College Basketball "Too Early Top 25" Version 6.0 - One week until the draft deadline (2023)

Credit photos: Kansas Athletics

We're now about six weeks into the college basketball season, and to say a lot has changed since UConn shut out Houston's Nets would be an understatement.

Thanks to portals and decisions to stay and go, the sport has been turned on its head.

So we're updating the Too Early Top 25 again for 2023-2024. - this time for version 6.0.

Here is our original top 25, followed byversion 2.0, forwardWe reached 3.0, 4.0then laterHunter Dickinson committed to Kansas, version 5.0.

Since the last time we updated our top 25 (we think a lot has changed, Duke got good news for the NBA draft, Arizona got in through the portal, some schools like Alabama got bad news.

Anyway, here's version 6.0 -- which also marks our final version before next week's NBA draft deadline.

1. Duke Blue Devils Key Returnees:Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, Jeremy Roach

Big loss:Darrick Whitehead, Derek Lively Jr., Ryan Young, Jacob GrandisonKey newcomers:Sean Stewart, Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, TJ Power

Duke finally got the news they've been waiting for for weeks, with starting quarterback Jeremy Roach withdrawing his name from the draft last week. While it was expected, the news should officially -- barring something shocking -- solidify Duke's status as the No. 1 team in college basketball next season.

With Roach back, the Blue Devils now have the top four scorers (and four starters) from a team that won 10 of its final 11 games last season (including the ACC title). That includes leading scorer and rebounder Kyle Filipowski, as well as incoming sophomores Tyrese Proctor (9.4 ppg) and Mark Mitchell (9.1 ppg).

They will be a springboard for pseudo-veterans as well as another strong recruiting class. Five-star Mackenzie Mgbako — likely because of Filipowski's return — decided to restart his recruitment a few weeks ago, but this group of freshmen should still add enough depth to the 2023-24 team.

Oh, and the Blue Devils might not be done yet — as they recently hosted transfer Ernesto Udeh Jr. from Kansas State last week. He will add depth and add the final piece to a title contender.

2. Kansas Jayhawks

Main returnees:DaJuan Harris, KJ Adams, Ernest Udeh Jr.,

Main starting point:Jaylen Wilson, Grady Dick, Kevin McCuller, Bobby Pettiford (Transfer), MJ Rice (Transfer), Joseph Yesuf (Transfer), Ernest Jr. Te Ude (transmission)Main additions:Hunter Dickinson (Transport), Nick Timberlake (Transport), Atrio Morris (Transport), Ermark Jackson, Chris Johnson, Jamali McDowell

The spring got off to a slow start for Bill Self, but he ended it with a bang - adding a late transfer streak.

The headliner, of course, is Hunter Dickinson, Portal's most coveted player and two-time All-American, who is averaging 18.5 points and nine rebounds this season. He is a true All-American and a perfect fit for Kansas' frontcourt.

He will be joined by veteran Dajuan Harris Jr. and shooting guard Nick Timberlake, who is joined by former McDonald's All-American Atrio Morris of Texas.

Oh, and Kansas probably won't finish either.

Although the Jayhawks missed out on five-star Mackenzie Mgbako, they are reportedly eyeing Creighton for Arthur Kaluma. Kaluma is currently testing the NBA draft waters, but should he decide to return to school, he would be a perfect fit for Lawrence as a legitimate playmaking wing.

3. Purdue Boiler Makers

Main returnees:Zack Edie, Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Rain, Mason Gillies, Brendan Newman, Caleb First, Ethan Morton

Main starting point:David Jenkins

Main additions:Myles Colvin, Lance Jones (prijenos)

As a well-known Purdue reviewer, it pains me to do this, but I really can't justify ranking the Boilermakers lower than this. David Jenkins is the only ineligible player with no real NBA future, and national player of the year Zach Eddy appears to be back.

He's testing now and seemed to take the process very seriously last week in Chicago. But as a player who wasn't projected in the first round by any credible mock draft and had a real change in risk to return to college (assuming Purdue can logically make it since Edey is a senior), it might make sense for him to Return

That essentially means Purdue could be back up and running in 2023-24. as if he never left. They also brought in high-scoring Missouri Valley linebacker Lance Jones, hoping to add some scoring options on the edge.

Will they now be a good enough team to win it all in March? I have no idea.

