Reed HunnicuttThe transfer market is in full swing as coaches try to manage their rosters with the threat of the NBA Draft process extending into late summer. Before getting into the updated top 50 teams, we’ll look at my predictions for where the top uncommitted transfers and recruits will be committing. The bolded names are players that have committed, returned, or confirmed their departure since last week’s rankings.
Grad Transfer Predictions:
1. Matt Haarms (C) from Purdue
Prediction: Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have the perfect style to feature the strengths of Haarms (8.6 ppg, 2.0 bpg). They are in need of an anchor for their elite defensive unit. He will play professionally wherever he goes, but Texas Tech is going to allow the best chance to star as an agile rim protector that can stretch the floor.
2. Justin Turner (G) from Bowling Green
Prediction: Missouri
Turner (18.8 ppg) has been one of the more productive scorers in the country over the last few years. Missouri brings back nearly all of their key pieces. He would form an impressive combo with a more pass-first guard in Dru Smith.
3. Rapolas Ivanauskas (F) from Colgate
Prediction: Dayton
Ivanauskas (13.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg) has a game that would blend well in the gap that Obi Toppin is leaving. Without an ideal replacement for that spot, he would come in as one of the top scoring options for Anthony Grant’s team. His efficiency numbers dipped, but Rapolas can score on the block, pass in space, or space out to the three point line where he shot 43.4% as a sophomore.
4. Amauri Hardy (G) from UNLV
Prediction: Michigan State
The All-MWC guard has a number of high-major suitors. He is a score-first guard, similar to Spartan guard Rocket Watts, but Hardy (14.5 ppg, 3.3 apg) is more experienced setting teammates up.
5. Darius Perry (G) from Louisville
Prediction: Arizona State
After losing Remy Martin, the Sun Devils are in a tough spot with their guard play. Perry’s role took a hit this year, but he is a good outside shooter that is a better passer than people acknowledge.
6. Charles Minlend (G) from San Francisco
Prediction: Mississippi State
Minlend (14.4 ppg) is a physical guard that can get his own shot. Efficiency has been a struggle. Mississippi State just found out that Nick Weatherspoon is leaving (along with Robert Woodard and Reggie Perry). Minlend could vie for a starting spot in the SEC immediately.
7. Drew Buggs (G) from Hawaii
Prediction: Northwestern
After averaging over five assists per game the last two seasons, Buggs is looking to be floor general at a new school. As brutal as the Wildcats have been, they have a lot of young players that are returning and their point guard is graduating.
8. Quan Jackson (G) from Georgia Southern
Prediction: Georgia
Jackson (13.6 ppg) would be staying in state here by attending UGA. Anthony Edwards leads a group of Bulldogs that are exciting. This is an opportunity for Jackson to provide his scoring and perimeter defense to a well-coached team in need of guards.
9. Ryan Betley (G) from Penn
Prediction: Stanford
Now that Tyrell Terry is going to the NBA, the Cardinal have a gaping hole in their starting lineup. Betley (11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is more of an off-guard, but he would add a lot of lost production from behind the arc. Plus, going from a Penn education to a Stanford education must be enticing.
10. Devin Gage (G) from DePaul
Prediction: Fresno State
Yes, I know this isn’t the most exciting destination. Gage is looking for a chance to be an impact player, similar to what he did as a junior when he averaged 9.1 points and 3.9 assists at DePaul. Fresno State has been a consistent team in pursuit of the Chicago guard.
Top Uncommitted Recruit Predictions:
1. Jalen Green (G)
Prediction: UCLA
The top player in the 2020 class is built to be an NBA two-guard. He is going to shift the landscape of whatever team he attends. I like the Bruins combination of young talent, positional fit, and proximity to home for Green. If all goes well, he will be the highest picked Bruin since Lonzo Ball.
2. Ziare Williams (F)
Prediction: USC
We will find out if this prediction was solid tomorrow when Williams is making his decision. With top-ranked big Evan Mobley and his brother Isaiah already on the team, the NBA scouts will be swarming to see the Trojans play. The lanky, athletic Williams would make USC must-watch TV.
3. Josh Christopher (G)
Prediction: Michigan
It seems like Christopher’s fit with Michigan is almost too good to be true. I do wonder if the commitment of shot-heavy guard Mike Smith will negatively influence his decision, but Christopher is talented enough to make an impact wherever he is needed. Juwan Howard is working his magic.
4. Greg Brown (F)
Prediction: Auburn
Imagine Brown teaming with Sharife Cooper. That would be a whole lot of fireworks for a 25-win team that is losing its top 6 scorers. He has video game-type bounce and a perimeter game that is closer to a wing than a big. Staying home to attend Texas would be interesting, but Auburn seems like the winner.
5. J.T. Thor (F)
Prediction: Oklahoma State
Thor has the long frame, activity, and face-up skills that capture the attention of evaluators. Joining forces with top-ranked point guard Cade Cunningham would help both Thor and the guard-led Cowboys.
