By: P5P Staff

TOP 25 P5P PRESEASON RANKINGS:

1. Michigan State

G: Tyson Walker (14.8 ppg)

G: A.J. Hoggard (12.9 ppg)

G: Jaden Akins (9.8 ppg)

F: Malik Hall (8.9 ppg)

C: Xavier Booker

Key Bench Players: C Mady Sissoko, G Jeremy Fears, F Jaxon Kohler, F Coen Carr, F Gehrig Normand

Key Additions: Fr. Jeremy Fears, Fr. Xavier Booker, Fr. Coen Carr, Fr. Gehrig Normand

Key Losses: F Joey Hauser, G Pierre Brooks

MVP: Tyson Walker

MIP: Mady Sissoko

Best Newcomer: Jeremy Fears

Why MSU?

Coaching. A team that reached the Sweet 16 in 2023 has retained the bulk of its production from a solid campaign and has amassed the fourth-best recruiting class in the nation. This team will be deeper than that of last season, as centers Mady Sissoko and Xavier Booker provide towering presences in the paint while freshman guard Jeremy Fears will learn behind arguably the nation’s best backcourt in Hoggard and Walker. With Izzo at the helm, it’s hard to bet against Sparty. 

2. Kansas

G: Dajuan Harris Jr. (8.9 ppg)

G: Nick Timberlake (17.7 ppg)

G/F: Kevin McCullar Jr. (10.7 ppg)

F: K.J. Adams (10.6 ppg)

C: Hunter Dickinson (18.5 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Elmarko Jackson, G Arterio Morris, F Parker Braun, G Jamari McDowell

Key Additions: Hunter Dickinson (Michigan), Nick Timberlake (Towson), Arterio Morris (Texas), Parker Braun (Santa Clara), Fr. Elmarko Jackson, Fr. Jamari McDowell

Key Losses: Jalen Wilson, Gradey Dick, Joseph Yesufu, Bobby Pettiford, Ernest Udeh, MJ Rice, Zuby Ejiofor, F Zach Clemence

MVP: Hunter Dickinson

MIP: K.J. Adams

Best Newcomer: Nick Timberlake

Why Kansas?

Hunter Dickinson, and a three-point shooter. Their ranking just moved up immensely after the addition of Towson shooting guard Nick Timberlake and Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson. The 6’4 guard went 41.6% from behind the arc – filling the void of prolific freshman Gradey Dick – and Dickinson’s success in Big Ten ball marked him as the most highly-touted transfer in the portal. Next year’s roster will allow one of the best pure point guards in the nation – Harris – to find Timberlake from three, giving this team another dimension beyond a stacked frontcourt that could see Adams Jr. burst onto the scene alongside the proven big man from Maryland. Having Self also keeps Kansas in the hunt every year – even if All-American Jalen Wilson is finally gone.

3. Duke

G: Jeremy Roach (13.6 ppg)

G: Tyrese Proctor (9.4 ppg)

G: Caleb Foster

F: Mark Mitchell (9.1 ppg)

F: Kyle Filipowski (15.1 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Jared McCain, G Jaden Schutt, F Sean Stewart, F TJ Power, C Ryan Young, G Jaylen Blakes

Key Additions: Fr. Caleb Foster, Fr. Jared McCain, Fr. Sean Stewart, Fr. TJ Power

Key Losses: F Dariq Whitehead, C Dereck Lively II, G Jacob Grandison

MVP: Tyrese Proctor

MIP: Mark Mitchell

Best Newcomer: TJ Power

Why Duke?

Unusual returners in Durham. Jon Scheyer’s first campaign evolved into a major success, with the Blue Devils taking the ACC Championship title and overcoming a slow start to the season. In an unexpected turn of events, three of Duke’s freshman core has pledged to return to Durham to chase a national championship – all with the help of a newly-minted, second-ranked recruiting class. This team will possess the most depth in the nation thanks to three five-stars (likely McCain, Stewart, and Power) coming off of the bench. This isn’t your typical Duke roster makeup. Experience – with three sophomores and a senior in the lineup – will give them a leg up in March. 

4. Purdue

G: Braden Smith (9.7 ppg)

G: Fletcher Loyer (11.0 ppg)

G: Ethan Morton (3.8 ppg)

F: Caleb Furst (5.5 ppg)

C: Zach Edey (22.3 ppg)

Key Bench Players: F Trey Kaufman-Renn, F Mason Gillis, F Myles Colvin, G Lance Jones

Key Additions: Fr. Myles Colvin, Lance Jones (SIU)

Key Losses: G Brandon Newman, G David Jenkins Jr.

