We are checking off the mile markers of college basketball. The NBA draft early-entry deadline was on April 24 and the transfer portal deadline was on May 1. There are still a dozen impact players in the portal, but things are slowing down as players in the draft pool return to school. June 1 is the early-entry withdrawal deadline. A number of players are bringing their decisions down to the wire. We dive deeper into some of the key situations throughout this piece, but here is a quick look at the biggest names to watch this week that will have the biggest impact on the next Way-Too-Early Top 25 update: Drew Timme and Julian Strawther are both from Gonzaga. North Carolina is still at the top of the rankings, despite the newest update. The top five remained the same. There was a lot of movement outside of that group, with Texas, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Illinois all moving up thanks to key additions, and San Diego State jumping several spots after the return of Nathan Mens. On the other side, Michigan took a tumble, with Houstan boosting his stock and looking more likely to leave, and Villanova dropped after a further look at its potential roster without Justin Moore. Next: 1 After a great April that saw the Tar Heels bring four of five starters back and land elite high school junior G.G. Jackson, it was a quieter month of May for the program. The transfer portal could hurt UNC's perimeter depth, but Kerwin Walton played just five minutes in the NCAA tournament and had DNPs in six of the Tar Heels' final 10 games. It appeared that Carolina was going to get a transfer, but Matthew Mayer chose Illinois over the Tar Heels. Do they look for a more experienced forward? Pete Nance has yet to withdraw from the NBA draft. The combination of Puff Johnson and Dontrez Styles is not a bad plan at all. The duo wouldn't offer the shooting of Brady Manek, but they would provide some defensive solidity. The starting lineup is projected. Love has a 15.2 PPG.
R.J. Davis (13.4 PPG)
Leaky Black (4.9 PPG)
Armando Bacot (16.5 PPG)1. North Carolina Tar Heels
Next: 2
Marcus Sasser was one of the best guards in America last season, and he was shooting nearly 50% from 3-point range. He missed the rest of the season because of a foot injury, but he was expected to be back next season. At the G League Elite Camp, where he earned a call-up to the NBA draft combine, he told reporters that he was unsure if he would return to Houston. It would be hard to swallow. Kenneth Lofton Jr., a Louisiana Tech transfer, decided to stay in the NBA draft. One of the most productive big men in the country would have been an anchor in the post.
The starting lineup is projected.
Jamal Shead (10.0 PPG) Marcus Sasser (17.7 PPG)
Tramon Mark (10.1 PPG)
Jarace Walker (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
J'Wan Roberts (3.2 PPG)
Next: 3
Kentucky has only 10 scholarship players on its roster for next season, but they might have as talented an eight-man rotation as anyone in the country, making their projected starting lineup something that will constantly be in change throughout the off-season. Five-star guard Cason Wallace is a good fit for John Calipari's preference for having two ballhandlers and playmakers in the backcourt. Calipari has options after that. He could go with Antonio Reeves on the wing, or an elite shooter. He could choose between Chris Livingston or Jacob Toppin.
The starting lineup is projected.
Sahvir Wheeler (10.1 PPG) Cason Wallace (No. 20 in ESPN 100) Antonio Reeves (20.1 PPG at Illinois State) Chris Livingston (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Oscar Tshiebwe (17.4 PPG)
Next: 4
Jules Bernard is the only UCLA player to watch at the deadline. He is considering a return to the Bruins for one more year, despite not being selected in the upcoming NHL draft. Mick Cronin can make shots from the perimeter if Bernard returns. He played his best basketball of the season over the last nine games, shooting 44.9% from 3-point range and averaging 15.6 points and 4.6 rebound. With an aggressive guard like Bailey next to Tyger Campbell, Bernard could open up more shooting opportunities next season. Jaylen Clark would see a bigger role if Bernard doesn't return.
The starting lineup is projected.
Tyger Campbell (11.9 PPG) Amari Bailey (No. 5 in ESPN 100) Jules Bernard (12.8 PPG) Jaime Jaquez Jr. (13.9 PPG)
Adem Bona (No. 16 in ESPN 100)
Next: 5
The Bluejays had one question mark in their lineup, and they filled it with the addition of South Dakota State transfer Baylor Scheierman. Four players who started at least 13 games last season were not an elite scorer. Greg McDermott has all the pieces to make a Final Four run. The NBA stock of Arthur Kaluma is worth noting. The first returning college player listed in the first round of the mock draft was Kaluma, who was at No. 27. The 6-foot-7 forward had 24 points and 12 rebounds against Kansas in the NCAA tournament, and if he takes the leap forward draftniks are expecting, he could have next season&s breakthrough star.
