School basketball rankings: The Prime 100 and 1 greatest gamers coming into the 2024-25 season

Star energy abounds in faculty basketball this season. We have got family names in spades led by vets RJ Davis at North Carolina and Hunter Dickinson at Kansas. We have got younger abilities in Cooper Flagg at Duke and a stellar duo within the Large Ten with Rutgers freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. And we have massive names in new and large locations through the portal — Nice Osobor at Washington, Oumar Ballo at Indiana amongst them — to high them off.

None, although, shine fairly as brilliant as Alabama’s Mark Sears.

Sears is the No. 1 participant in our annual Prime 100 and 1 participant rankings for the 2024-25 season as voted on by our CBS Sports activities panel of consultants. The CBS Sports activities Preseason Participant of the Yr is the face of a No. 2-ranked Alabama group that charged to the primary Closing 4 in class historical past final season. And now he is earned the respect, because the SEC’s main returning scorer to be voted as the very best participant within the sport coming into the season.

Is Flagg, the CBS Sports activities Preseason Freshman of the Yr, a greater NBA prospect than Sears? Unequivocally, sure. May RJ Davis or Hunter Dickinson put up higher counting stats? It is doable! However NBA potential or earlier accomplishments weren’t taken under consideration when compiling our rankings. Our checklist relies merely on who we expect would be the greatest gamers in faculty basketball this upcoming season. 

That is it.

In recent times, our checklist has been dominated by massive males who’ve accrued All-American stats however have not fairly had a surefire path to first-round NBA choose potential. That was evident final 12 months with Purdue’s Zach Edey and 4 different massive males making up the highest 5 in our 2023-24 Prime 100 And 1 rankings.

READ: Norlander’s Prime 100 And 1 groups for 2024-25

This 12 months, as you will see beneath, the financial system has modified. Sears, a diminutive guard listed at 6-foot-1, is consultant of a shift in stardom within the sport. Davis — listed at 6-foot — is No. 2. And guards like Braden Smith — additionally a 6-footer — assist make the highest 10.

Bigs are ever-present and scattered all through the rankings. So are forwards. However in a sport more and more targeted round guard play and outdoors scoring, they make up a number of the greatest and greatest names we foresee serving because the face of school basketball this season and maybe past.

Let’s get to our rankings as voted on by our panel of CBS Sports activities consultants made up of Gary Parrish, Matt Norlander, Kyle Boone, David Cobb, Cameron Salerno, Adam Finkelstein and Isaac Trotter.

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Graduate

Sears was terrific just about all of final season whereas averaging 21.5 factors, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists — however he actually took off within the NCAA Event and helped Alabama make the Closing 4 for the primary time in class historical past. In that 68-team occasion, the 6-1 guard averaged 24.2 factors whereas taking pictures 45.5% from past the arc and emerged as a official NBA prospect, which is among the many causes Sears initially made himself obtainable for the 2024 NBA Draft. 

He ultimately withdrew, although, and returned to Alabama, the place the Crimson Tide are actually the preseason favorites within the SEC and ranked second within the Related Press Prime 25 ballot. Sears can be surrounded this season by some new items after Aaron Estrada, Rylan Griffen and Nick Pringle left this system. However there’s nonetheless loads of expertise in place to make back-to-back journeys to the Closing 4 an affordable purpose for Nate Oats’ program. — Gary Parrish

2. RJ Davis | North Carolina

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Graduate

The one returning CBS Sports activities First Crew All-American, Davis was extremely regarded a 12 months in the past  — he ranked No. 19 on final 12 months’s checklist — then proceeded to outshine all expectations by placing up 21.2 factors, sinking 39.8% of his 3-point makes an attempt, grabbing 3.6 rebounds and dishing 3.5 assists. He’s North Carolina’s engine and the Tar Heels have Closing 4 hopes as a result of he opted to come back again. Davis has 2,088 factors to his title, rating fifth in North Carolina historical past. Tyler Hansbrough holds the all-time document at 2,872. 

Davis would want to log 35 video games and averaged 22.4 to catch him. He is acquired a shot. Davis can be this system’s all-time free-throw share chief (85.8%) and is the one participant in program historical past to notch 2,000 factors, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 three-pointers and 100 steals. His 113 treys final season set the Tar Heel document. Will he break it in 2025? A quintessentially nice faculty basketball participant. Large buckets, massive confidence, massive program, carried out all of it at one faculty. Straightforward to root for. — Matt Norlander

Place: Ahead | Yr: Freshman

Any time the consensus top-ranked highschool participant within the nation, who additionally doubles because the projected No. 1 general choose within the subsequent NBA Draft, enrolls at Duke, the eyes of the game will give attention to Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is strictly what’s occurred this preseason. Will Flagg reside as much as expectations and turn out to be the youngest Picket Award winner in faculty basketball historical past whereas serving to Jon Scheyer advance to his first Closing 4 as a coach? 

As all the time, we’ll see. However there is not any doubting that the 6-9 ahead from Maine is a generational expertise who can and does influence successful in a wide range of methods — from scoring to rebounding to passing and guarding. There’s actual substance behind the hype. His first high-profile sport can be Nov. 12 towards Kentucky within the Champions Traditional in Atlanta. — GP

Place: Middle | Yr: Senior

We had Large Kalk No. 5 a 12 months in the past on our preseason Prime 100 And 1 checklist. I anticipate him to be within the combine for nationwide participant of the 12 months, partly as a result of he is the almost definitely participant in our high 10 to even be within the combine for nationwide defensive participant of the 12 months. The three-time defensive POY within the Large East is the overwhelming favourite to try this once more, becoming a member of Patrick Ewing as the one man to ever do it. Kalkbrenner’s offense is claimed to have taken a bounce this offseason, which can be key to Creighton’s possibilities at holding on within the high 20 of the rankings. After averaging 17.3 factors, 7.6 rebounds and three.1 blocks, the very best massive within the Large East (and possibly, in the end, within the nation) is prepared for his best season in a university uniform. A separator: Kalkbrenner’s protection is so unimaginable as a result of he’s by no means in foul bother. Laborious to be that good and reliably be on the ground for almost 35 minutes per night time, however that is precisely what he does. — MN 