But it's the Big Ten regular season and tournament winners that essentially leave the team untouched.

It's hard to get them much lower.

4. Connecticut Huskies

Main returnees:Andre Jackson, Tristin Newton, Alex Calaban, Donovan Klingan, Hassan Diarra

Main starting point:Jordan Hawkins, Adama Sanogo, Nahim Alleyne, Joey Calkatra,

Main additions:Stephen Castle, Solomon Ball, Jaline Stewart, Jaden Ross, Yousuf Singarey

For the first time on this list, we're predicting "Life Without Andre Jackson" for the UConn Huskies. The emotional leader of this season's championship team enjoyed a solid week in Chicago and is now expected to be a late first-round pick in the NBA draft.

Although Jackson has openly talked about playing four (or even five) years in Storrs in the past, it doesn't look like his stock will be much higher than it is now. It seems unlikely that he will return at this point.

So assuming Jackson leaves, that means three of the Huskies' most important players — Jackson, wing Jordan Hawkins and center Adamassanogo — are gone — but the good news is they could still get two starters. Returning player and key back Donovan Klingen. Point guard Tristen Newton is still testing the waters but should return, and Alex Karaban (9.3 ppg last year) will join Clingan, who could break out as a sophomore.

The Huskies also have a five-man recruiting class led by five-star Stephen Castle.

Again, this is all based on the assumption that Jackson stays in the draft, and if he comes back, we'll adjust accordingly. But now that we're keeping him in Storrs, the Huskies still have a team that can compete at the highest level next season.

5. Razorbacks, Arkansas

Main returnees:Jordan Walsh, Trevon Basile, Jalen Graham, Markie Mitchell, Joseph Pinion, Derian Ford

Big loss:Nick Smith Jr., Anthony Blake, Ricky Conwell, Devon Davis, Kimani Johnson, Mekel Mitchell (priser), Barry Dunning (priser)

Main additions:Kojan Menefield (Transfer), Khalif Battelle (Transfer), El Ellis (Transfer), Tramon Mack (Transfer), Jeremiah Davenport (Transfer) Will), Baie Farr, Leyden Bullock

I currently have the Hogs as a top 5 team heading into 2023-2024. — but here's the crazy part: They probably still get more action than anyone else in college.

First, what we know about Arkansas' 2023-24 team: They added five impressive transfers, led by Louisville's leading scorer Ellis (17.7 ppg this season). He joins former Washington guard Keyon Menefield (All-Pac-12 freshman), Khalif Battle (Temple's leading scorer) and Tramon Mark (Houston's two-way monster) on what could be the strongest, most athletic team in college. Basketball on the back court. Jeremiah Davenport (Cincinnati) added shooting depth behind them.

Throw in two five-star recruits (big man Bejefal and guard Leyden Bullock) and the return of two frontcourt players (Treven Basile and Jalen Graham), and it could very well be Arkansas' best lineup since Musselman came to Fayetteville.

What can happen from here.

The Boars currently still have two players testing the deep waters, Devon Davis and Jordan Walsh. Walsh looks set to leave, but Davis should return as a fourth-year veteran who has already been through the SEC wars with Eric Musselman.

Arkansas is also a possible landing spot for five-star Ron Holland, as Texas officially waived his scholarship and could join North Dakota State transfer Grant Nelson if he decides to skip the NBA draft and return to college.

6. Michigan State Spartans

Main returnees:Tyson Walker, Jaden Adkins, AJ Hoggard, Maddie Sissoko, Jaxon Koehler, Trey Holloman, Malik Hall

Main starting point:Joey Hauser, Pierre Brooks (transmission)

Main additions:Xavier Booker, Jeremy Firth, Korn Carr, Greg Normand

Michigan State is a Big Ten team that looks to continue to find real success in March and heading into 2023-24. they should have the best team for years.

Joey Hauser has announced he will not use his extra year, but — big news — point guard Tyson Walker has announced he will be back for 2023-24. and use your extra year. He will join AJ Hoggard and Jaden Akins in one of the best backcourts in the country. The Spartans will also add one of the top freshmen in the country in forward Xavier Booker, a top-10 five-star recruit.

Unless something shocking happens between now and the start of the season, this should be Tom Izzo's best team since the 2019-20 team that featured Cassius Winston and was ranked No. 1 in the country for most of the season.