The starting lineup is projected.
Ryan Nembhard had 11.3 points.
Trey Alexander (7.4 PPG)
Baylor Scheierman (16.2 PPG at South Dakota State) Arthur Kaluma (10.4 PPG)Ryan Kalkbrenner (13.1 PPG)
Next: 16
Drew Timme fell out of the top 60 of the draft rankings. It might be a technicality, but players not projected to be selected are considered returning until there is a definitive word. Timme might be the most important stay-or-go decision at the deadline, and while he looked good shooting from the perimeter at the draft combine, he could end his college career with another season in the States. He has to make a decision as well. If Timme does leave, Mark Few landed a key reinforcement in LSU transfer Efton Reid, a former five-star recruit who was one of the better post scorers in the 2021 high school class. It could be a difficult few days for Few, but they are going to be the favorite in the conference.
The starting lineup is projected.
Nolan Hickman had 5.1 points.
Hunter Sallis (4.3 PPG)
Julian Strawther (11.8 PPG)Anton Watson (7.3 PPG)
Drew Timme (18.4 PPG)
Next: 10
The perimeter group of the Bears should be one of the best in the country next season, even though Scott Drew won't have the backcourt he had. Keyonte George is one of the best incoming freshmen in college basketball, a good scorer with size who has made strides defensively. Last week, Adam Flagler, a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, announced that he was returning to Waco for another season after initially entering the NBA draft, and a fully healthy LJ Cryer should also be back in the fold. Cryer missed most of the last two months of the season because of foot injuries. He averaged 16.0 points over the last six games. Love, a former top 30 recruit, missed all of last season after suffering an injury in an October scrimmage.
The starting lineup is projected.
Keyonte George (No. 6 in ESPN 100) Adam Flagler (13.8 PPG) LJ Cryer (13.5 PPG)
Jalen Bridges (8.4 PPG at West Virginia)
Flo Thamba (6.2 PPG)
Next: 6
Arkansas was busy in the transfer market, landing Ricky Council IV after seeing Jaxson Robinson enter the portal. Council went from 7.1 points and 3.4 rebound to 12.0 points and 5.4 rebound with the Shockers last season. The question is whether he can regain the shooting stroke he showed as a freshman, when he shot 44.4% from 3 as opposed to the 30.6% he shot last season. Council is an elite athlete and a legitimate NBA prospect, and he will push for an immediate starting spot given his two-way ability. Jaylin Williams was going to be the only Arkansas name to watch at the deadline, but all spring signs pointed to Williams keeping his name in the draft. There is more pressure on Rhode Island transfers.
The starting lineup is projected.
Anthony Black is in the top 15.
Nick Smith (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Ricky Council IV (12.0 PPG at Wichita State)Jordan Walsh (No. 11 in ESPN 100)
Makhel Mitchell (10.7 PPG at Rhode Island)
Next: 7
The first season at the helm will depend on an elite group of freshmen, with the Blue Devil expected to start as many as four newcomers from day one. The situation could be changed by either the return of Keels or the addition of Green, who is considering Iowa State and Duke as his next destinations. Normally, the Blue Devil would be the heavy favorite, but Green's father is an assistant coach at Ames and the Cyclones have been considered his likely landing spot for months. Keels would give Scheyer a go-to scorer, and a return to Durham would likely seal up a first-round draft spot for the powerful guard, while Green is an elite shooter and scorer.
The starting lineup is projected.
Jeremy Roach averaged 8.6 points per game.
Dariq Whitehead (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Mark Mitchell (No. 26 in ESPN 100)
Kyle Filipowski (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
Dereck Lively (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Next: 8
One wing out and one wing in. Bill Self watched Christian Braun stay in the draft, but already landed a replacement in Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar, who should provide much-needed experience and defensive ability to the Jayhawks. Each of the past two seasons, McCullar has earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, and he is one of the best defenders in the country. He averaged double figures in scoring in both of the years. Over the course of the past few weeks, Wilson's stock has improved, but he is still not projected to go in the draft. Wilson is one to watch over the next couple of days, but a return to Lawrence would be beneficial, as he will have an increased role next season.