Place: Middle | Yr: Graduate

Dickinson has already scored 2,208 factors in his faculty profession and has an opportunity to turn out to be simply the twenty second participant in Division I males’s historical past to achieve 2,800 profession factors. Sure, if he will get there, it should have been carried out over the span of 5 seasons; most gamers, traditionally, solely get 4. However details are nonetheless details. And it is a proven fact that — barring harm, after all 00 Dickinson will possible go away Kansas with extra factors than all however about 20 or 30 males who’ve ever performed at this stage — and he may additionally go away with a nationwide championship if the Jayhawks reside as much as their preseason No. 1 rating within the AP ballot. To no matter diploma the 7-2 middle is likely to be a legal responsibility on the defensive finish, he offset it final season by averaging 17.9 factors and 10.9 rebounds in 32.2 minutes. Comparable numbers are anticipated once more this season. — GP 

Place: Ahead/Middle | Yr: Senior

We had been massive on Broome 12 months in the past (he was twenty ninth on our 2023 checklist) and determine he is a near-lock to wind up as a First-, Second- or Third-Crew All-American come March. He started his profession at Morehead State and spent the final two seasons adapting effectively within the SEC. Broome ranked third in KenPom’s participant of the 12 months algorithm on an Auburn group that completed No. 4 in that metric regardless of its first spherical NCAA loss to Yale. Now Broome (16.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.2 bpg) will shoulder a heavy load because the go-to possibility for Bruce Pearl. Auburn’s groups have been extra guard-reliant lately. Broome’s elevated position as a mid-range and deeper-range shooter ought to see him at his most dynamic. A 6-10, it would not be a shock if he averaged three 3-point makes an attempt per sport and shot higher than 30% consequently. — MN

Place: Ahead | Yr: Redshirt junior 

Karaban would’ve possible given UConn 5 choices within the 2024 NBA Draft had he remained in it — however the 6-8 ahead in the end determined to withdraw and return to high school, the place he’ll play a serious position in attempting to assist the Huskies turn out to be the primary males’s faculty basketball group to three-peat since UCLA did it in 1971, 1972 and 1973. Whereas Tristen Newton, Donovan Clingan and Stephon Fort acquired many of the consideration final season at UConn, it was Karaban who was probably the most environment friendly rotation participant, taking pictures 49.5% from the sector and 88.5% from the free-throw line. Thanks partly to a 14-point, eight-rebound effort in UConn’s 86-72 victory over Alabama within the Closing 4, Karaban averaged 13.3 factors and 5.1 rebounds in 31.4 minutes as a sophomore. All-America honors may very well be in his future. — GP

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Senior

Karaban and Sallis are the 2 highest-ranked gamers on our 2024 checklist who didn’t crack our 2023 rankings. We should always have seen it coming with Sallis, who’s the most recent Wake Forest switch to endure an enormous popularity shift because of Steve Forbes. Sallis was a five-star prospect who initially dedicated to Gonzaga. He was possibly probably the most gifted participant in faculty basketball final season who opted to come back again as an alternative of staying within the NBA Draft. 

Sallis (18.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 40.5 3-pt%) was a breakout participant in 2023-24. In 2024-25, he is a tempting darkish horse to be NPOY as a consequence of his insatiable work ethic and unwavering management. Sallis’ progress is an inspiring story for former blue-chip recruits who’ve discovered the school transition tougher than anticipated. The Demon Deacons have a whole lot of promising items round Sallis, however all indicators level to him being a stat monster on the primary Wake group to make the primary spherical of the NCAA Event since 2010. — MN

Place: Level guard | Yr: Junior

Smith is ready to turn out to be Purdue’s newest All-American and face of the group now that two-time Picket Award winner Zach Edey is off to the NBA and beginning for the Grizzlies. A 6-foot level guard, Smith has been named the Large Ten Preseason Participant of the Yr after averaging 12.0 factors, 7.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 34 minutes per sport final season. He additionally shot 43.1% from past the arc whereas taking part in off of Edey and helped the Boilermakers win their second straight Large Ten title and make the Closing 4 for the primary time since 1980. A 3rd straight Large Ten championship may very well be on faucet. If it occurs, Smith would enter his senior 12 months with an opportunity to depart Purdue as one of many winningest gamers in program historical past. — GP

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Senior

If Marquette’s going to maintain its top-15 standing, this is the man who can be liable for avoiding any discernible drop-off in Milwaukee. And in the event you suppose this rating is just too excessive, you are outing your self as a university hoops informal as a result of Jones is actually a recognized amount and has been a confirmed bucket-getter for a few years now. We had him fortieth in 2023, however now he is climbed excessive sufficient to get top-10 respect after a powerful junior-year marketing campaign. He led Marquette in scoring (17.2 ppg) and shot 40.6% from past the arc on 6.3 makes an attempt per sport. 

With Tyler Kolek now within the NBA, Jones’ outlook is spectacular for the season forward. The 6-5 taking pictures guard goes to have a inexperienced gentle on most nights. He is succesful as an off-the-ball distributor and is not allergic to chasing after a rebound both. It truthfully would not shock me if he had a few volcanic outputs this season and flirted with 40 factors. — MN

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Graduate

He is again for his fourth season at A&M after taking notable steps ahead in every of the earlier three. Final 12 months Taylor stuffed the stat sheet like few others in faculty basketball, however wasn’t all the time environment friendly doing it. The 2-time All-SEC guard will get the last word inexperienced gentle from Buzz Williams, however for A&M to enhance this 12 months he wants to keep up his manufacturing whereas bettering his 36% taking pictures from the ground and 32% from behind the arc. After all, surrounding him with extra floor-spacing, like CJ Wilcher, may assist. However it’s additionally value noting that A&M was the very best offensive rebounding group within the nation final 12 months, so generally Taylor’s photographs are pretty much as good as additional passes. — Finkelstein

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Fifth 12 months

As soon as a former five-star recruit, Love enters 2024-25 as a fifth-year senior and stabilizing drive for an Arizona group transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Large 12. He is coming off an All-American season with the Wildcats the place he averaged a career-high 18.0 factors and 4.8 rebounds, and may instantly be one of the crucial prolific producers within the Large 12. With each different top-five scorer apart from him on final 12 months’s roster not on this 12 months’s roster, he stands to be one of many highest-usage gamers in faculty hoops. — Boone

