WTE High 25: Who’s in, who’s out?

Because the begin of the boys’s faculty basketball offseason on the primary Tuesday morning in April, it has been more and more tough to get a real really feel for UCLA and its prospects for the 2023-24 season. It is unusual to not see the Bruins as a consensus top-25 crew, given what they’ve performed below Mick Cronin since late within the 2020-21 season. There was the Remaining 4 run, adopted by a 4-seed and Candy 16 look in 2022, adopted by a Pac-12 title, 2-seed and Candy 16 look final season.

However UCLA additionally misplaced 4 of 5 starters from final season, in addition to sixth man David Singleton, who began 16 video games in his personal proper. Beginning heart Adem Bona returns, together with reserves Dylan Andrews, Kenneth Nwuba and Will McClendon. These 4 mixed to common 13.3 factors final season.

What makes the Bruins this preseason’s thriller crew, nevertheless, is the incoming class. Cronin welcomes three ESPN 100 prospects, Utah switch Lazar Stefanovic (10.3 PPG) and 4 worldwide prospects. Two of these 4 worldwide additions, Aday Mara and Berke Buyuktuncel, are potential one-and-done prospects, whereas one other, Jan Vide, would have possible been a top-100 prospect had he performed highschool in america.

In a vacuum, a recruiting class with two five-star prospects (Mara and Buyuktuncel) and 4 extra top-100 prospects could be thought-about top-five within the nation — and would due to this fact lend itself to appreciable preseason hype for UCLA. However that does not appear to be the case.

There’s loads of expertise on this roster. Bona, Mara and Buyuktuncel may all be within the NBA 12 months from now. Andrews appears to be a succesful level guard, and Stefanovic was a double-figure scorer within the Pac-12. However are the position gamers able to take a step ahead? How huge of an impression will the incoming freshmen make? How shortly can the worldwide gamers adapt?

It is at all times tough to doubt Cronin, given his observe report and the expertise he’ll have at his disposal, however the roster is simply so unproven at this level. Slotting UCLA simply outdoors the highest 25 looks like a good evaluation, however there’s an opportunity we’re significantly underestimating the Bruins, too.

Up to date September 5, 2023

Earlier: 1

Kansas jumped to the highest spot within the rankings after the return of Kevin McCullar Jr. Whereas the incoming gamers, most notably Hunter Dickinson, are getting a lot of the consideration thus far this offseason, the returning trio of Dajuan Harris Jr., McCullar and Ok.J. Adams Jr. is what makes the Jayhawks a nationwide championship contender. Harris is among the elite pass-first guards within the nation and a terrific defender, whereas McCullar is flexible and actually defends. Adams’ position will change subsequent to Dickinson, however he was one of many breakout stars of final season and may take a good larger step subsequent season.

Projected beginning lineup:

Dajuan Harris Jr. (8.9 PPG)
Nick Timberlake (17.7 PPG at Towson)
Kevin McCullar Jr. (10.7 PPG)
Ok.J. Adams Jr. (10.6 PPG)
Hunter Dickinson (18.5 PPG at Michigan)

Earlier: 2

The Blue Devils rose to the highest of the rankings with the return of Kyle Filipowski, who would have been a first-round choose had he entered the NBA draft. However he returned to anchor the frontcourt, whereas Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell additionally determined to return again to Durham. Jeremy Roach‘s choice to go again to the Blue Devils and run the offense makes them the first competitors to Kansas for the No. 1 spot. Jon Scheyer will want one of many wings to step up offensively; Jared McCain could possibly be that man.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jeremy Roach (13.6 PPG)
Tyrese Proctor (9.4 PPG)
Jared McCain (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Mark Mitchell (9.1 PPG)
Kyle Filipowski (15.1 PPG)

Earlier: 3

Purdue made the most important rise following the withdrawal deadline, due to the return of Zach Edey. The reigning Picket Award winner took it to the ultimate day however opted to return to West Lafayette, Indiana, the place he’ll as soon as once more be probably the most dominant participant in faculty basketball. Matt Painter now has all 5 starters again from a crew that gained each the Huge Ten regular-season and convention event championships and earned a 1-seed within the NCAA event earlier than the gorgeous upset to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson.