7. Marquette Golden Eagles

Key recurring:Tyler Colek, Steve Mitchell, Cam Jones, Olivier-Maxensen Prosper, Bell Iguodaro, David Joplin, Sean Jones, Ben Gold

Main starting point:Not usable

Main additions:Trey Norman, Al Amadou, Zaid Lowery

We've had Marquette in our top three picks since the end of the season, but like UConn, we expect — for the first time — to lose a key piece in the NBA draft.

It is forward O-Max Prosper who tested NBA draft picks a week ago in Chicago. After weeks of testing, it is speculated that he will announce in the next few days that he will officially keep his name in the draft.

If he does, it would be an absolute blow to Marquette, a team expected to make the most of last year's regular season and Big East tournament winners.

But even without Prospero, the Golden Eagles still have enough to reach the school's first Final Four since the Dwyane Wade era.

Big East Player of the Year Tyler Kolek returns along with leading scorer Kam Jones (15.1 ppg) and versatile forward Os Ighodaro. Sixth man Steve Mitchell was also set to replace Prospero in the production.

Like UConn, if Prosper shocks everyone and decides to come back to school, we adjust. But even without him, Shaka Smart has his Top 10 team.

8. Kentucky Wildcats

Main returnees:Antonio Reeves, Adu Tero, Ugonna Oyenso

Main starting point:Oscar Tshiebwe, Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, CJ Fredrick (Transport), Daimion Collins (Transport), Sahvir Wheeler (Transport)

Key newcomers:DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw, Rob Dillingham, Reed Shepard

So Kentucky lost out on Hunter Dickinson in the lottery and last week also lost out on San Diego State transfer Keshad Johnson. It's still a thin list, and suddenly one has to hope that some players - especially Oscar Zibwe and the sharp-shooting Antonio Reeves - will return for another season.

Still, John Calipari still needs to pull a late spring rabbit out of the transfer portal hat to fill out his roster.

But I love this team for two reasons. Firstly, Tshiebwe's possible return for a fifth straight year looks more likely now than it did a few weeks ago.

Second, this team has the No. 1 recruiting class in college basketball with four of the top 10 players in the country.

We've seen in the past that John Calipari's best teams have been those with a high level of NBA talent, while his best teams have been led by NBA-caliber point guards. That's exactly what Calipari wants next year, DJ Wagner to front, and unlike this year, there won't be a veteran (in this case, Sahvir Wheeler) standing in the way of his play and production.

Justin Edwards is a good wing player and Aaron Bradshaw is a tall, big man. Rob Dillingham officially declared himself eligible this week after questions arose this spring about whether he would be fined by the NCAA.

Likewise, this team still needs hope for Tshiebwe's return. And then one or two people are needed to close the portal's content. But I'm not as central as many seem to be.

9. Houston Cougars

Main returnees:Jamal Shedd, Emmanuel Sharp, Ramon Walker, Terrence Arsenault, J'Wan Roberts, Javier Francis

Main starting point:Marcus Sasser, Jarace Walker, Tramon Mark (transmission)

Main additions:LJ Cryer (transfer), Damian Dunn (transfer), Joseph Tugler, Jacob McFarland

Of all the teams in our first "premature top 25," we seemed to have the most opposition in Houston -- and many wondered why they weren't higher. Well, after a busy spring for Portal, we now have the Cougars as a top 10 team.

First of all, Houston added guard LJ Cryer from Baylor, a scorer who averaged 15 points per game. game and shot better than 41 percent from 3-point range. They also added Damian Dunn, who this year had 14 points per game. game at Temple, giving the Cougars a great backcourt.

Terrence Arceneaux is back and Jamal Shead should be back after testing the NBA draft prospects. If so, it would be a team good enough to win the Big 12 in the league's first year next season.

10th Tennessee Volunteers

Main returnees:Santiago Vescovi, Zakai Ziegler, Jamai Marshak, Toby Avaka, Jonas EduMain starting point:Josiah Jordan James, Urus Plavšić, Olivier Nkamhoa (transmission), Tyreke Kay, Julian PhillipsMain additions:Dalton Knecht (Transfer), Chris Ledlum (Transfer), Jordan Gainey (Transfer), JP Estrella, Cameron Carr, Cade Phillips

There has been no bigger movement in recent weeks than the Tennessee Volunteers, who have added three impact carriers since our last update.