Place: Level guard | Yr: Junior

Lipsey has became the quintessential Iowa State star as he enters his junior season following a first-team All-Large 12 marketing campaign. The previous three-star prospect was an ignored native highschool expertise who jumped on the alternative to remain residence and go well with up for the Cyclones. He led the Large 12 in steals final season and was tops on the group in assists per sport at 4.9. The 6-1 combo guard additionally established himself as a 3-point menace throughout his sophomore marketing campaign as he helped information Iowa State to the Candy 16. — Cobb

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Graduate (Switch from Seton Corridor)

The No. 2-ranked participant within the CBS Sports activities switch portal rankings departed Seton Corridor after three seasons to play for Rick Pitino at St. John’s. Richmond averaged a career-high 15.7 factors final season however shot a career-low 27% from the 3-point line on 1.8 makes an attempt per night time. Richmond would be the point of interest of St. John’s offense and an anchor on protection, as he was Seton Corridor’s highest-rated defender per evanmiya.com. Richmond’s addition raises the ground and ceiling of St. John’s roster. — Salerno

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Senior (Switch from Utah State)

Danny Sprinkle is bringing Osobor with him once more to a brand new job. This time, with far more fanfare and a complete lot extra NIL cash. Osobor was the most effective small-ball facilities within the portal who places a great deal of strain on the rim and rated eighth nationally with a Zach Edey-like, 77.3 free-throw fee, per KenPom. Osobor was one of many high post-up scorers within the nation final 12 months, however his fluid deal with and picturesque playmaking is so important. His rise from Montana State to Utah State to the Large Ten is already unimaginable, but when he shoots it higher from downtown, Osobor’s ceiling is even larger. — Trotter

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Graduate

Cryer started his faculty profession at Baylor, the place he performed a small position on Scott Drew’s nationwide championship-winning group in 2021 earlier than growing right into a double-digit scorer the next season. As a junior, he averaged 15.0 factors for Baylor after which transferred to Houston and emerged because the main scorer on a squad that received the Large 12 by two video games and secured a No. 1 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Now, Cryer is again for a fifth season of school basketball after averaging 15.5 factors as a senior. He additionally shot 38.8% from 3-point vary final season. And his return — together with the persevering with presence of future Corridor of Fame coach Kelvin Sampson, after all — is the principle motive Houston is ranked within the high 5 of the preseason AP Prime 25 ballot for the third straight October. — GP

Place: Level guard | Yr: Freshman

Ron Harper Jr. graduated in 2022 as the most effective gamers in Rutgers historical past. His youthful brother has an opportunity to hitch him on the desk in one-fourth the time if all goes effectively. Dylan Harper can be working level for RU in probably the most anticipated season of Rutgers basketball … ever? Yeah, let’s go along with ever. Whereas Rutgers is not anticipated to be top-five within the Large Ten, it’s anticipated to be ok to make the NCAA Event and to be as watchable as ever. That begins with Harper and extends to Ace Bailey (you will not should scroll far to get to him). NBA sources who’ve seen Harper within the preseason are raving about his physique and fast adaptability to the school sport. Our expectation is he winds up as a top-three freshman within the nation. — MN

Place: Middle | Yr: Redshirt senior

A two-time All-Pac-12 First Crew choice, Ballo was one of many greatest prizes available out of the switch portal final spring. He’s basically a strolling double-double, who averaged 13 factors and 10 rebounds final 12 months, all whereas ending with the best area purpose share in Arizona program historical past. A serious bodily presence on each ends of the ground, he is an emphatic finisher offensively who thrives when he can get deep post-ups or roll to the entrance of the rim. The most important query at Indiana, is what sort of spacing they will have the ability to encompass him with alongside Malik Reneau and for a program with a notable historical past of not taking many threes beneath Mike Woodson. — AF

Place: Wing | Yr: Sophomore

From unheralded recruit to SEC All-Freshman performer to family title very quickly. Murray-Boyles was a revelation for South Carolina final season the place he averaged 10.4 factors and 5.7 rebounds. He ought to be a recognized commodity now on the high of scouting experiences after his sudden star flip in 12 months one with the Gamecocks. With a robust physique and candy ft, his scoring contained in the paint ought to assist open teammates up round him and make him the centrifugal drive round which South Carolina’s offense operates. — KB

Place: Ahead/Middle | Yr: Senior (Switch from Indiana State)

Avila grew to become a university basketball cult hero final season whereas main Indiana State to a 32-7 document and look within the NIT title sport. The bespectacled surprise averaged 17.4 factors and 6.6 rebounds whereas stretching the ground with 39.4% 3-point taking pictures. However the 6-10 junior does most of his injury on the inside as a profession 63.4% shooter contained in the arc. Now he follows coach Josh Schertz from the Missouri Valley to the Atlantic 10 with hopes of revitalizing a program that completed 13-20 final season. — DC

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Senior

The previous Iona standout will play his second season at Florida after averaging a team-high 17.6 ppg final season. Clayton’s most notable efficiency got here within the NCAA Event, the place he dropped 33 factors in a loss to Colorado. With fellow guard Zyon Pullin off to the NBA, he ought to as soon as once more end as Florida’s main scorer and problem for a spot on the All-America group. — CS

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Senior

No 5-man is a greater shooter than Dixon. The Villanova staple splashed 55 treys final season at a 35% clip, and he is a menace in pick-and-pop eventualities. However Dixon is the full package deal offensively. He is an elite post-up weapon who additionally makes his free throws (86% final season). Dixon has scored at the very least 11 factors in 16 video games in a row. That streak goes to maintain buzzing for some time. — IT

Place: Wing | Yr: Senior

Windfall was 11-2 when Hopkins suffered a torn ACL final January. Identical to that, his season was over. Identical to that, the Friars’ season acquired troublesome. They went 10-12 the remainder of the way in which, missed the NCAA Event and misplaced within the first spherical of the NIT. Hopkins is predicted to return to the court docket this season — however precisely when stays unclear. He nonetheless is not going full-speed after averaging greater than 15 factors in every of the previous two seasons. Backside line, Hopkins’ absence will once more be felt till he is wholesome sufficient to play and contribute. However it ought to be famous that Windfall will not play a ranked group till at the very least Nov. 28, when the Friars may meet Arizona on the second day of the Battle 4 Atlantis. — GP