Projected beginning lineup:

Braden Smith (9.7 PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (11.0 PPG)
Ethan Morton (3.8 PPG)
Mason Gillis (6.8 PPG)
Zach Edey (22.3 PPG)

Earlier: 4

We actually preferred Tom Izzo’s crew getting into the offseason, and that was earlier than Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor introduced they had been profiting from their further yr of eligibility on account of COVID-19 and returning to East Lansing. Then A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins determined to return to the Spartans after testing the NBA draft waters. Michigan State now has expertise and a high-level backcourt, in addition to added depth and explosiveness with the arrival of five-star recruits Xavier Booker, Coen Carr and Jeremy Fears.

Projected beginning lineup:

Tyson Walker (14.8 PG)
A.J. Hoggard (12.9 PPG)
Jaden Akins (9.8 PPG)
Malik Corridor (8.9 PPG)
Xavier Booker (No. 7 in ESPN 100)

Earlier: 5

UConn opened the offseason at No. 1 following its dominant nationwide championship run, then dropped a number of spots after the departures of Adama Sanogo and Andre Jackson to the NBA draft. However Dan Hurley received Tristen Newton again, and in addition brings in a top-five recruiting class that features 4 ESPN 100 prospects. Donovan Clingan is poised for an enormous season down low, whereas Alex Karaban ought to tackle a much bigger position offensively. The addition of Rutgers switch Cam Spencer has boosted the Huskies again into the highest 5 due to his expertise and high-level taking pictures potential.

Projected beginning lineup:

Tristen Newton (9.9 PPG)
Stephon Fort (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Cam Spencer (13.2 PPG at Rutgers)
Alex Karaban (9.5 PPG)
Donovan Clingan (7.1 PPG)

Earlier: 6

With Marcus Sasser a possible first-round choose and Tramon Mark hitting the switch portal, it appeared like Kelvin Sampson’s perimeter group was sure to take successful. As an alternative, he went out and landed two of the most effective guards in the marketplace in Baylor switch LJ Cryer and Temple switch Damian Dunn. Jamal Shead can be again after testing the NBA draft waters, and Emanuel Sharp confirmed flashes of his potential final season. Houston’s transition to the Huge 12 is likely to be the most important query mark for the Cougars.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jamal Shead (10.5 PPG)
LJ Cryer (15.0 PPG at Baylor)
Emanuel Sharp (5.9 PPG)
Damian Dunn (15.3 PPG at Temple)
J’Wan Roberts (10.0 PPG)

Earlier: 7

We knew Mark Few would discover a technique to reload his roster following the departures of Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton and Malachi Smith — and he landed three transfers to assist offset the losses: Ryan Nembhard (Creighton), Graham Ike (Wyoming) and Steele Venters (Japanese Washington). The Zags additionally acquired constructive information on deadline day, with Anton Watson deciding to return to Spokane, Washington, for an additional yr up entrance.

Projected beginning lineup:

Ryan Nembhard (12.1 PPG at Creighton)
Nolan Hickman (7.7 PPG)
Steele Venters (15.3 PPG at Japanese Washington)
Anton Watson (11.1 PPG)
Graham Ike (19.5 PPG at Wyoming in 2021-22)

Earlier: 8

Tennessee dropped a few spots following the departure of Chris Ledlum, who decommitted in July after transferring to Knoxville from Harvard earlier this offseason. Even with out him, although, Rick Barnes’ crew is well-positioned to be ranked across the prime 10 to begin the season. The Vols nonetheless herald Dalton Knecht (Northern Colorado) and Jordan Gainey (South Carolina Upstate) to spice up their perimeter scoring, whereas getting all-SEC guard Santiago Vescovi and veteran starter Josiah-Jordan James again for an additional yr. Zakai Zeigler‘s well being and availability would be the key.

Projected beginning lineup:

Zakai Zeigler (10.7 PPG)
Santiago Vescovi (12.5 PPG)
Dalton Knecht (20.2 PPG at Northern Colorado)
Josiah-Jordan James (10.0 PPG)
Jonas Aidoo (5.1 PPG)

Earlier: 9

Rating the Owls ninth within the nation might sound lofty, given they had been a 9-seed within the NCAA event and almost misplaced to Memphis within the first spherical. However that is additionally a crew that gained 35 video games, made a Remaining 4 run and is bringing again all 5 starters. It is a testomony to Dusty Could that he was in a position to hold the core of this group collectively, with zero gamers getting into the switch portal or NBA draft. FAU is stepping up in competitors to the AAC, however the Owls would be the favourite to win it in 12 months 1.