The biggest key will be Dalton Knecht, a wing who averaged 20.2 points per game. game for Northern Colorado, and who would immediately add offensive firepower to a team in dire need. Chris Ledlum is a 6-foot-6 bowler whose game has shades of Grant Williams, and Jordan Gainey is a firebrand whose father was on the team.

Add in the return of fifth-season veteran Santiago Vescovi and program standout Zakai Zeigler (who is currently recovering from knee surgery), and the Vols have another team heading into the SEC Championship Game.

11. Creighton Blue Jays

Main returnees:Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Sherman, Trey Alexander, Frederick King, Francisco Falabello

Main starting point:Ryan Nemhard (udsende), Arthur Kaluma

Main additions:Isaac Trout (Transfer), Steve Ashworth (Transfer), Josiah Dotzler

Like many of the teams on this list, Creighton had several key players in last week's NBA draft.

For now, at least we expect them – starting guard Trey Alexander and center Ryan Kalkbrenner – to return. If they do, the Jays will have another team good enough to win the Big East.

That's because Creighton learned a few weeks ago that Baylor Scheierman, a player who transferred a year ago, will use his extra year of eligibility. Last season, he averaged 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 36 percent from three. Those numbers are expected to jump to the Power 5 level next year. The Jays also added a pair of transfers in Steve Ashworth and Isaac Tradut, with Ashworth -- a star on Utah's NCAA Tournament team -- a key piece to replace Nembhard.

The key now is to get the above players back.

Kalkbrenner is 7-foot-1 and Alexander is a versatile guard who averaged 13.6 points and shot 41 percent from three a season ago.

For Greg McDermott, the math here is simple: Bring back Alexander and Kalkbrenner, and you have a Final Four-caliber team. Otherwise, Omaha faces a long, cold winter.

12. Florida Atlantic sleeper cabin

Main returnees:Alia Martin, Vladislav Goldin, Johannel Davis, Nicholas Boyd, Brian Greenlee, Giancarlo Rosado

Main starting point:Michael Forrest

Main additions:Not usable

The Owls' dream run ended painfully in the Final Four, but here's the crazy part: A team that just won 34 games and finished in the top 25 in the regular season is likely to bounce back in 2023-24.

Veteran Michael Forrest will be gone, but otherwise the rest of the core should return, with Johannel Davis, Ali Jah Martin and big man Vlad Goldin leading the linebackers.

Granted, in a world of transfer portals/NILs, you know there will be offers from bigger schools, these guys, Dusty May, were open about it at Final Four media. Both Martin and Davis have announced they will test the NBA draft waters, although neither appears to be a top NBA prospect at this time.

If everyone were to arrive as expected, this ranking could actually drop too low.

13. Miami Hurricanes

Main returnees:Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar, Norchad Omier, Bensley Joseph, Anthony Walker

Main starting point:Jordan Miller, Isaiah Wang, Harlon Beverley (prijenos)

Main additions:Matthew Cleveland (broadcast), Michael Nwoko

It was an up-and-down spring for the Hurricanes, who finished in the top 5 of this ranking, then fell out of the top 20 after ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong declared for the draft, but now find themselves back in top 15.

why?

Aside from the return of several key teams that made their school's first Final Four appearance this year, the Hurricanes have received a lot of good news over the past few weeks. First, stars Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier announced they would withdraw from the draft and return for another season, and the Hurricanes also added Florida State's leading scorer, Matthew Cleveland, to the wing.

with him a hurricaneanotherThe team was good enough to win the ACC and reach the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.

14. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Main returnees:Nolan Hickman, Malachy Smith, Anton Watson, Ben GregMain starting point:Drew Timm, Rahel Bolton, Julian Struther, Hunter Sallis (Transport), Aveton Reed (Transport)Main returnees:Ryan Nembhard (Transport), Graham Ike (Transport), Steele Venters (Transport), Dusty Stromer, Alex Toohey

Few teams have reshaped their roster like the Zags have over the past few weeks.

The biggest and most important thing happened a week ago when Ryan Nembhard (mentioned above) announced his decision to move to Spokane. He immediately gave the Zags the quarterback they needed before the season and also gave them an outright recruiting win over former assistant coach Tommy Lloyd, now at Arizona State.