24. Ace Bailey | Rutgers

Place: Wing | Yr: Freshman

The highlights already popping out of Piscataway point out Bailey is the whole lot he is been hyped as much as be from an athleticism standpoint. You may make a case for Bailey (the No. 2 participant within the 2024 class) to be higher than Harper (No. 3) if the whole lot comes collectively and he’s environment friendly as a three-level scorer. Both manner, the projected top-five choose has helped energize a program that has been sorely missing on offense. Rutgers was 298 (!) in adjusted offensive effectivity final season. This system hasn’t ranked top-60 at KenPom since 2006. Bailey taking part in an influence wing position goes to make the Scarlet Knights must-watch. — MN 

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Freshman

Edgecombe was the most effective highschool basketball gamers within the nation this 12 months, and tasks as each one in every of faculty basketball’s high freshmen and a really possible one-and-done candidate. He’s a very elite athlete who can stand up with explosiveness and energy alike. He is at his greatest when he can assault downhill, but additionally a recognized competitor on the defensive finish of the ground. His guard expertise are nonetheless a little bit of a piece in progress, however they’ve made regular strides lately. He is additionally in a really perfect scenario the place he is surrounded by veterans on all sides who will simplify the video games for him. — AF

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Senior

Nembhard put up profession numbers as a creator and scorer final season in his first with Gonzaga. He quarterbacked a top-five offense that propelled the Bulldogs to 27 wins and within the course of was top-20 in turnover fee and top-10 in efficient area purpose share. He’ll once more be a constructing block for the Zags as they enter the season as the very best group on the west coast and the heavy favourite within the WCC. — KB

Place: Ahead | Yr: Senior (Switch from Illinois)

After being solid as a small-ball middle in the course of the remaining two seasons of his four-year run at Illinois, Hawkins is in line to play as a wing for Kansas State in his remaining season of eligibility. That can give the 6-10 California native a possibility to flash extra versatility on each ends after he earned second-team All-Large Ten honors for the Illini final season. Hawkins upped his 3-point taking pictures mark to 36.9% within the 2023-24 marketing campaign and can be a pivotal a part of Kansas State’s effort to return to the NCAA Event. — DC

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Graduate

Grant-Foster is among the greatest mid-major gamers within the sport. He bypassed the 2024 NBA Draft to return to high school and can have a possibility to lift his draft inventory after averaging 20.1 factors and 6.1 rebounds in his first season with the Lopes. GCU is searching for its fourth NCAA Event look within the final 5 seasons and Grant-Foster’s return to high school ought to bolster these possibilities. ” — CS

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Junior

There is a world the place Thornton is the very best guard within the Large Ten this season. The junior level guard is hard, bodily, dependable and sturdy. He flirted with a four-to-one, assist-to-turnover ratio final season whereas doubling as the most effective midrange shooters within the nation. Oh, and he splashed 38% of his 87 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and transformed 65% of his photographs on the rim. Jake Diebler’s insistence on taking part in quicker and prioritizing transition ought to unlock extra possibilities for Thornton to shine. — IT

Place: Small ahead | Yr: Senior 

Sandfort spent final season taking part in for a group that solely went 10-10 within the Large Ten earlier than failing to advance to the NCAA Event. So his breakthrough season was a little bit off of the radar. However the 6-8 senior did common 16.4 factors, 6.6 rebounds and a couple of.7 assists final season whereas making almost 38% of the 7.3 3-pointers he tried per contest. CBS Sports activities Bracketology Skilled Jerry Palm doesn’t at the moment have Iowa projected to make the 2025 NCAA Event. If the Hawkeyes are to show him unsuitable, Sandfort will possible have to carry out at an All-American stage. — GP

Place: Level guard | Yr: Fifth 12 months (Switch from Duke)

Previous to his remaining season at Duke, we slotted Roach thirty third. He is now at 31. Is he being underrated? We’re of the assumption he has a shot to be one of many 10 greatest gamers within the Large 12 and can show important to Baylor’s hopes to vie for the league title. Roach was good for 14.0 factors, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and shot 42.9% from 3-point vary. All of these marked career-bests. Reviews out of Waco, Texas, point out he can up these numbers in his remaining tour of school hoops. Scott Drew will want him to persistently display veteran experience to maintain up within the ultra-difficult Large 12. — MN

32. Dajuan Harris Jr. | Kansas

Place: Level guard | Yr: Graduate

Harris is a throwback type pure level guard who’s now again in Lawrence for his fifth straight season, giving Invoice Self one of the crucial dependable resolution makers and ground generals in all of school basketball. He is not going to wow you along with his particular person offense, however he recurrently hovers round a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and has blossomed right into a dependable, albeit selective, spot-up shooter. Together with being one of many premier distributors within the nation, Harris can be the tip of the spear on the defensive finish along with his potential to generate steals and drive turnovers, all inside the context of executing the scouts report. The underside line is that he is arguably probably the most dependable, team-first level guard within the nation. — AF

Place: Wing | Yr: Graduate (Switch from BYU)

Mark Pope introduced with him a flamethrower from BYU to Kentucky in his bounce from the Cougars to the ‘Cats in Robinson, who final season received Large 12 Sixth Man of the Yr after taking pictures 35.4% from 3-point vary and averaging 14.2 factors. He steps into a brand new scenario in Lexington the place he’ll be known as upon as a go-to scoring possibility in an offensive system that performs to his strengths emphasizing his expertise as a shooter and spacer. There can be loads of co-stars in UK’s system this season given the prioritization of spacing and sharing however he ought to be the main candidate to profit most. — KB

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior (Switch from Wisconsin)

Storr blossomed right into a productive bucket-getter for Wisconsin in 2023-24, averaging a team-high 16.8 factors for the Badgers after spending his freshman season at St. John’s. Now on his third faculty, the 6-7 wing will possible play an identical position for the Jayhawks, who misplaced second-round NBA Draft picks Kevin McCullar and Johnny Furphy on the wing. Storr’s dimension and ball-handling make him a three-level scorer and a possible all-conference performer. — DC 

35. Cliff Omuruyi | Alabama

Place: Middle | Yr: Graduate (Switch from Rutgers)

Omoruyi is among the best-shot blockers in faculty basketball. After averaging 2.9 blocks final season at Rutgers, he hit the switch portal and joined an Alabama group with nationwide championship aspirations. Omoruyi ought to elevate the ceiling and ground of Alabama’s protection, which ranked close to the underside amongst all Division l groups in scoring protection — CS