Projected beginning lineup:

Bryan Greenlee (7.4 PPG)
Nick Boyd (8.9 PPG)
Johnell Davis (13.9 PPG)
Alijah Martin (13.1 PPG)
Vladislav Goldin (10.3 PPG)

Earlier: 10

There was minimal roster motion for Marquette for the primary two months of the offseason, however then Olivier-Maxence Prosper impressed scouts and NBA groups on the draft mix and opted to remain within the draft. Luckily for coach Shaka Sensible, his most efficient bench participant final season ought to slot proper into the lineup. David Joplin scored in double figures in three of his closing 4 video games and shot 40% from 3 for the season.

Projected beginning lineup:

Tyler Kolek (12.9 PPG)
Stevie Mitchell (7.1 PPG)
Kam Jones (15.1 PPG)
David Joplin (9.2 PPG)
Oso Ighodaro (11.4 PPG)

Earlier: 11

Arizona was lively within the portal and on the worldwide circuit to rebuild its roster, however the Wildcats saved their greatest splash for final — touchdown North Carolina switch Caleb Love, top-of-the-line guards within the portal. He’ll crew with Alabama switch Jaden Bradley and returnees Pelle Larsson and Kylan Boswell on the perimeter, whereas Oumar Ballo will once more anchor the inside. San Diego State switch Keshad Johnson ought to deliver protection and toughness.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jaden Bradley (6.4 PPG at Alabama)
Caleb Love (16.7 PPG at North Carolina)
Pelle Larsson (9.9 PPG)
Keshad Johnson (7.7 PPG at San Diego State)
Oumar Ballo (14.2 PPG)

Earlier: 12

Brian Dutcher misplaced a handful of veteran items from a crew that reached the nationwide championship sport, however he introduced again 4 gamers who noticed at the very least 17 minutes within the title sport, together with two starters. Lamont Butler and Jaedon LeDee each withdrew from the draft shortly earlier than the deadline, whereas Darrion Trammell is profiting from his further yr. USC switch Reese Dixon-Waters is an underrated addition, too.

Projected beginning lineup:

Darrion Trammell (9.9 PPG)
Lamont Butler (8.7 PPG)
Micah Parrish (7.7 PPG)
Reese Dixon-Waters (9.8 PPG at USC)
Jaedon LeDee (7.8 PPG)

Earlier: 13

Greg McDermott had an up-and-down offseason, with starters Ryan Nembhard and Arthur Kaluma getting into the switch portal, however Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner all withdrew their names from the NBA draft to return to Omaha, Nebraska. Utah State switch Steven Ashworth ought to step into the backcourt, whereas Mason Miller and Virginia switch Isaac Traudt ought to assist offset Kaluma’s departure.

Projected beginning lineup:

Steven Ashworth (16.2 PPG at Utah State)
Baylor Scheierman (12.8 PPG)
Trey Alexander (13.6 PPG)
Mason Miller (2.3 PPG)
Ryan Kalkbrenner (15.9 PPG)

Earlier: 14

Arkansas was busy on NBA draft deadline day, seeing prime recruiting goal Ron Holland go to the G League, whereas retaining Devo Davis and shedding Jordan Walsh to the NBA. Eric Musselman’s crew is completely loaded on the perimeter, with Davis and top-30 recruit Layden Blocker becoming a member of 4 skilled switch guards. If Trevon Brazile is wholesome, the frontcourt should not be a difficulty, both. Cincinnati switch Jeremiah Davenport supplies a distinct dimension at energy ahead.