They also signed former Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year Graham Ike on the same day. He missed all of last season with an injury, but averaged 19 points and nine rebounds to help Wyoming reach the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

Add those two to a core that includes veterans Nolan Hickman, Ben Gregg and Malachy Smith (currently in the NBA draft waters), and the Zags are once again a top-15 college basketball ensemble.

15. Texas A&M University

Main returnees:Wade Taylor IV, Tyrese Redford, Henry Coleman, Julius Marble, Andre Gordon, Manny Obasecki, Anderson Garcia

Main additions:Bryce Lindsay

Main starting point:dexter dennis

It took some time in 2022-2023. start, but when January came around, Texas A&M was one of the most consistent teams in all of college basketball.

Key winger Dexter Dennis is gone, but other than that the entire roster is intact. Wade Taylor IV, one of the SEC's breakout stars this season, is scheduled to return to Aggieland once again, and his backcourt partner, Tyrece Radford, recently announced that he will also return. The same goes for Julius Marble in the frontcourt, where he will be reunited with the versatile Henry Coleman and Andersson Garcia.

Decisions remain, but the 2023-2024 Aggies have a chance to go even higher after finishing an impressive second in the SEC this year.

16. USC Trojan Horse

Main returnees:Boogie Ellis, Vincent Avchuku, Joshua Morgan, Kobe Johnson, Harrison Hornery

Main starting point:Drew Peterson, Reece Dixon-Waters (Transport), Trey White (Transport), Malik Thomas (Transport)

Main additions:Isaiah Collier, Bronny James, Arlington Page

While we can't say the Trojans made the most significant addition since the last update, we can say they made the most notable addition: Yes, USC has added Bronny James to the 2023-24 roster.

While young James isn't a standout talent like his dad (now who is?), he's a pretty good kid who should mesh well in high school basketball alongside veteran guard Boogie Ellis and No. 1 high school player Isaiah Collier. Remember, James played alongside elite talent throughout his high school career, so he should have no problem playing alongside Ellis and Collier in the backfield.

Up front, center Vincent Iwuchukwu - a former McDonald's All-American - should also return to full strength after a horrific heart condition limited him last season.

Add it all up and the Trojans could be one of the most underrated teams in college basketball next season. They should be the favorites for the Pac-12's final season.

17. Wild cats from Arizona

Main returnees:Omar Barlow, Per Larson, Kellan Boswell, Henry Versal, Philip Borowikan

Main starting point:Azuolas Tubelis, Kerr Kriisa (transfer), Adama Bal (transfer), Courtney Ramey, Cedric Henderson

Main additions:Jaden Bradley (prijenos), Keshad Johnson (prijenos), KJ Lewis, Mortius Creevas, Paulius Mulauskas

After a very slow start to the spring, Arizona has arguably been the most active team in college basketball over the past two weeks.

First, they added former McDonald's All-American Jaden Bradley in the backcourt, and on back-to-back days they added the forward pairing of Motieus Krivas and Paulius Murauskas from Lithuania. But the big news came Saturday when they beat out some big teams (including Kentucky) to secure transfer Keshad Johnson from San Diego State.

Johnson immediately brings toughness and defensive versatility to a team that desperately needs both. He also added another veteran player to the frontcourt, including fifth-year center Oumar Ball and fourth-year forward Pelle Larsson.

With Kylan Boswell replacing Kerr Kriisa at point guard, these Wildcats should be a bigger, more athletic version of who already had a top 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

They may also have a greater advantage than either of these two groups.

18. North Carolina Tar Heels

Main returnees:Armando Bakot, RJ Davis

Main starting point:Pete Nance, Leaky Black, Caleb Love (Transport), Tyler Nickell (Transport), Justin McCoy (Transport), Dontrez Styles (Transport), Pav Johnson (Transport), Will Shaffer (Transport)

Main additions:Harrison Ingram (Transfer), Cormac Kline (Transfer), Jaline Withers (Transfer), Paxson Wojcick (Transfer), Simon Welcher, Zaden High

Well, I know I'm probably going to get laughed at for this, but I'm going to zigzag where everyone else is and buy the big bucks in 2023-2024.