6. Kai Sotto (F/C)
Prediction: Auburn
The Philipino native has drawn a lot of intrigue on social media for his fluidity with the ball at 7-foot-2. Sotto has been pursued by Bruce Pearl and Auburn for a while. Given all of their departures, he could have a chance to have an early impact for the Tigers.
Early Top 50 College Basketball Teams
1. Baylor
Key Departures: Freddie Gillespie (F), Devonte Bandoo (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Jared Butler (Jr. G), MaCio Teague (Sr. G), Davion Mitchell (Jr. G), Mark Vital (Sr. F), Tristan Clark (Sr. F)
Bench: Adam Flagler (RSSo. G), Matthew Mayer (Jr. G/F), Flo Thamba (Jr. F/C), Jordan Turner (RSFr. G/F), Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua (RSSo. F), Dain Dainja (Fr. F)
Jared Butler (16.0 ppg) leads a very strong group of returning talent. They will be one of the top defensive teams in the country with a number of proficient shooters that will allow them to run-and-gun with anyone.
2. Gonzaga
Key Departures: Killian Tillie (F), Admon Gilder (G), Ryan Woolridge (G)
Expected Early Departures: Filip Petrusev (F/C)
Projected Lineup: Jalen Suggs (Fr. G), Joel Ayayi (Jr. G), Corey Kispert (Sr. F), Drew Timme (So. F), Oumar Ballo (RSFr. C)
Bench: Anton Watson (So. F), Pavel Zakharov (So. F), Aaron Cook (Gr. G), Dominick Harris (Fr. G), Julian Strawther (Fr. F)
The addition of Southern Illinois Aaron Cook (15.0 ppg) gives them a veteran guard for a young backcourt. All-WCC wing Corey Kispert (13.9 ppg, 43.8% 3PT) will be one of the top small forwards in the country. And freshman sensation Jalen Suggs is ready to run the show from day one.
3. Villanova
Key Departures: None
Expected Early Departures: Saddiq Bey (F)
Projected Lineup: Collin Gillespie (Sr. G), Justin Moore (So. G), Caleb Daniels (RSSr. G), Jermaine Samuels (Sr. F), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (So. F)
Bench: Cole Swider (Jr. F), Bryan Antoine (So. G), Brandon Slater (Jr. F), Eric Dixon (RSFr. F), Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree (Sr. F)
They have age and versatility across the board. Collin Gillespie (15.1 ppg, 4.5 apg) has emerged as a productive two-way point guard. Look for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (10.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.9 apg) to be a matchup nightmare should he pass up a potential first-round selection.
4. Kansas
Key Departures: Udoka Azubuike (C), Isaiah Moss (G)
Expected Early Departures: Devon Dotson (G)
Projected Lineup: Marcus Garrett (Sr. G), Ochai Agbaji (Jr. G), Christian Braun (So. G/F), Silvio De Sousa (Sr. F), David McCormack (Jr. C)
Bench: Bryce Thompson (Fr. G), Mitch Lightfoot (RSSr. F), Dajuan Harris (RSFr. G), Jalen Wilson (RSFr. F), Tristan Enaruna (So. G/F)
National Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Garrett (9.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.6 apg) is going to be counted on to score on a more regular basis. Length and athleticism remain at an elite level for the Jayhawks. Adding another scorer in the grad transfer market would be huge.
5. San Diego State
Key Departures: Yanni Wetzell (F/C), KJ Feagin (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Malachi Flynn (Sr. G), Trey Pulliam (Sr. G), Jordan Schakel (Sr. G), Matt Mitchell (Sr. F), Nathan Mensah (Jr. F/C)
Bench: Terell Gomez (Gr. G), Adam Seiko (Jr. G), Aguek Arop (Jr. F), Keshad Johnson (So. F), Joel Mensah (Jr. F)
The Aztecs got a commitment from 5-foot-8 All-Big West guard Terell Gomez (19.8 ppg) to bring a proven scorer to their backcourt. Malachi Flynn (17.6 ppg, 5.1 apg) is the truth as a point guard. They bring back many of the excellent shooters that made them so lethal.
6. Kentucky
Key Departures: Nate Sestina (F), Johnny Juzang (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Tyrese Maxey (G), Immanuel Quickley (G), Nick Richards (C), Ashton Hagans (G)
Projected Lineup: Devin Askew (Fr. G), B.J. Boston (Fr. F), Terrence Clarke (Fr. F), E.J. Montgomery (Jr. F), Isaiah Jackson (Fr. F)
Bench: Keion Brooks (So. F), Davion Mintz (Gr. G), Lance Ware (Fr. F), Cam’Ron Flethcer (Fr. F)
Maxey and Hagans are gone for sure. Quickley is still undecided publicly. Creighton grad transfer Davion Mintz missed the whole season after averaging 9.7 points as a junior. Terrence Clarke and B.J. Boston are lottery pick talents that should lead the best transition team in America next to Devin Askew.