MVP: Zach Edey

MIP: Trey Kaufman-Renn

Best Newcomer: Myles Colvin

Why Purdue?

Zach Edey. It’s not a sexy pick by any means, but a team that held the no. 1 ranking for much of the 2023 season deserves a top-5 designation here. They’ll return nearly every contributor besides star defender Brandon Newman and rotational guard David Jenkins Jr., yet everything hinges on the status of center and reigning NPOY Edey. The backcourt of Smith and Loyer – combined with a strong forward core of Gillis, Furst and Kaufman-Renn – will play off of Edey’s dominant 7’4 presence. Everything is setting up for a revenge tour in ’23-’24, yet can Painter’s group exorcise their demons?

5. Marquette

G: Tyler Kolek (12.9 ppg)

G: Stevie Mitchell (7.1 ppg)

G: Kam Jones (15.1 ppg)

F: David Joplin (9.2 ppg)

F: Oso Ighodaro (11.4 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Chase Ross, G Sean Jones, F Ben Gold, G Tre Norman, F Al Amadou

Key Additions: Fr. Tre Norman, Fr. Al Amadou, Fr. Zaide Lowery

Key Losses: Olivier Maxence-Prosper

MVP: Tyler Kolek

MIP: David Joplin

Best Newcomer: Tre Norman

Why Marquette? 

Returners. This team loses only one starter after gaining a two seed in the Big Dance and after having won the Big East regular-season title and tournament championship. Honestly, they could be much higher. The Big East POY – guard Tyler Kolek – will once again hold the keys to this efficient offense and swarming defense and will look to make up for his sluggish play during March Madness. I only hold off on the Golden Eagles because of their unprecedented rise this season, giving me some reason to believe that they’ll disappoint with expectations higher than normal. Nonetheless, a defending Big East champion ranked behind two conference opponents in the preseason poll is absurd; but, it’s just the reality of what will be the toughest conference in America. 

6. Creighton

G: Steven Ashworth (16.2 ppg)

G: Trey Alexander (13.6 ppg)

G/F: Baylor Scheierman (12.8 ppg)

F: Isaac Traudt

C: Ryan Kalkbrenner (15.9 ppg)

Key Bench Players: C Fredrick King, G Francisco Farabello, F Johnathan Lawson, G Mason Miller, G Jasen Green, G Josiah Dotzler

Key Additions: Isaac Traudt (Virginia), Steven Ashworth (Utah St.), Johnathan Lawson (Memphis), Fr. Josiah Dotzler

Key Losses: G Ryan Nembhard, F Arthur Kaluma

MVP: Ryan Kalkbrenner

MIP: Fredrick King

Best Newcomer: Steven Ashworth

Why Creighton? 

Quietly filling their vacancies. McDermott’s crew was one blunder away from making the Final Four. Now, they’ll return most of the lineup (if Alexander presumably stays) and have added star transfer Steven Ashworth – a 43% three-point shooter who averaged 16.2 ppg in the Mountain West. Ashworth will be tasked with filling the shoes of the departed floor general Ryan Nembhard, a tough task yet one which will be alleviated by an improved surrounding core in Omaha. The transfer of Virginia’s Isaac Traudt will give the Bluejays depth in the frontcourt behind Kalkbrenner – a contender for National Player of the Year honors in 2023-24.

7. Houston

G: Jamal Shead (10.5 ppg)

G: LJ Cryer (15.0 ppg)

G: Damian Dunn (15.3 ppg)

G: Terrance Arceneaux (3.7 ppg)

F: J’Wan Roberts (10.0 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Emanuel Sharp, F Ja’Vier Francis, G Ramon Walker Jr., C Joseph Tugler, C Jacob McFarland

Key Additions: LJ Cryer (Baylor), Damian Dunn (Temple), Fr. Joseph Tugler, Fr. Jacob McFarland, Fr. Kordelius Jefferson, Fr. Cedric Lath

Key Losses: Marcus Sasser, Jarace Walker, Tramon Mark, Reggie Chaney

MVP: LJ Cryer

MIP: Terrance Arceneaux

Best Newcomer: LJ Cryer

Why Houston?