36. Vlad Goldin | Michigan

Place: Middle | Yr: Senior (Switch from FAU)

Dusty Might didn’t get his whole Florida Atlantic band to comply with him to Michigan, however he did get possibly a very powerful one. Goldin generally is a double-double machine. He is an entire monster within the paint who tries to dunk the whole lot in sight, however his improved mobility and contact across the basket has helped him turn out to be a a lot better goal within the ball-screen sport. Goldin shouldn’t be some Nikola Jokic-like distributor, however he is a prepared passer. Oh, and he anchored a FAU protection that was elite with him on the ground on its solution to the 2022 Closing 4. It is exhausting to ascertain Goldin not being extremely productive in Ann Arbor. — IT

Place: Ahead | Yr: Graduate

Nelson shouldn’t be the CBS Sports activities Preseason Participant of the Yr. That is his teammate, Sears. But when Alabama makes back-to-back Closing Fours, and even wins this system’s first nationwide championship, Nelson figures to be a giant a part of it after averaging 11.9 factors and 5.9 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per sport. An space of concern for Nelson, particularly in Alabama’s offense, is the truth that the 6-11 ahead solely shot 27.3% from 3-point vary final season. That is not nice. However the wager right here is that he improves on that this time round. — GP

Place: Wing | Yr: Sophomore (Switch from New Mexico)

The sophomore wing was a dynamic presence on a New Mexico group that received 26 video games for the primary time in a decade. Toppin opted to move to the high-major ranks, the place he is anticipated to be the most effective energy wings within the Large 12. He averaged 12.4 factors, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks as a Lobo. His shot choice contained in the arc is commonly opportunistic. We love his prospects taking part in for Grant McCasland in Lubbock. — MN

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Sophomore

A former three-star recruit, Hubbard exceeded all expectations for Mississippi State final 12 months as a freshman and led them again to the NCAA Event within the course of. This 12 months, he is acquired much more assist round him as Chris Jans and his workers welcome eight new gamers, together with 5 out of the portal – all of whom are anticipated to make fast contributions. Hubbard remains to be anticipated to be the face of this system although and with a lot of discuss opening the ground on the offensive finish, this undersized lead guard with a bulldog construct and deep taking pictures vary is once more anticipated to be the most effective guards, and gamers, within the SEC. — AF

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior

A uncommon five-year participant who began and can end his profession on the identical faculty, Murrell has made incremental enhancements every year at Ole Miss and has blossomed right into a star beneath coach Chris Beard. He is coming off a career-best season the place he averaged 16.2 factors and earned All-SEC honors, and he’ll be the explanation the Rebels are again within the NCAA Event for the primary time since 2019. Guide it. — KB

Place: Ahead | Yr: Senior

Degenhart is the Mountain West’s main returning scorer after averaging 16.7 factors on 50.3% taking pictures for a Boise State group that reached the NCAA Event. The 6-8 ahead is a troublesome matchup for opponents as he is each bodily and perimeter-savvy. He additionally rated because the group’s high defender final season, per evanmiya.com, and is poised to contend for Mountain West Participant of the Yr honors. — DC

Place: Level guard | Yr: Graduate

The previous VCU star is in his second season with the Nittany Lions. Baldwin averaged a career-high 14.2 factors and 6.0 assists final season. Penn State has solely been to the NCAA Event thrice this century, and getting again to the Large Dance can be predicated on Baldwin taking one other leap. — CS

Place: Level guard | Yr: Sophomore (Switch from Washington State)

Rice beat most cancers and he beats nearly each defender off the bounce, too. The Washington State switch is a jitterbug with the ball in his palms. His explosive first step ought to be the life raft that Indiana’s pitiful pick-and-roll offense desperately wanted. Rice is a strolling paint contact who shot over 61% on the rim whereas bringing it on the defensive finish. Rice, merely, refuses to get screened. That is a ability. Oumar Ballo is ranked larger, however Rice is Indiana’s most necessary addition. — IT

Place: Level guard | Yr: Junior

After touchdown at No. 14 on this checklist a 12 months in the past, Proctor has fallen into the 40s following a disappointing sophomore season by which he did not make the statistical bounce most anticipated. The 6-6 guard ended up averaging 10.5 factors whereas taking pictures simply 35.2% from 3 on 5.2 makes an attempt per contest. And, sadly for the Blue Devils, his final efficiency of the season was his worst — particularly a 0-for-9 effort from the sector in Duke’s 76-64 loss to North Carolina State within the Elite Eight. That was tough stuff, particularly contemplating it helped raise an in-state rival to its first Closing 4 since 1983. However Proctor was clever sufficient to return to high school to additional develop, and the hope across the Duke program is that the breakthrough 12 months many predicted final season will merely be one 12 months late. — GP

45. Dawson Garcia | Minnesota

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Senior

Credit score to Garcia, who opted to stay with Minnesota even after watching a whole lot of his teammates hit the portal for large pay days. Now, Garcia is actually getting some well-deserved NIL advantages, however he’ll be the principle present on a group projected effectively into the underside half of the Large Ten. After averaging 17.6 factors and 6.7 rebounds a season in the past, Garcia ought to have his best 12 months on this his fifth and remaining season that included earlier stops at Marquette and North Carolina. — MN

Place: Small ahead | Yr: Freshman

There are few extra naturally gifted freshmen within the nation. There are even fewer who discovered a greater match than McNeeley did with the Huskies. A extremely expert, and equally cerebral, massive wing, McNeeley is predicted to start out on the wing and be an offensive point of interest from Day 1 for UConn. He’ll comply with within the footsteps of Jordan Hawkins and Cam Spencer along with his shot-making from lengthy vary, however he is removed from one-dimensional and capable of be a scoring menace at a number of ranges due to his really feel for the sport. The important thing can be assembly Dan Hurley’s excessive requirements on the defensive finish of the ground. — AF

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Redshirt senior

Watkins is a late bloomer who started his profession at VCU as a rotation piece and developed right into a beginning star at Florida State final season upon transferring. He is now in his second 12 months with the Seminoles and not an unknown, as he returns as one of many main returning scorers and rebounders within the ACC from final season. There’s a whole lot of new items round him after Leonard Hamilton rebuilt the roster within the offseason, however he stays in place – and he is the explanation for optimism FSU can rebound after a 17-16 marketing campaign. — KB