Yes, I know last year was an unmitigated disaster, but the public sentiment is clear that NC State is trying to portray the image that this is Caleb Love's problem more than anything else. That was when Love left, but RJ Davis and Armando Bacot also returned.

Most importantly, Hubert Davis has done almost everything anyone could ask for in a portal. North Carolina added Harrison Ingram, a plug-and-play wing, with linebackers Cormac Kline and Paxon Wojcicka providing punch. Four-star guard Simeon Wilcher should contribute, and there are rumors that Elliot Cadeau, a five-star 2024 commitment, could reclassify this summer.

Yes, it's fair to criticize what happened to Hubert Davis on the field this season. But he filled out his roster well this offseason. Maybe it's not over yet.

19. Musketeers by Xavier

Main returnees:Zach Freemantle, Jerome Hunt, Desmond Cloud

Main starting point:Souley Boum, Adam Kunkel, Colby Jones, Jake Nunge, Cesar Edwards

Main additions:Dayvion McKnight (Transfer), Quincy Olivari (Transfer), Logan Duncomb (Transfer), Abou Ousmane (Transfer), Trey Green, Dailyn Swain, Reid Ducharme, Kachi Nzeh

Say what you will about Sean Miller, but he never enters the season short. Despite losing four starters from this year's Sweet 16, the Musketeers once again have enough of a roster to compete atop the Big East.

First, the good news is that big men Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunt are back, along with freshman guard Desmond Crowder, who will play a key role as a backup in 2023. They will be complemented by a top-15 recruiting class in the country, including a trio of top-100 recruits.

In reality, however, it is an entry in Miller's revised statement. He added dynamic guards Dayvion McKnight (Western Kentucky's leading scorer) and Rice's Quincy Olivari, and filled his frontcourt with Indiana transfers Logan Dumcomb and North Texas' Abou Ousmane.

Freemantle's decision to officially return last week should cement the team's status as a top 25 team heading into the season.

20. Indiana, Indiana, Indiana

Main returnees:Xavier Johnson, Trey Galloway, Malik Reno, Anthony Lear, Caleb Banks, CJ Gunn

Main starting point:Trace Jackson Davis, Jalen Hood Schifino, Rhys Thompson, Tamar Bates, Jordan Geronimo,

Key newcomers:Kel'El Ware (Transfer), Peyton Sparks (Transfer), Anthony Walker (Transfer), Mackenzie Mgbako, Jakay Newton, Gabe Coops

For the first time this offseason, welcome to the Indiana Top 25! That's thanks to Mike Woodson, who after losing two of his most important players - Tres Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood Schifino - has been like a seasoned player this offseason. Wealthy professionals have also reshaped their list.

The most important figure may be the return, and that is guard Xavier Johnson. Remember, Johnson was Indiana's starting point guard last year and was the team's second-leading scorer before a season-ending foot injury in December. He was eligible for an additional year and now returns for one final season.

Everything is so wild around him that you could argue that no one had a better offseason than Woodson and the Indians. They added former McDonald's All-American Kel'El Ware from Portal, Oregon, a school that almost everyone in college basketball wants. They also recently added five-star Mackenzie Mgbako, who was a former Duke player and had to go against Kansas to beat him. It is no exaggeration to say that Mgbako is one of the Indians' biggest recruiting wins in recent years.

With the red-hot Trey Galloway and fellow Portal players Anthony Walker and Payton Sparks back, they added that along with the Hoosiers, they have a huge sports team capable of playing with anyone in the sport.

It's worth noting that Indiana has another scholarship and could still add some scoring depth to its backcourt.

How about Mike F***ing Woodson, at! ! !

21. West Virginia Mountaineers

Main returnees:Joe Tuisante, Trey Mitchell,

Main starting point:Eric Stevenson, Kedrian Johnson, Emmett Matthews Jr., Jimmy Bell Jr.

Main additions:Kerr Kriisa (Transportation), Jesse Edwards (Transportation), RaeQuan Battle (Transportation), Jose Perez (Transportation)

Even though Bob Huggins had a forgettable start in May (and is suspended early in the season), he is good enough on the floor to be a top-ranked player in the Big 12 next year.

It can really be argued that there hasn't been a more impressive portal this season than the Mountaineer.