A Marcus Sasser replacement. The ‘Cougs’ prospects were looking bleak until Kelvin Sampson landed both Dunn and Cryer out of the portal, the latter of whom starred in a three-headed monster of a backcourt at Baylor. With Sasser’s illustrious career over in Houston, they’ll need Cryer’s services to regain a no. 1 seed in March. Some problems may arise in a shallow frontcourt – with only Roberts as a mainstay – but Houston’s teams have always been pretty guard heavy. Teams will absolutely hate going up against Shead, Cryer and Dunn for what they can do on both sides of the floor. A player to watch as well is freshman Terrance Arceneaux, who has potential to excel in his second year under Sampson’s tutelage.

8. UConn

G: Tristen Newton (10.1 ppg)

G: Stephon Castle

G: Cam Spencer (13.2 ppg)

F: Alex Karaban (9.3 ppg)

C: Donovan Clingan (6.9 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Solomon Ball, G Hassan Diarra, F Jaylin Stewart, F Jayden Ross, F Samson Johnson

Key Additions: Cam Spencer (Rutgers), Fr. Solomon Ball, Fr. Jaylin Stewart, Fr. Stephon Castle, Fr. Jayden Ross

Key Losses: G Jordan Hawkins, F Andre Jackson Jr., C Adama Sanogo, G Joey Calcaterra, G Naheim Alleyne

MVP: Donovan Clingan

MIP: Alex Karaban

Best Newcomer: Stephon Castle

Why UConn?

Precedent. Following a National Championship title, it would be unwise to count on a Husky hangover in 2023-24. Yes, Hurley’s unit will lose two of the nation’s finest in guard Jordan Hawkins and center Adama Sanogo – a duo which combined for 33.4 ppg – to the NBA Draft, yet the Huskies are bringing in two five-stars and have landed a highly-touted transfer in the portal. Point forward Andre Jackson Jr. ended up staying in the draft – an unsurprising move considering his draft projections – yet Hurley has shored up his starting lineup by snagging sharpshooter Cam Spencer (43.4% 3pt.) from Rutgers. They’ll be just fine now.

9. Arkansas

G: Davonte Davis (10.9 ppg)

G: Tramon Mark (10.1 ppg)

G: Khalif Battle (17.9 ppg)

F: Trevon Brazile (11.8 ppg)

C: Baye Fall

Key Bench Players: G El Ellis, G/F Jeremiah Davenport, G Keyon Menifield, G Layden Blocker, F Makhi Mitchell, F Chandler Lawson, F Jalen Graham, G Joseph Pinion

Key Additions: Tramon Mark (Houston), El Ellis (Louisville), Jeremiah Davenport (Cincinnati), Keyon Menifield (Washington), Khalif Battle (Temple), Chandler Lawson (Memphis), Fr. Baye Fall, Fr. Layden Blocker

Key Losses: G Ricky Council IV, G Anthony Black, G Nick Smith Jr., F Jordan Walsh, F Makhel Mitchell

MVP: Trevon Brazile

MIP: Davonte Davis

Best Newcomer: Baye Fall

Why Arkansas?

The transfer portal and the return of Trevon Brazile. The top-ranked transfer class (as of now) is chock-full of guards, guards and more guards, with Musselman attempting to replace the production of five-stars Black and Smith as well as former transfer Ricky Council IV. Now, it remains to be seen if Temple’s Khalif Battle and Cincinnati’s Jeremiah Davenport can seamlessly adjust to SEC ball, yet we’ve seen Mark and Ellis excel at a major level. Brazile’s return, moreover, is massive for the ‘Hogs. The 6’10 sophomore averaged 11.8 ppg and 6.0 rpg in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL after only nine games, and his loss would result in some losing skids for a team that looked to settle down in the top-ten for much of the year. The loss of Jordan Walsh hurts, yes, but the Muss Bus should have more than enough depth to fill his vacancy.

 10. Florida Atlantic 

G: Johnell Davis (13.8 ppg)

G: Alijah Martin (13.4 ppg)

G: Bryan Greenlee (7.3 ppg)

G: Nicolas Boyd (8.9 ppg)

C: Vladislav Goldin (10.2 ppg)

Key Bench Players: F Giancarlo Rosado, G Brandon Weatherspoon, G Jalen Gaffney, G Devin Vanterpool

Key Additions: Fr. Devin Vanterpool 

Key Losses: Michael Forrest

MVP: Johnell Davis

MIP: Giancarlo Rosado

Best Newcomer: Devin Vanterpool

Why Florida Atlantic?