Projected beginning lineup:

Khalif Battle (17.9 PPG at Temple)
Devo Davis (10.9 PPG)
Tramon Mark (10.1 PPG at Houston)
Trevon Brazile (11.8 PPG)
Makhi Mitchell (7.0 PPG)

Earlier: 15

Hubert Davis began the offseason with two anchors: R.J. Davis at one guard spot and Armando Bacot down low. He then went out and surrounded these two returning stars with intriguing complementary gamers. Notre Dame switch Cormac Ryan is a veteran shooter, whereas Harrison Ingram from Stanford is a flexible wing. Then top-10 2024 prospect Elliot Cadeau opted to reclassify and go well with up for the Tar Heels this fall. He is a really elite passer and playmaker who may have the ball in his palms from day one.

Projected beginning lineup:

Elliot Cadeau (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
R.J. Davis (16.1 PPG)
Cormac Ryan (12.3 PPG at Notre Dame)
Harrison Ingram (10.5 PPG at Stanford)
Armando Bacot (15.9 PPG)

Earlier: 16

After Villanova missed the NCAA event for the primary time since 2012, Kyle Neptune clearly needed to keep away from a repeat getting into the second season of his teaching tenure. The Wildcats had as a lot success within the switch portal as any crew within the nation, touchdown TJ Bamba (Washington State), Hakim Hart (Maryland) and Tyler Burton (Richmond), whereas additionally returning veteran stalwarts Justin Moore and Eric Dixon. The beginning 5 is as skilled and confirmed as you may discover within the Huge East.

Projected beginning lineup:

Justin Moore (13.5 PPG)
TJ Bamba (15.8 PPG at Washington State)
Hakim Hart (11.4 PPG at Maryland)
Tyler Burton (19.0 PPG at Richmond)
Eric Dixon (15.4 PPG)

Earlier: 17

Whereas questions stay over the expertise and youth of this season’s squad, there are not any doubts concerning the expertise stage in Lexington. In ESPN’s 2024 mock draft, launched late final month, the Wildcats have two of the 4 highest-ranked faculty gamers (Justin Edwards, D.J. Wagner) and 5 gamers (Edwards, Wagner, Ugonna Onyenso, Aaron Bradshaw, Robert Dillingam) ranked inside the highest 40 total. If the newcomers can get on the identical web page, Calipari is spoiled for choices.

Projected beginning lineup:

D.J. Wagner (No. 4 in ESPN 100)
Antonio Reeves (14.4 PPG)
Justin Edwards (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Tre Mitchell (11.7 PPG at West Virginia)
Ugonna Onyenso (2.5 PPG)

Earlier: 18

Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier each examined the NBA draft waters however opted to return to Coral Gables, Florida. These two will type top-of-the-line inside-outside duos within the ACC subsequent season. Jim Larranaga additionally changed Jordan Miller with an ACC-proven ahead in Florida State switch Matthew Cleveland, who ought to add extra rebounding and paint manufacturing. The Hurricanes are nonetheless within the hunt for an additional guard to assist fill Isaiah Wong‘s sneakers.

Projected beginning lineup:

Nijel Pack (13.8 PPG)
Wooga Poplar (8.7 PPG)
Bensley Joseph (5.2 PPG)
Matthew Cleveland (13.8 PPG at Florida State)
Norchad Omier (13.3 PPG)

Earlier: 19

Will the Aggies choose up the place they left off within the second half of 2022-23, once they gained 19 of twenty-two video games earlier than falling within the SEC championship sport and the primary spherical of the NCAA event? Having Wade Taylor IV again to run the present is a big plus, whereas Buzz Williams additionally has three different returning starters after Tyrece Radford determined to return again. Dexter Dennis is the lone starter leaving, however transfers Jace Carter (UIC) and Eli Lawrence (Center Tennessee) will assist substitute him.

Projected beginning lineup:

Wade Taylor IV (16.3 PPG)
Tyrece Radford (13.3 PPG)
Jace Carter (16.6 PPG at UIC)
Henry Coleman III (9.0 PPG)
Julius Marble (9.1 PPG)

Earlier: 20

Scott Drew is actually ranging from scratch on the perimeter, with Keyonte George and Adam Flagler getting into the NBA draft and LJ Cryer transferring to Houston. However he is bringing in two impression freshmen in Ja’Kobe Walter and Miro Little and welcomes again Langston Love. The Bears additionally landed two high-level transfers in RayJ Dennis (Toledo) and Jayden Nunn (VCU). Jalen Bridges‘ return to Waco was necessary for Drew; he could possibly be poised for a breakout marketing campaign within the frontcourt.