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Freshman

Reviews on Knueppel out of Duke’s preseason observe point out the 6-7 wing is in for a powerful freshman marketing campaign; he is firmly on the radar of NBA scouts. The Wisconsin native was a five-star prospect lauded for his sturdy offensive sport, and his ability ought to translate shortly. Whereas his exterior taking pictures is the headline attraction, Knueppel’s dimension, protection and ball-handling potential guarantee he will not be pigeon-holed as a only a shooter. — DC

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Graduate senior (Switch from FAU)

The headliner of John Calipari’s switch portal class was Davis. The previous FAU star ranked because the No. 1 participant within the CBS Sports activities rransfer rankings and was the 2023-24 AAC co-Participant of the Yr. He ought to present Calipari’s new-look roster with loads of scoring after averaging 18.2 factors final season. — CS

Place: Wing | Yr: Senior (Switch from Drake)

The DeVries Household Enterprise has relocated from Drake to West Virginia, however the identical nice service is on faucet. DeVries is slated to be the most effective wings within the nation. He is 6-7 with a flamethrower for a jumper. DeVries is an all-around star who passes it effectively, rebounds at a excessive stage, guards as much as the usual and will get to the charity stripe left and proper. If West Virginia wins sufficient video games, DeVries may make a run at Large 12 Participant of the Yr.  — IT

51. Zakai Zeigler | Tennessee

Place: Level guard | Yr: Senior

Zeigler is the main returning scorer for a Tennessee program that is made six straight NCAA Tournaments beneath Rick Barnes. He averaged 11.8 factors and 6.1 assists final season in his first 12 months after recovering from ACL surgical procedure. The 5-9 guard is among the many causes UT is not anticipated to slide a lot even with the departure of Dalton Knecht to the Lakers. — GP

Place: Ahead/Middle | Yr: Redshirt senior

We believed in Ike’s influence final season, after we put him eightieth. Now he is actually going to be a focus for Mark Few’s system as the person within the center. The 6-9 senior is coming off averages of 17.5 factors, 7.4 rebounds and 60.9% from the sector. When working at full capability, he is a load. This can be his greatest season as a university participant, and it is why we have bumped him up for 2024-25. — MN

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Sophomore

Shelstad lived as much as his billing as one of many high 30 prospects in final 12 months’s freshman class, beginning 30 of 32 video games for the Geese and being named to each the Pac-12 All-Freshman and All-Event groups. This season, he is extensively anticipated to take one other step ahead and be the tip of the spear for an Oregon group that might very effectively be among the many contenders within the new-look Large Ten. What he might lack in sheer dimension he compensates for with ability, quickness and a aggressive edge that resonates to everybody within the health club. — AF

Place: Ahead/Middle | Yr: Fifth 12 months (Switch from Miami)

Omier put up massive numbers at Miami – after doing the identical at Arkansas State beforehand – and is coming into a brand new scenario at Baylor this season. He is averaged a double-double in scoring and rebounding yearly in his faculty profession and can be wanted – and anticipated – to supply equally after the Bears misplaced Yves Missi and Jalen Bridges. — KB

55. J’Wan Roberts | Houston

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Graduate

Roberts is a rugged inside participant who embodies the toughness which has made Houston an elite program beneath Kelvin Sampson. The fifth-year ahead averaged 9.5 factors and 6.8 rebounds final season for the Large 12 champions and can be a tone-setter for a group with national-title aspirations. — DC

Place: Ahead | Yr: Junior (Switch from Duke)

Missouri’s 2023-24 season was a catastrophe, as this system completed 0-18 in SEC play. Mitchell is the headliner of Missouri’s new-look roster, and the previous Duke standout ought to do some little bit of the whole lot to assist the Tigers get again on monitor. — CS

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior (Switch from Miami)

Pack shot a career-worst 35% from 3-point vary final 12 months. Take into consideration how absurd that’s. Count on a giant bounce-back for a much-improved Miami membership with Pack main the cost. The sharpshooting lead guard goes to get again to his 40% neighborhood in a rush, and you continue to have to protect him from the second he shimmies throughout halfcourt. — IT

58. KJ Adams Jr. | Kansas

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Senior

Adams is one in every of 4 Jayhawks on this checklist after averaging 12.6 factors and 4.6 rebounds in 33.4 minutes final season. He is not the stretch-4 many coaches want today. However the 6-7 ahead has began 68 video games over the previous two seasons and is a dependable piece that has Kansas among the many favorites to win the 2025 NCAA Event. — GP

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Graduate senior (Switch from Miami)

Aidoo spent his first three seasons rising into the most effective paint defenders and rim custodians whereas at Tennessee. Now Aidoo is more likely to be the spine of Arkansas’ protection in its first 12 months beneath John Calipari. He averaged 11.4 factors, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a season in the past. These numbers, alongside along with his minutes common, ought to enhance with the Razorbacks. — MN 

Place: Level guard | Yr: Senior

St. John’s can be Smith’s fourth faculty in 5 years, however hopes are excessive within the Bronx as Rick Pitino has already in contrast him to each Terry Rozier and Peyton Siva. He is an electrical lead guard with a ton of tempo who was a triple-double menace final 12 months at Utah and may thrive when the Johnnies are capable of push the tempo. — AF

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Fifth 12 months (Switch from North Florida)

Tennessee and Rick Barnes struck gold with a mid-major switch final 12 months in Dalton Knecht, who got here from the mid-major ranks at Northern Colorado and was the very best participant within the SEC in his first and solely season with the Vols. Lanier is the following mid-major acquisition for the Vols and a star-in-waiting after ending second amongst all ASUN gamers final season in factors. Subsequent to Zakai Zeigler, his job as a shot-maker can be made simpler in Knoxville and he ought to flourish as a possible No. 1 possibility. — KB

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior

Gilbert led Iowa State in scoring at 13.7 factors final season in his first 12 months with this system after transferring in from UNLV. He averaged 16 factors, 5 assists and three.7 steals whereas taking pictures 50% from 3-point vary in the course of the Cyclones’ run to the Large 12 Event title. The 6-4 combo guard is a two-way terror. — DC