Proven winners. This team won the most games out of any other D1 team and made the Final Four as a criminally underrated nine-seed. Now, I would usually slot a mid-major further down the rankings after making a Cinderella run in the tournament, but their regular-season pedigree gives me reason to believe they’re here to stay. Coach Dusty May is locked into Boca Raton for the next ten years (he’ll definitely leave before, though) and searching for another C-USA title, but the bar has been raised for a team that nearly tasted a National Championship appearance. Everyone in the starting lineup has returned, barring a rogue decision from Martin or Davis.

11. Arizona

G: Kylan Boswell (4.6 ppg)

G: Caleb Love (16.7 ppg)

G: Pelle Larsson (9.9 ppg)

F: Keshad Johnson (7.7 ppg)

C: Oumar Ballo (14.2 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Jaden Bradley, F Henri Veesaar, F Dylan Anderson, F KJ Lewis

Key Additions: Jaden Bradley (Alabama), Caleb Love (UNC), Keshad Johnson (San Diego St.), Fr. KJ Lewis, Fr. Motiejus Krivas

Key Losses: Azuolas Tubelis, Courtney Ramey, Kerr Kriisa, Cedric Henderson Jr., Adama Bal

MVP: Kylan Boswell

MIP: Kylan Boswell

Best Newcomer: Keshad Johnson

Why Arizona?

The portal and Kylan Boswell’s emergence. This roster was looking bleak after Tubelis announced his departure from Tucson, yet Coach Tommy Lloyd has the chance to regain last season’s form with the additions of Bradley, Love, and Johnson. The former has plenty of room to blossom as a true sophomore who had some ups and downs for the No. 1 overall seed in March. Johnson, however, was a proven starter for a team with a National Championship appearance and will shore up the defensive side of the ball with returning center Oumar Ballo. I think that this team could also benefit from the improved play of sophomore Kylan Boswell, who showed flashes of brilliance despite sitting behind Ramey, Henderson and Kriisa in the backcourt pecking order.

12. Villanova

G: Mark Armstrong (5.3 ppg)

G: Justin Moore (13.5 ppg)

G: TJ Bamba (15.8 ppg)

F: Tyler Burton (19.0 ppg)

C: Eric Dixon (15.4 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G/F Hakim Hart, F Lance Ware, G Jordan Longino, G Brendan Hausen, G Chris Arcidiacono, F Trey Patterson, F Jordann Dumont

Key Additions: TJ Bamba (Washington St.), Tyler Burton (Richmond), Hakim Hart (Maryland), Lance Ware (Kentucky), Fr. Jordann Dumont

Key Losses: Cam Whitmore, Brandon Slater, Caleb Daniels

MVP: Justin Moore

MIP: Mark Armstrong

Best Newcomer: Tyler Burton

Why Villanova?

Moore’s return. You can attribute their top-25 ranking to the portal additions of Bamba and Hart – who will immediately slot in for Cam Whitmore and Brandon Slater – yet the once-injured shooting guard from Maryland is the key to Villanova success. In the games following Moore’s return to the lineup last season (let’s ignore his first three games back), the Wildcats went 7-3 and knocked off two top-20 opponents: no. 16 Xavier and no. 19 Creighton. Villanova desperately missed his services (and Whitmore’s) in that brutal stretch in the beginning of the season. Now, I believe that guard Mark Armstrong is also poised to take a huge leap next season after learning behind Moore and Caleb Daniels. Neptune couldn’t have had a better offseason, as Hart, Bamba, Ware and Burton give this team much-needed depth that was lacking last year.

13. Tennessee

G: Zakai Zeigler (10.7 ppg)

G: Santiago Vescovi (12.5 ppg)

G: Josiah Jordan-James (10.0 ppg)

F: Tobe Awaka (3.2 ppg)

F: Jonas Aidoo (5.1 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Dalton Knecht, G Jahmai Mashack, C JP Estrella, G Jordan Gainey, G Cameron Carr

Key Additions: Jordan Gainey (SC Upstate), Dalton Knecht (Northern Colorado), Fr. JP Estrella, Fr. Cameron Carr, Fr. Cade Phillips

Key Losses: Olivier Nkamhoua, Julian Phillips, Uros Plavsic, Tyreke Key, BJ Edwards

MVP: Santiago Vescovi

MIP: Tobe Awaka

Best Newcomer: Dalton Knecht

Why Tennessee?