The starting lineup is projected.
Dajuan Harris Jr. had a 5.4 PPG.
Gradey Dick (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Kevin McCullar (10.1 PPG at Texas Tech) Jalen Wilson (11.0 PPG)Ernest Udeh (No. 23 in ESPN 100)
Next: 12
Texas is one of the headliners this month due to the addition of former Iowa State guard Tyrese Hunter, who is the nation's top available transfer at the time of commitment. Hunter was one of the best defensive guards in the country last season, and he was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. His addition should allow Marcus Carr to play more off the ball, as well as five-star freshmen Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris, who are also expected to make an immediate impact. The four should combine to form one of the most dangerous perimeter groups in the country, but shooting will be a challenge. New Mexico State transfer SirJabari Rice is a career 33.4% shooter from 3. It could be difficult to find minutes for the best shooter in the backcourt.
The starting lineup is projected.
Tyrese Hunter (11.0 PPG at Iowa State) Marcus Carr (11.4 PPG) Dillon Mitchell (No. 4 in ESPN 100)
Timmy Allen (12.1 PPG)
Christian Bishop (7.0 PPG)
Next: 11
After missing out on a five-star forward who picked Tennessee over the Tigers, they will have to hope Allen Flanigan returns to his 2020-21 form and is able to shoulder more of the scoring load on the wing. A projected first-round pick in the NBA draft last summer, Flanigan underwent a procedure to repair his right Achilles in early September and never found a rhythm once back on the court. He averaged just 6.3 points in 22 games as a sophomore, despite being ranked 19 in the early NBA draft rankings. His shooting numbers were down. If Flanigan regains his old form, he could once again be a go-to guy for Bruce Pearl.
The starting lineup is projected.
Green Jr. had 12.0 points.
K.D. Johnson (12.3 PPG)
Allen Flanigan (6.3 PPG)Yohan Traore (No. 27 in ESPN 100)
Johni Broome (16.8 PPG at Morehead State)
Next: 19
In mid-May, Rick Barnes beat out the other teams to get five-star forward JulianPhillips. The Volunteers missed out on a transfer last week, butPhillips was able to move them up several spots in the rankings. The X factor for Tennessee next season wasPhillips, a potential one-and-done player. D.J. Jefferson is one of the most exciting players in the class. Santiago Vescovi decided to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to the University of Tennessee for another season. Barnes may want another ball handler, but with Vescovi, Zakai, and freshman B.J.Edwards, the Vols shouldn't be short of playmaking.
The starting lineup is projected.
Zakai Zeigler (8.8 PPG) Santiago Vescovi (13.3 PPG) Julian Phillips (No. 13 in ESPN 100)
Josiah-Jordan James (10.3 PPG)
Olivier Nkamhoua (8.6 PPG)
Next: 15
Indiana will likely enter the season as the Big Ten favorite with Trayce Jackson-Davis withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to Bloomington. Jackson-Davis is a dominant force on the interior and will get preseason All-American recognition in some circles, and he is leading a core of four returning starters from a team that won 21 games in Mike Woodson's first season at the helm. The Hoosiers are adding five-star recruits as well as a 100 prospect. Expect a step forward from former top 25 prospect, as well. The Hoosiers ranked last in the Big Ten in perimeter shooting last season, shooting just 31.9% from 3.
The starting lineup is projected.
Xavier Johnson (12.1 PPG) Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 24 in ESPN 100)
Miller Kopp (6.0 PPG)
Race Thompson (11.1 PPG)
Trayce Jackson-Davis (18.3 PPG)
Next: 13
After Damion Baugh announced that he would pursue his professional options instead of returning for another season with the Frogs, we were all set to drop them into the 20s. It would have been the second key departure from last season's team if it had happened. The idea that Baugh was moving on was reinforced by the fact that TCU got Oklahoma State transfer Rondel Walker last weekend. Baugh changed his mind and said he was going back to TCU for another season. With Baugh back in the fold, and the addition of Walker and the return of Shahada Wells, the Frogs should have more options on the perimeter.