Projected beginning lineup:

RayJ Dennis (19.5 PPG at Toledo)
Jayden Nunn (9.3 PPG at VCU)
Ja’Kobe Walter (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Jalen Bridges (10.3 PPG)
Josh Ojianwuna (4.2 PPG)

Earlier: 21

Andy Enfield can have one of many nation’s premier backcourts subsequent season in returning all-conference guard Boogie Ellis and elite incoming freshman Isaiah Collier, the No. 1 recruit within the 2023 class. Count on these two to deal with a lot of the scoring obligations, whereas Kobe Johnson and Washington State switch DJ Rodman will present toughness and 3-point taking pictures. If Bronny James is ready to play, USC’s perimeter can be as deep and versatile as any in faculty basketball.

Projected beginning lineup:

Isaiah Collier (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Boogie Ellis (17.7 PPG)
Kobe Johnson (9.2 PPG)
DJ Rodman (9.6 PPG at Washington State)
Joshua Morgan (7.0 PPG)

Earlier: 22

The roster machinations haven’t slowed in Tuscaloosa. After an NBA draft withdrawal deadline that noticed Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears return however Charles Bediako depart, Quinerly then opted to enter the switch portal. Nate Oats responded by touchdown North Dakota State switch Grant Nelson and five-star huge man Jarin Stevenson — and continues to be in pursuit of extra gamers within the portal. The Tide can be closely reliant on transfers and will nonetheless use one other participant up entrance.

Projected beginning lineup:

Aaron Estrada (20.2 PPG at Hofstra)
Mark Sears (12.5 PPG)
Latrell Wrightsell Jr., (16.3 PPG at Cal State Fullerton)
Grant Nelson (17.9 PPG at North Dakota State)
Nick Pringle (3.5 PPG)

Earlier: 23

Randy Bennett acquired nice information early within the offseason when Alex Ducas introduced he was returning for an additional season. The Gaels now have three key returnees to construct round subsequent season: Ducas, Aidan Mahaney and Mitchell Saxen. Mahaney may grow to be a family title with one other yr. The Gaels additionally introduced again Augustas Marciulionis and welcome four-star guard Jordan Ross and Harvard switch Mason Forbes.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jordan Ross (four-star)
Aidan Mahaney (13.9 PPG)
Augustas Marciulionis (5.9 PPG)
Alex Ducas (12.5 PPG)
Mitchell Saxen (11.6 PPG)

Earlier: 24

Rodney Terry did an unbelievable job taking up for Chris Beard final season, guiding the Longhorns to 29 wins, a Huge 12 convention event title and an Elite Eight look. However now comes the reloading course of. Texas brings again Tyrese Hunter at level guard and landed Oral Roberts switch Max Abmas, one of many premier scorers in faculty basketball. Dillon Mitchell taking a step ahead would be the key, though top-50 recruit and former Kansas commit Chris Johnson supplies another choice.

Projected beginning lineup:

Tyrese Hunter (10.3 PPG)
Max Abmas (21.9 PPG at Oral Roberts)
Dillon Mitchell (4.3 PPG)
Dylan Disu (8.8 PPG)
Kadin Shedrick (6.2 PPG at Virginia)

Earlier: 25

It’d take time for the revamped St. John’s roster to get going, however on paper, there’s greater than sufficient expertise to be an element towards the highest of the Huge East — particularly when factoring in Rick Pitino on the sideline. Joel Soriano is among the most efficient huge males within the nation, whereas Jordan Dingle and Chris Ledlum had been high-level scorers within the Ivy League. With a mixture of Daniss Jenkins, Glenn Taylor Jr., RJ Luis, Simeon Wilcher and Nahiem Alleyne on the wings, it is exhausting to not envision early success for Pitino.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jordan Dingle (23.4 PPG at Penn)
Daniss Jenkins (15.6 PPG at Iona)
Glenn Taylor Jr. (11.6 PPG at Oregon State)
Chris Ledlum (18.8 PPG at Harvard)
Joel Soriano (15.2 PPG)

Dropped out:

None

Subsequent in line:

Colorado Buffaloes
Wisconsin Badgers
Florida Gators
UCLA Bruins
Kansas State Wildcats