The backcourt tandem of Zeigler and Vescovi. The latter announced his return to Knoxville amidst NBA Draft rumors, while the former will enter his junior campaign rehabbing an ACL tear which occurred in late February. The ‘Vols will continue to play their smothering style of defense – having held opponents to a third-best 57.9 points per game – and they will benefit offensively from the additions of Northern Colorado transfer Dalton Knecht and guard Jordan Gainey. Just remember that Tennessee reached as high as no. 2 in the AP Poll last season. Losing Harvard pledge Chris Ledlum comes as a bit of a surprise, but it won’t ruin the Vols’ chances of an SEC Championship.

14. Miami

G: Nijel Pack (13.6 ppg)

G: Bensley Joseph (5.3 ppg)

G: Wooga Poplar (8.4 ppg)

G: Matthew Cleveland (13.8 ppg)

F: Norchad Omier (13.1 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Christian Watson, F AJ Casey, G Jakai Robinson, C Michael Nwoko, G Kyshawn George

Key Additions: Matthew Cleveland (Florida St.), Fr. Michael Nwoko, Fr. Kyshawn George

Key Losses: Isaiah Wong, Jordan Miller, Harlond Beverly, Anthony Walker

MVP: Nijel Pack

MIP: Bensley Joseph

Best Newcomer: Matthew Cleveland

Why Miami?

Guards. Guards. Guards. The ‘Canes will dearly miss ACC POY Isaiah Wong and swiss-army knife Jordan Miller, but the three-guard rollout of Pack, Joseph and Poplar will do their best to replicate this backcourt’s production last season. What Miami needs as well is the return of forward/center Norchad Omier – whose 6’7 frame doesn’t hold him back from defending the paint. Depth will be an issue for the Canes, whose unlimited guard strategy of last season will depend on the growth of freshman Kyshawn George and guards Watson and Robinson. I think Miami is slightly overvalued as of now, yet it’s hard to snub a team that made a Final Four appearance and received a share of the ACC regular-season title. 

15. Gonzaga

G: Ryan Nembhard (12.1 ppg)

G: Nolan Hickman (7.7 ppg)

G: Steele Venters (15.3 ppg)

F: Anton Watson (11.1 ppg)

F: Graham Ike (19.5 ppg)

Key Bench Players: F Ben Gregg, G Dusty Stromer, F Marcus Adams Jr., F Colby Brooks, F Abe Eagle, F Kaden Perry

Key Additions: Ryan Nembhard (Creighton), Graham Ike (Wyoming), Steele Venters (Eastern Washington), Fr. Dusty Stromer, Fr. Marcus Adams Jr.

Key Losses: Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton, Malachi Smith, Hunter Sallis, Dominick Harris

MVP: Ryan Nembhard

MIP: Ben Gregg

Best Newcomer: Ryan Nembhard

Why Gonzaga?

The transfer portal. Things were looking mighty shaky after the departures of Timme, Strawther, Bolton, Sallis and Smith, yet Mark Few has righted the ship all in a day. The addition of Creighton point guard Ryan Nembhard – whose brother, Andrew, played a huge role for that dynamic ‘Zags team in 2020-21 – and Wyoming big man Graham Ike has catapulted Gonzaga into the top-25. Throw in a sleeper forward in Anton Watson and potential sixth man Ben Gregg, and you have a frontcourt that could make up for the massive loss of Timme. Hickman will also look to take a huge leap in 2023-24 – especially while playing alongside a wily point general.

16. Texas

G: Max Abmas (21.9 ppg)

G: Tyrese Hunter (10.3 ppg)

F: Brock Cunningham (4.6 ppg)

F: Dillon Mitchell (4.3 ppg)

C: Dylan Disu (8.8 ppg)

Key Bench Players: C Kadin Shedrick, G Chris Johnson, G Chendall Weaver, F Ze’Rik Onyema, G Ithiel Horton, F Alex Anamekwe

Key Additions: Max Abmas (Oral Roberts), Kadin Shedrick (Virginia), Chris Johnson (Kansas), Chendall Weaver (UT-Arlington), Ze’Rik Onyema (UTEP), Ithiel Horton (UCF)

Key Losses: Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen, Christian Bishop, Arterio Morris

MVP: Dylan Disu

MIP: Dillon Mitchell

Best Newcomer: Max Abmas

Why Texas?

Starting five. The backcourt depth could be an issue behind Abmas and Hunter, yet the Longhorns will roll out a five-man unit capable of hanging with the nation’s best. I’m most interested in the development of sophomore Dillon Mitchell, as Coach Rodney Terry will possess a scary amount of versatility in the frontcourt. Disu will return to Austin after surging late in the 2023 season, and he should shine alongside Mitchell and some combination of Shedrick and Brock Cunningham. Add arguably the nation’s best point guard transfer in mid-major legend Abmas and you have a roster poised to make a run for the Big 12 title.

