behavior. Computer-controlled players now "decide" for themselves, individually, how to best help their team in any situation. This allows for timing-based plays, leading passes to players as they cut to the basket, and independent defensive moves based on the coach's calls.

Good coaching is as important as it ever was. Numerous smaller college teams are available for play for the first time in this year's game, allowing fans to live out their own Cinderella stories. Since ESPN College Hoops 2K5 is built on a version of the ESPN NBA game engine, "IsoMotion2" moves can play a big role, allowing players to perform spins, fakes, and crossovers to shake the D and make the bucket. As in earlier versions of ESPN College Hoops, online play is available for connected PlayStation 2 and Xbox gamers.