The starting lineup is projected.
Mike Miles averaged 15.4 points per game.
Damion Baugh (10.6 PPG)
Chuck O'Bannon Jr. (9.5 PPG)
Emanuel Miller (10.3 PPG)
Eddie Lampkin (6.8 PPG)
Next: 10
The point guard spot is the most important for the future of the program, and what happens if Moore isn't healthy for the season. The rising senior guard tore his right Achilles in the final minute of the Elite Eight win over Houston, and it is not certain whether he will be ready for the season. If Moore isn't ready, where does Kyle Neptune go? One option will be Mark Armstrong, a guard who is at his best off the dribble and can create for himself and others in the lane. He constantly looks to attack defenses and get into the paint. Neptune could make Caleb Daniels the primary ball handler and add more size to the lineup if they chose to.
The starting lineup is projected.
Mark Armstrong (No. 61 in ESPN 100) Caleb Daniels (10.2 PPG)
Brandon Slater (8.3 PPG)
Cameron Whitmore (No. 21 in ESPN 100)
Eric Dixon (9.1 PPG)
Next: 18
With the addition of a transfer, the team will have more options for Oats next season, given his ability to rebound and make shots from the perimeter. He has made more than two 3-pointers per game in each of the past three seasons, and has averaged at least 6.0 rebound in each of the past three seasons. Oats still has two terrific backcourt options in Mark Sears and Jaden Bradley, as well as a weapon on the wing with the return of Jahvon Quinerly. Nimari Burnett, a former Texas Tech transfer, missed all of last season because of a knee injury. If the Tide can get a fully healthy perimeter at some point next season, there will be a lot of teams in the country that are close to this backcourt group.
The starting lineup is projected.
Mark Sears (19.6 PPG at Ohio) Jaden Bradley (No. 19 in ESPN 100) Dominick Welch (12.3 PPG at St. Bonaventure)
Brandon Miller (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Charles Bediako (6.7 PPG)
Next: 17
Dalen Terry has emerged as a legitimate first-round prospect and could opt to stay in the draft as opposed to returning to Tucson, so Tommy Lloyd will be watching the withdrawal deadline closely. Lloyd could become even more active in the transfer portal if Terry becomes the third early entrant. Arizona has yet to land a transfer this spring, but is involved with three of them. Someone compared Henri Veesaar, the best European entering college next season, to a player who played at Arizona, while the Wildcats just landed the international prospect.
The starting lineup is projected.
Kerr Kriisa had a 9.7% success rate.
Pelle Larsson (7.2 PPG)
Adama Bal (1.5 PPG)
Azuolas Tubelis (13.9 PPG)
Oumar Ballo (6.8 PPG)
Next in line.
San Diego State has benefited the most from the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA. Nathan Mensah, an elite defender, decided last week to take advantage of his extra year, even though the Aztecs already brought back seniors Matt Bradley, Adam Seiko and Aguek Arop. Mensah was named the Mountain West's Defensive Player of the Year last season after ranking in the top 30 nationally in block percentage for the second season in a row. The Aztecs got a member of the All-Defensive team earlier in the month. According to KenPom.com, the nation's second-best defensive team might be even better in 2022-23.
The starting lineup is projected.
The man with the 7.3 PPG was Lamont Butler.
Darrion Trammell (17.3 PPG at Seattle)
Matt Bradley (16.9 PPG)Keshad Johnson (7.2 PPG)
Nathan Mensah (7.0 PPG)
Next: 14
The Los Angeles Lakers reached out to Juwan Howard about their head-coaching position, but Howard chose not to discuss the opening. It makes sense since Howard is entering a season where he will be coaching his two sons. Howard had an interest in the Boston Celtics last spring. It will not be the last time an NBA team pursues Howard. The likely departure of Houstan is the reason for the rankings dropping. He has moved into the top 50 of the draft rankings and skipped the NBA combine, giving the impression he has a first-round promise. If Houstan leaves, Howard could turn to Williams in the starting lineup.
The starting lineup is projected.