17. Alabama

G: Mark Sears (12.5 ppg)

G: Aaron Estrada (20.2 ppg)

G: Rylan Griffen (5.9 ppg)

F: Nick Pringle (3.5 ppg)

F: Grant Nelson (17.9 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Latrell Wrightsell Jr., F Jarin Stevenson, F Mohamed Wague, F Kris Parker, G Davin Cosby Jr., F Mouhamed Dioubate, F Sam Walters

Key Additions: Grant Nelson (NDSU), Aaron Estrada (Hofstra), Mohamed Wague (West Virginia), Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Cal State Fullerton), Fr. Jarin Stevenson, Fr. Sam Walters, Fr. Kris Parker, Fr. Mouhamed Dioubate

Key Losses: F Brandon Miller, G Jahvon Quinerly, F Noah Clowney, F Noah Gurley, G Nimari Burnett, G Jaden Bradley, C Charles Bediako

MVP: Grant Nelson

MIP: Rylan Griffen

Best Newcomer: Grant Nelson

Why Alabama?

Transfers, and Mark Sears. Senior Sears and transfers Grant Nelson (NDSU) and Aaron Estrada (Hofstra) have to take on larger roles for this team to be successful. The loss of freshman Brandon Miller to the draft will undoubtedly hurt the Tide, yet their starting lineup still has the potential to make some noise in the SEC. Bediako made an unexpected decision to stay in the NBA draft, yet the backcourt features two guards who should keep Tide fans from reminiscing too much about Quinerly (and I guess, Bradley). The bench is of some concern as compared to last year’s depth, but I would expect either transfer guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. or freshman Jarin Stevenson to blossom in Tuscaloosa as the Tide’s sixth-man. A step back is expected for Alabama, but I love what Nelson brings to the table. A 6’11 stretch big – arguably a top-5 player in the portal – will continue the Tide’s recent success.

18. USC

G: Isaiah Collier

G: Boogie Ellis (17.7 ppg)

G: Kobe Johnson (9.2 ppg)

F: Joshua Morgan (7.0 ppg)

C: Vince Iwuchukwu (5.4 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Bronny James*, F DJ Rodman, G Oziyah Sellers, C Arrinten Page, F Kijani Wright, F Harrison Hornery

Key Additions: DJ Rodman (Washington St.), Fr. Isaiah Collier, Fr. Bronny James, C Arrinten Page

Key Losses: Drew Peterson, Tre White, Reese Dixon-Waters, Malik Thomas

MVP: Boogie Ellis

MIP: Oziyah Sellers

Best Newcomer: Isaiah Collier

Why USC? 

Collier and Ellis (and Bronny). After finishing third in the Pac-12 and reaching the Big Dance, coach Andy Enfield has navigated the offseason brilliantly so far, even despite the loss of guard Reese Dixon-Waters. Leading scorer Boogie Ellis pledged his return to Southern California amidst NBA rumors, while the nation’s top recruit – Isaiah Collier – will join Ellis in the Pac-12’s most talented backcourt. This team will go as far as Collier and Ellis take them, and a frontcourt that has largely returned will give the Trojans a fair shot at taking the Pac-12 title. Also, a Bronny James commitment to Enfield isn’t too shabby.

19. Texas A&M

G: Wade Taylor IV (16.3 ppg)

G: Tyrece Radford (13.3 ppg)

G: Jace Carter (16.6 ppg)

F: Henry Coleman (9.0 ppg)

F: Julius Marble (9.1 ppg)

Key Bench Players: F Andersson Garcia, G Manny Obaseki, G Hayden Hefner, C Wildens Leveque, G Eli Lawrence, F Solomon Washington, G Bryce Lindsay

Key Additions: Jace Carter (Illinois-Chicago), Wildens Leveque (UMass), Eli Lawrence (Middle Tennessee), Fr. Bryce Lindsay

Key Losses: Dexter Dennis

MVP: Wade Taylor IV

MIP: Andersson Garcia

Best Newcomer: Jace Carter

Why A&M? 

Returners. The second-place finishers in the SEC – having ended the regular season with an astounding 15-3 conference record – will bring back nearly all of their pieces from an otherwise stellar campaign. The 17-point loss to Penn State put a damper on a surprising year from the Aggies, yet the return of four starters and the additions of UIC shooting guard Jace Carter and Middle Tennessee’s Eli Lawrence give me reason to believe that they can remain competitive in the SEC. The Aggies’ defense will keep its swarming style alive, and coach Buzz Williams will once again rely on the backcourt duo of Taylor and Radford for scoring production.