Place: Small ahead | Yr: Junior

Reneau is Indiana’s returning main scorer from final season and may as soon as once more play an important position within the frontcourt for coach Mike Woodson in Bloomington. Reneau averaged 15.4 factors, 6.0 rebounds and a couple of.7 assists on 55.8% taking pictures from the ground. — CS

Place: Combo guard | Yr: Sophomore

Burton was the highest-scoring, true freshman final 12 months within the nation for an undermanned Notre Dame membership which requested him to do, effectively, the whole lot. Notre Dame added reinforcements, crushed it with retention and plans to play manner quicker. Burton’s buckets will nonetheless be there, however do not be stunned if he leads the ACC in assists. — IT

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Senior

Possibly the very best participant within the A-10 this 12 months, Reynolds is a prolific shot-maker and scorer within the backcourt for Billy Lange. Reynolds has seen his supporting solid enhance with every passing 12 months within the Metropolis of Brotherly Love and groups with sophomore level guard Xzayvier Brown to make arguably the league’s greatest backcourt this 12 months. — AF

Place: Combo ahead | Yr: Fifth 12 months

The anchor of an Oakland group that kicked Kentucky to the curb within the first spherical of the NCAA Event, Townsend is among the new and brilliant faces of an Arizona group remade through the switch portal by coach Tommy Lloyd this season. The 6-6 combo ahead has grown right into a star scorer and can be relied upon as a key spacer and outdoors shooter with the Wildcats. — KB

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior

Isaacs led Texas Tech in scoring as a sophomore with 15.8 factors and may have ample alternative to function a scoring engine for his new program. With expert perimeter stars Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman departed, Isaacs figures to have the ball in his palms typically. — DC

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Senior

Reese almost averaged a double-double (13.7 factors and 9.5 rebounds) final season in School Park. With five-star middle Derik Queen coming into this system, these two ought to present a pleasant 1-2 punch within the frontcourt. — CS

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior (Switch from South Florida)

As soon as he will get wholesome, Youngblood will get again to balling. The South Florida switch is an utter deadeye from downtown who additionally owns a silky-smooth pull-up jumper. Youngblood-to-Alabama was the most effective suits within the switch portal cycle. — IT

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Junior

He had such a breakout sophomore 12 months that he performed his manner onto the NBA Draft radar. Following the season, he not solely stated no to the draft, but additionally to the switch portal. Now, he is as dynamic a participant as there’s within the Ivy League, with an exceptionally versatile ground sport after placing up 17.1 factors, 5.7 boards, and three.7 assists as a sophomore. — AF

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Graduate Arkansas

Mark started his profession at Houston and can finish it at Texas after a one-year pit-stop at Arkansas in between. He put up a career-high 16.2 factors per sport final season with the Razorbacks and involves Rodney Terry’s Texas group that should exchange outgoing manufacturing misplaced by Max Abmas and Tyrese Hunter within the backcourt.  — KB

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior (Switch from Xavier)

Claude received the Large East’s Most Improved Participant award as a sophomore at Xavier whereas averaging 16.6 factors for the Musketeers. The 6-6 guard performs with unconventional physicality, doing most of his work contained in the arc. He is anticipated to be one of many offensive hubs for USC because the Trojans reboot beneath Eric Musselman. — DC

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior (Switch from Indiana State)

Conwell averaged 16.6 factors, 5.8 rebounds and a couple of.5 assists for Josh Schertz at Indiana State final season. Conwell ought to have a possibility to step right into a beginning position straight away at his new faculty. — CS

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior (Switch from Saint Mary’s) 

Mahaney shot 38% on his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers as a sophomore and 46% as a freshman. Per Synergy, no high-major group generated the next share of open catch-and-shoot 3-pointers final season than … UConn. So yeah, this switch portal marriage might be going to work out actually, very well for each side. — IT

Place: Wing | Yr: Junior

The 6-6 ahead performs a lot larger than his listed dimension. He is bodily sturdy, a double-double menace each time he steps on the ground, 46% 3-point shooter, and a excessive IQ participant on each ends of the ground. He might not essentially be an offensive alpha or dynamic athlete, however he is a job participant extraordinaire. — AF

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Graduate

A foot harm in March 2023 stored Freemantle – one of the crucial productive bigs within the Large East – out for all of final season. Now wholesome, his presence ought to raise the Musketeers again into NCAA Event high quality. He was high 10 amongst all Large East gamers in his remaining season previous to harm in each scoring and rebounding. — KB

Place: Middle | Yr: Senior

After biding his time for 3 seasons in Storrs amid accidents and a logjam of expertise round him, Johnson is now poised to shine. The 6-10 senior is a good shot blocker, an environment friendly scorer across the rim and a veteran chief for a UConn program that’s searching for a nationwide title three-peat. — DC

Place: Level guard | Yr: Sophomore

With Bub Carrington off to the NBA, Lowe will get his probability to run the present as Pitt’s start line guard. Lowe averaged 9.6 factors, 3.3 assists and a couple of.8 rebounds in 19 begins final season. All of these numbers will go up with him as a full-time starter. — CS

Place: Small ahead | Yr: Sophomore

Momcilovic is Iowa State’s greatest offensive participant. He is armed with a feathery, fadeaway jumper that’s computerized from the midrange, and he is a deadeye shooter each in catch-and-shoots and on the transfer. The 6-8 sophomore can increase his arsenal much more in Yr 2. — IT

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Redshirt junior

He made a notable bounce final 12 months as a sophomore, shifting into the beginning line-up, and doubling his level manufacturing as one of many group’s high 3-point shooters. With out Jamal Shead, he may very well be requested to take one other step on each ends, diversifying his offensive sport and being a lead playmaker in Houston’s strain protection. — AF

Place: Level guard | Yr: Junior

An enormous title who may’ve transferred up however as an alternative remained loyal at New Mexico, Dent is among the greatest gamers within the Mountain West on a Lobos group that might problem for the highest spot within the league. He averaged a career-best 14.1 factors and 5.4 assists as a sophomore final season. — KB

Place: Small ahead | Yr: Junior

Pierce is the reigning Ivy League Participant of the Yr after averaging 16.6 factors, 9.2 rebounds and three.2 assists for Princeton. Although he is simply 6-7, Pierce operates successfully out of the put up whereas additionally bringing loads of perimeter pop to an Ivy League energy. — DC