They left early and picked up guard Kirklees from Arizona. While Kriis' popularity seems to have largely faded in Tucson, he is a player who was on two elite college basketball teams and averaged more than five assists per game. game as a point guard this year. West Virginia also added Syracuse forward Jesse Edwards this spring, an elite forward who averaged more than 14 points, 10 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game for Syracuse. Guards RaeQuan Battle (Montana State) and Jose Perez (Manhattan) should also add scoring power in the backcourt.

Add to that a pair of returning starters (Joe Touissant and Tre Mitchell) and the Mountaineers could be the surprise of the Big 12 next year.

22. Crimson Tide, Alabama

Main returnees:Javon Quinelli, Mark Sears, Nick Pringle, Rylan Griffin,

Main starting point:Brandon Miller, Noah Clown, Charles Bediaco, Dom Welch, Neymari Burnett (Transfer), Jaden Bradley (Transfer)

Main additions:Aaron Estrada (Transfer), Latrell Lightsell (Transfer), Sam Walters, Mohamed Diubat, Chris Parker

Nate Oats had a long, tough offseason after winning his second SEC dual title in three years.

Alabama is expected to lose tight ends Brandon Miller and Noah Clown in the draft, so that's no surprise. But Oates also lost all three of his assistant coaches as head coach and had Joaquin Walton arrested at gunpoint (and subsequently stripped of his scholarship).

So earlier this week, starting center Charles Bediaco — who no one expected to leave — announced he would remain in the draft after Monday night's practice. That alone leaves big holes on the wings (Walton is expected to replace Miller) and center, and Nick Pringle must now step up for Bediak.

The good news is that assuming both Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears return, the linebackers will remain elite, with those veterans joining backfield transfers Aaron Estrada (Hofstra) and Latrell Wrightsell (Cal State-Fullerton). Rylan Griffen can also break through.

But late in the portal cycle, Crimson Tide has a big hole to fill. And he does not have much time to fulfill them.

23. San Diego State Aztecs

Main returnees:Lamont Butler, Darien Trammell, Micah Parish, Jayden Leidy, Demashe Johnson Jr.

Main starting point:Matt Bradley, Nathan Mensah, Ageuk Arop, Adam Seiko, Keshod Johnson (catchers)

Main additions:Reese Dixon-Waters (prijenos) Miles Heide, BJ Davis

While San Diego State is one game away from the title, the good news is that enough guys on the team are back where they should be in the upper echelons of college basketball again next season.

Tournament hero Lamont Butler and big man Jayden Leddy test the competitive waters. Butler has already made some noise in the NBA, but right now we still have guards Darrion Tramell and Micah Parrish. In recent days, the Aztecs also added Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year Reece Dixon Waters, a talented wing from USC, who should help replace recent Site veteran Keshad Johnson.

This team won't be as big, deep or talented as last year's team. But they should probably still be considered Mountain West favorites.

24. Saint Mary Gail

Main returnees:Aidan Mahaney, Alex Ducasse, Mitchell Saxon, Augusto Marciulionis, Kyle Bowen

Main starting point:logan johnson

Main additions:Not usable

After a 27-win season, there's no real reason to think the Gaels will slow down.

Leading scorer Aidan Mahaney is back, and assuming a few senior players with real overseas options return (notably Alex Dukas), the Gaels should once again be a factor in the top 25 all season.

25. Maryland tortoise

Main returnees:Jameel Yang Julian Cristanta Scott

Main starting point:Don Carey, Hakeem Hart (Transport), Ian Martinez (Transport)

Main additions:Chance Stephens (Transfer), Jordan Geronimo (Transfer), Mady Traore (Transfer), DeShawn Harris-Smith, Jamie Kaiser, Jahnathan Lamothe, Braden Pierce

The first year of 2023 has been largely successful for Kevin Willard, and there is no reason to believe he will slow down next winter.

The Taps had a big offseason with the return of star Jameer Young and Julian Reese set to return after a breakout season. A strong group of freshmen, mostly from the DMV district (a must for Terps recruiting) should round out the roster, and Willard also added some nice pieces in the portals.

This team doesn't have the edge of Purdue, Michigan State or Indiana in the Big Ten, but it has enough talent to compete for a top-4 spot in the conference.

New to Top 25: Indiana, West Virginia

Ispali: Baylor, Auburn

The following five:

26. Saint John

27. Baylor

28. Villanova

29. Mississippi

30.Okumoto