20. Baylor 

G: Langston Love (6.3 ppg)

G: RayJ Dennis (19.5 ppg)

G: Ja’Kobe Walter

F: Jalen Bridges (10.3 ppg)

F: Jonathan Tchamwa-Tchatchoua (5.1 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Jayden Nunn, F Caleb Lohner, F Josh Ojianwuna, G Miro Little

Key Additions: Jayden Nunn (VCU), Fr. Ja’Kobe Walter, Fr. Miro Little

Key Losses: Adam Flagler, Keyonte George, LJ Cryer, Flo Thamba, Dale Bonner

MVP: Langston Love

MIP: Langston Love

Best Newcomer: RayJ Dennis

Why Baylor?

Langston Love and Jalen Bridges. It would be naive to overlook the off-season losses – including all three starting guards who accounted for 45.9 ppg – yet Baylor develops like none other. We already saw Bridges continue to improve in 2022-23 – posting 10.3 ppg and notching a 28-point game against Iowa State. The keys to the offense, however, belong to Love, who will take the reins from the three-headed monster of Flagler, George and Cryer. The freshman from Texas only averaged 6.3 ppg in his first season, but he will be helped by Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis and incoming freshman star Ja’Kobe Walter. I would expect the Bears to replicate as best they can the triumvirate at the guard position. 

21. Memphis

G: Jahvon Quinerly (8.7 ppg)

G: Caleb Mills (13.0 ppg)

G/F: David Jones (13.2 ppg)

F: DeAndre Williams (17.7 ppg)

F: Jordan Brown (19.3 ppg)

Key Bench Players: F Jonathan Pierre, G Jaykwon Walton, G Mikey Williams, G Elijah McCadden, F Nick Jourdain, F JJ Taylor, F Teafale Lenard, G Jayhlon Young

Key Additions: Jahvon Quinerly (Alabama), David Jones (St. John’s), Jordan Brown (Louisiana), Jaykwon Walton (Wichita St.), Caleb Mills (Florida St.), Nick Jourdain (Temple), Teafale Lenard (Middle Tennessee), Jayhlon Young (UCF), Fr. Mikey Williams, Fr. Carl Cherenfant, Fr. JJ Taylor, Fr. Ashton Hardaway, Fr. Ryan Forrest

Key Losses: Kendric Davis, Malcolm Dandridge, Keonte Kennedy, Alex Lomax, Chandler Lawson

MVP: DeAndre Williams

MIP: Jahvon Quinerly

Best Newcomer: Jordan Brown

Why Memphis?

The transfer portal. Well, you certainly can’t question Penny Hardaway’s ability to recruit. The former NBA All-Star has been hot as of late, landing two highly-touted transfers in Louisiana’s Jordan Brown and Alabama’s Jahvon Quinerly. Also, Hardaway has recently turned his prized adds into successful campaigns; last year, the Tigers defeated a future No. 1 seed – Houston – to capture the American Athletic Conference title. This frontcourt is arguably the most talented in the land, yet plenty hinges on the status of 26-year old senior DeAndre Williams (who will need an approved waiver to play in ’23-’24). Don’t forget about internet sensation and top-50 recruit Mikey Williams, either, a freshman who might grace the starting five when the season kicks off.

22. Saint Mary’s

G: Aidan Mahaney (13.9 ppg)

G: Augustas Marciulionis (5.9 ppg)

G: Alex Ducas (12.5 ppg)

F: Josh Jefferson (2.2 ppg)

C: Mitchell Saxen (11.6 ppg)

Key Bench Players: C Harry Wessels, G Luke Barrett, G Chris Howell, G Jordan Ross, C Andrew McKeever, F Mason Forbes

Key Additions: Fr. Jordan Ross, Fr. Andrew McKeever

Key Losses: Logan Johnson, Kyle Bowen, Matthew Van Komen

MVP: Aidan Mahaney

MIP: Josh Jefferson

Best Newcomer: Jordan Ross

Why Saint Mary’s? 

Consistency. The Gaels play a Virginia-esque style of basketball: slow, dictated tempo with a heightened emphasis on defensive possessions. Even with a lack of big names, Saint Mary’s has found a way to challenge Gonzaga year-in and year-out for WCC supremacy – having defeated the ‘Zags once last season and gained a share of the regular season title. Now, they’ll return three of five starters in 2023-24, with freshman Aidan Mahaney expected to have the backcourt all to himself after sharing it with veteran guard Logan Johnson. Bennett’s unit also features two seven-footers – Wessels and McKeever – who will provide big man depth behind the 6’11 Saxen. It’s time to consider Saint Mary’s a national juggernaut. 