Jaelin Llewellyn (15.7 PPG at Princeton) Jett Howard (No. 41 in ESPN 100)
Terrance Williams II (4.7 PPG)
Moussa Diabate (9.0 PPG)
Hunter Dickinson (18.6 PPG)
Next: 21
Virginia is the highest ranked team that didn't make the NCAA tournament last season and it's because of a combination of improved depth and versatile players. Virginia is adding an entire second line to the roster, which will greatly improve Bennett's options. The biggest immediate impact will be made by All-MAC forward Ben Vander Plas, who averaged 14.3 points at Ohio last season. The biggest question is how quickly the newcomers adapt.
The starting lineup is projected.
Kihei Clark had 10.0 points.
Reece Beekman (8.2 PPG)
Armaan Franklin (11.1 PPG)
Jayden Gardner (15.3 PPG)
Kadin Shedrick (6.9 PPG)
Next in line.
Texas Tech was the first team left out of the top 25 last month, but the Red Raiders went out and landed a five-star recruit who will suit up for them next season. We will project him in the starting lineup for now, but Mark Adams could also opt for a bit more experience with Clarence Nadolny or more shooting with a transfer. Fisher was a member of Canada's U19 team and was also a reclassified prospect. The point guard spot is the major question with Mylik Wilson entering the portal. The primary ball handler is likely to be DeVion Harmon, but he has been more of a scorer in college. Trust in Adams.
The starting lineup is projected.
At Oregon, De&Vion Harmon had 10.8 points per game.
Jaylon Tyson (1.8 PPG at Texas)
Elijah Fisher (five-star)Kevin Obanor (10.0 PPG)
Fardaws Aimaq (18.9 PPG at Utah Valley)
Next: 20
The three additions to the top 25 have dropped the Flyers a few spots, but we are still high on Anthony Grant's team for the 2022-23 campaign. Only three scholarship players are leaving the program, and two of them played a combined 21 minutes in the month of March. The return of a young core that is still clearly ahead of them has made Dayton's ceiling very attractive. The addition of incoming freshman Mike Sharavjamts, who rose in the industry during his final year of high school basketball, is also included. He can really pass the ball and could be a factor for the Flyers next season. He won't have to be rushed into the lineup.
The starting lineup is projected.
Malachi Smith had 9.3 points.
Kobe Elvis (8.9 PPG)
R.J. Blakney (6.5 PPG)
Toumani Camara (10.9 PPG)
DaRon Holmes II (12.8 PPG)
Next: 24
After abandoning the transfer portal last spring, Dan Hurley has completely reworked his backcourt. The starting point guard, R.J. Cole, as well as backups Jalen Gaffney and Rahsool Diggins, and redshirt Corey Floyd Jr. left the school. Diarra was an all-conference performer in the conference and was aggressive off the bounce with the ball in his hands. Jordan is poised for a step forward. If the perimeter can mesh quickly, it will be very difficult for the defense to defend because of the presence of Adama Sanogo down low.
The starting lineup is projected.
Tristen Newton (17.7 PPG at East Carolina) Jordan Hawkins (5.8 PPG) Nahiem Alleyne (9.6 PPG at Virginia Tech)
Andre Jackson (6.8 PPG)
Adama Sanogo (14.8 PPG)
Unranked before.
Illinois makes a big jump, all the way from outside to inside the top 25. Matthew Mayer was one of the top 10 available transfers at the time. After a junior campaign in which he was a key bench piece for the Bears, he might not have had the true breakthrough season many expected, but he brings a lot to the table. The best wing duo in the Big Ten will be formed by him and Shannon. Jacob Grandison withdrew from the draft last weekend. Grandison started 23 games for the Illini last season and has one year left of eligibility, but he hasn't decided if he'll come back.
The starting lineup is projected.
Skyy Clark (No. 25 in ESPN 100) Terrence Shannon Jr. (10.4 PPG at Texas Tech) Matthew Mayer (9.8 PPG at Baylor)
Coleman Hawkins (5.9 PPG)
Dain Dainja (2.0 PPG at Baylor)
The Miami Hurricanes, Saint Louis Billikens, and the Musketeers were dropped out.
Next in line.
The Miami Hurricanes have previous numbers.
Saint Louis Billikens (previous: No. 23)
Xavier Musketeers (previous: No. 25)
Ohio State Buckeyes (previous: Next in line)
Wyoming Cowboys (previous: Next in line)
All Rights Reserved © 2024