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Sophomore

Foster has an opportunity to turn out to be a breakout star for Duke. Foster performed a key reserve position final season for the Blue Devils and ought to be in competition alongside Tulane switch Sion James to start out at SG subsequent to Tyrese Proctor. — CS

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Freshman

Miami’s backcourt has main juice if Bethea, arguably one of many high shooters within the 2024 recruiting class, is a giant hit. The five-star freshman desires to take one million treys and Miami’s system will let him cook dinner. — IT

85. Elliot Cadeau | North Carolina

Place: Level guard | Yr: Sophomore

Whereas his freshman season did not essentially reside as much as expectations, North Carolina was a greater group when he was on the ground, and his presence undoubtedly made the sport simpler for RJ Davis. This 12 months, it seems like Hubert Davis is anticipating a big bounce-back from what was beforehand one of highschool basketball’s greatest level guards. — AF

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Freshman

There is a situation by which we wind up having this potential NBA Draft lottery choose 50 spots too low. Whispers out of Champaign point out that Jackucionis could also be an prompt hit for the Illini in his first season. Brad Underwood and his workers want to exchange what they misplaced on offense in Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask, which will not be simple, however Jackucionis’ potential to create and rating may assist reduce the blow of their losses. — KB

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Sophomore 

Mgbako received Large Ten Rookie of the Yr honors after averaging 12.2 factors and 4.1 rebounds. The previous five-star prospect nonetheless has loads of room to extend his effectivity and will blossom into one of many Large Ten’s high gamers. — DC

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior

Andrews completed as UCLA’s main scorer (12.9 ppg) final season and is again for extra. With the Bruins coming into a brand new period as a member of the Large Ten, this system can be counting on one other bounce from Andrews to remain in competition for a convention title. — CS

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior

Shulga is the headliner of a VCU backcourt that’s manner higher than loads of Energy 5 groups. The 6-5 guard splashed 41% of his 3-pointers final 12 months, and he’ll flirt with triple-doubles. Shulga is a baller. — IT

Place: Level guard | Yr: Junior

Expectations had been sky excessive for Boswell going into final season at Arizona. He delivered a strong sophomore marketing campaign, however not fairly what he or this system was anticipating. This 12 months, the facility guard can have an opportunity at a recent begin for an Illinois program that wants him to be the very best model of himself. — AF

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Graduate

Hunter is a sixth-year senior and returning star of a Clemson group that made simply its second-ever Elite Eight journey in program historical past final season. He averaged a team-high 17.8 factors and 5.8 assists per sport throughout March Insanity, and was the most effective gamers within the ACC down the stretch run of the season. — KB

Place: Small ahead | Yr: Junior

No single participant can fill the sneakers of Zach Edey. However Kaufman-Renn ought to see a big uptick in offensive alternatives amid Edey’s departure. The 6-9 junior began all 39 video games final season and can slide right into a larger position because the Boilermakers start a brand new period. — DC

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Junior

Loyer has performed (and began) all 74 video games in his Purdue profession. With Zach Edey off to the NBA, the scoring burden will fall on him and his backcourt teammate Braden Smith. Loyer may very well be Purdue’s X-Consider making one other deep run within the NCAA Event. — CS

94. Jaden Akins | Michigan State

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Senior

Akins performed a secondary position as a 3-and-D menace for the previous three seasons, nevertheless it’s time for him to turn out to be a go-to participant. Tom Izzo has raved about Akins’ preparation, mentality and make-up. The explosive lefty’s time is now. — IT

95. Tyrese Hunter | Memphis

Place: Level guard | Yr: Senior

Hunter averaged double figures throughout all three of his seasons within the Large 12, first with Iowa State after which with Texas for the previous two years. He is an amazing athlete and potential lockdown defender who ought to be one of many high abilities within the AAC. — DC

96. Dedan Thomas | UNLV

Place: Lead guard | Yr: Sophomore

Thomas can rating from all three ranges, however the 6-1 level guard is a blinding playmaker who utterly orchestrates the whole lot and has the ball on a string. Thomas tallied a terrific 2.5-to-1, assist-to-turnover ratio and will flirt with 30-pieces. It will not shock anybody if Thomas is the Mountain West Participant of the Yr. — IT

97. Sean Pedulla | Ole Miss

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior (Switch from Virginia Tech)

Pedulla is a switch from Virginia Tech who averaged 16.4 factors, 4.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds final season. The 6-1 guard solely shot 32.5% from 3-point vary in his remaining season with the Hokies, which is not nice. However that quantity is deceptive relative to his profession common. — GP

Place: Level guard | Yr: Junior

The ultimate spots on this checklist are all the time reserved for every of us to submit our write-in selection. Mine is all too simple; I had Bradley within the high 40 of my rankings. The 2023-24 stat line was pedestrian (7.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg), however I’m right here to vow you that this Arizona junior guard goes to be one in every of THE breakout gamers within the sport. Bradley has solely taken 50 3-pointers in his profession however is a 40% shooter from deep. He’ll be the most effective on-ball defenders within the nation and complement Caleb Love’s offensive output superbly. Arizona is usually pretty stacked once more; Bradley is the man who will be the linchpin to a Closing 4 push. — MN

Place: Energy ahead | Yr: Senior

Schieffelin performed a important position in Clemson’s Elite Eight run, averaging 14.8 factors and 9 rebounds in the course of the Tigers’ 4 NCAA Event video games. Search for the 6-8 senior to play a fair larger position this season amid the departure of star ahead PJ Corridor. — DC

Place: Shootint guard | Yr: Senior

On my poll, I had Johnson ranked in my high 30. Johnson was so good defensively final season at USC and is the precise form of participant each group covets on the faculty stage. Do not be stunned if Johnson wins Large Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr. — CS

Place: Taking pictures guard | Yr: Senior (Switch from South Dakota State)

Mayo is one in every of my flag crops for the 2024-25 season. I believe he’ll be the most effective gamers on a Kansas group that wins the nationwide championship. The Lawrence, Kansas, native has spent the previous few seasons dominating the Summit League at South Dakota State, and whereas he enters the season a comparatively unknown commodity within the shadows of star Hunter Dickinson, I believe his scoring can be what ultimately modifications the dynamics of KU’s offense. He is a weapon on offense who in Invoice Self’s system may very well be a load to gradual. — KB