23. San Diego State

G: Lamont Butler (8.8 ppg)

G: Micah Parrish (7.4 ppg)

G: Darrion Trammell (9.8 ppg)

G: Reese Dixon-Waters (9.8 ppg)

F: Jaedon LeDee (7.9 ppg)

Key Bench Players: F Elijah Saunders, F Demarshay Johnson, G BJ Davis, C Miles Heide, F Jay Pal

Key Additions: Reese Dixon-Waters (USC), Jay Pal (Campbell), Fr. BJ Davis, Fr. Miles Heide

Key Losses: Matt Bradley, Keshad Johnson, Nathan Mensah, Aguek Arop, Adam Seiko

MVP: Darrion Trammell

MIP: Elijah Saunders

Best Newcomer: Reese Dixon-Waters

Why San Diego State?

Defense, and they just made it to the national championship. The Aztecs will likely struggle in part from the losses of frontcourt mainstays Mensah and Johnson, yet a small-ball lineup featuring three returning guards alongside a talented Pac-12 transfer in Dixon-Waters can compensate. Even with New Mexico’s rise this offseason, I expect San Diego State to begin the season as the favorites to take the Mountain West. As long as Brian Dutcher maintains the Aztecs’ style of play – slow, grinding and defensively-oriented – they will be able to wear out teams along the way. It would be a crime not to have them in the top-25 after a historic season. 

24. UCLA

G: Dylan Andrews (3.3 ppg)

G: Ilane Fibleuil

G: Lazar Stefanovic (10.3 ppg)

F: Brandon Williams

C: Adem Bona (7.7 ppg)

MVP: Dylan Andrews

MIP: Dylan Andrews

Best Newcomer: Ilane Fibleuil

Key Bench Players: G Will McClendon, C Kenneth Nwuba, G Sebastian Mack, G Jan Vide, F Devin Williams

Key Additions: Lazar Stefanovic (Utah), Fr. Ilane Fibleuil, Fr. Sebastian Mack, Fr. Brandon Williams, Fr. Devin Williams, Fr. Jan Vide

Key Losses: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell, Jaylen Clark, Amari Bailey, David Singleton, Abramo Canka, Mac Etienne

Why UCLA?

Mick Cronin. Perhaps no other team in America is losing more than UCLA. The losses include a second-team All American, a PAC-12 DPOY recipient, a four-year starter at point guard and a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. A horrendous exodus on paper. Nonetheless, a new crop of Bruin talent will hopefully take the place of elders Jaquez and Campbell, while returners Andrews and Bona have to up their production in a loaded PAC-12 (in the upper tier, at least). It would be unwise to doubt Cronin, who has steered UCLA to at least the Sweet 16 in the past three seasons.

 25. Colorado

G: KJ Simpson (15.9 ppg)

G: J’Vonne Hadley (8.0 ppg)

F: Cody Williams

F: Tristan da Silva (15.9 ppg)

C: Eddie Lampkin (6.3 ppg)

Key Bench Players: G Julian Hammond III, G Luke O’Brien, C Assane Diop, G Javon Ruffin, F Courtney Anderson

Key Additions: Eddie Lampkin (TCU), Fr. Cody Williams, Fr. Assane Diop, Fr. Courtney Anderson, Fr. Bangot Dak

Key Losses: G Nique Clifford, C Lawson Lovering, G Ethan Wright, G Jalen Gabbidon

MVP: Tristan da Silva

MIP: Julian Hammond III

Best Newcomer: Cody Williams

Why Colorado?

No significant losses, and a rare five-star in Boulder. Even while finishing eighth in the Pac-12, the Buffaloes hung with UCLA twice, throttled Texas A&M and beat a strong Tennessee team by 12 on a neutral site. Now, Colorado returns star forward Tristan da Silva as well as point guard KJ Simpson, while they will welcome five-star freshman forward Cody Williams and big man Eddie Lampkin from TCU. This is arguably the best shot for Colorado to win the Pac-12 in recent memory. Consider Arizona and UCLA – who lost the bulk of their production to graduation or the draft – and Colorado and USC are now in position to be in position.

Next 5:

UNC

Kentucky

Virginia

TCU

St. John’s