7. Michigan State
Key Departures: Cassius Winston (G), Kyle Ahrens (G)
Expected Early Departures: Joshua Langford (G)
Projected Lineup: Rocket Watts (So. G), Aaron Henry (Jr. F), Gabe Brown (Jr. F), Joey Hauser (Jr. F), Xavier Tillman (Sr. F)
Bench: Malik Hall (So. F), Marcus Bingham (Jr. F), Foster Loyer (Jr. G), Thomas Kithier (Jr. F), A.J. Hoggard (Fr. G), Mady Sissoko (Fr. C)
I thought Langford was ready to turn pro, but the word is that he and Tillman (13.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg) are still undecided. A return from Langford would be monumental. Joey Hauser will shine as a skilled stretch four. The consistency of Watts (9.0 ppg) and Henry (10.0 ppg) could largely be the difference.
8. Michigan
Key Departures: Zavier Simpson (Sr. G), Jon Teske (Sr. C), Austin Davis (Sr. F/C), David Dejulius (Jr. G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Mike Smith (Gr. G), Eli Brooks (Sr. G), Franz Wagner (So. G), Isaiah Livers (Sr. F), Isaiah Todd (Fr. F)
Bench: Brandon Johns Jr. (Jr. F), Hunter Dickinson (Fr. C), Zeb Jackson (Fr. G), Terrance Williams (Fr. F)
With Columbia transfer Mike Smith (22.8 ppg) entering the mix, there is no need to question the guard play. Seniors Livers (12.9 ppg) and Brooks know what is expected of them. Franz Wagner (11.6 ppg) is going to be special. Add a top-5 recruiting class (that might improve), and the promise is there.
9. Virginia
Key Departures: Mamadi Diakite (F), Braxton Key (F)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Kihei Clark (Jr. G), Thomas Woldetensae (Sr. G), Casey Morsell (So. G), Sam Hauser (Sr. F), Jay Huff (Sr. F/C)
Bench: Jabri Abdur-Rahim (Fr. G), Reece Beekman (Fr. G), Kody Stattmann (Jr. G/F), Francisco Caffaro (Jr. C)
Miniature terror Kihei Clark (10.8 ppg, 5.9 apg) is among the most disruptive on-ball defenders around. I have been high on Sam Hauser (14.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg) as a pro prospect for years. The versatility, size, and shooting make him primed to be an All-ACC player. More low-scoring, lockup games for the Hoos.
10. Duke
Key Departures: Javin DeLaurier (F), Jack White (F), Alex O’Connell (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Tre Jones (G), Vernon Carey Jr. (C), Cassius Stanley (G), Matthew Hurt (So. F)
Projected Lineup: Jordan Goldwire (Sr. G), Wendell Moore Jr. (So. F), Joey Baker (Jr. F), Jalen Johnson (Fr. F), Patrick Tape (Gr. C)
Bench: Jeremy Roach (Fr. G), D.J. Steward (Fr. G), Jaemyn Brakefield (Fr. F), Henry Coleman (Fr. F) Mark Williams (Fr. C)
Tape’s commitment gives Duke a much-needed interior presence. They will bank on the improvement of Wendell Moore Jr. (7.4) and all-around impact of five-star freshman Jalen Johnson. Roach and Steward will earn big minutes sooner rather than later. If Matthew Hurt returns, this team will be loaded.
11. Texas Tech
Key Departures: T.J. Holyfield (F), Chris Clarke (F)
Expected Early Departures: Jahmi’us Ramsey (G)
Projected Lineup: Davide Moretti (Sr. G), Nimari Burnett (Fr. G), Kyler Edwards (Jr. G), Terrence Shannon (So. G), Joel Ntambwe (So. F)
Bench: Kevin McCullar (So. G), Avery Benson (Jr. G), Russel Tchewa (So. C)
Chris Beard’s squad has an established culture built on toughness and defense. Moretti (13.0 ppg) and Edwards (11.4 ppg) will lead the way. There will be hell to pay if the flashes of brilliance that rangy wing Terrence Shannon (9.8 ppg) showed turn into the norm.
12. Wisconsin
Key Departures: Brevin Pritzl (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: D’Mitrik Trice (RSSr. G), Brad Davison (Sr. G), Aleem Ford (Sr. F), Micah Potter (Sr. F), Nate Reuvers (Sr. F)
Bench: Tyler Wahl (So. F), Ben Carlson (Fr. F), Lorne Bowman (Fr. G), Trevor Anderson (Sr. G)
Same guys, different year. A senior-laden lineup will look familiar to the Big Ten. Can Nate Reuvers (13.1 ppg, 1.9 bpg) take a Kaminsky-esque step to being a national name? Even if he doesn’t, Trice and Davison are tough as nails and they are going to have some fiery underclassmen that Badger fans love.
13. Iowa
Key Departures: Ryan Kreiner (F/C), Bakari Evelyn (G), Cordell Pemsl (F) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Jordan Bohannon (RSSr. G), CJ Fredrick (So. G), Connor McCaffery (Jr. G), Joe Wieskamp (Jr. G/F), Luka Garza (Sr. C)
Bench: Joe Toussaint (So. G), Patrick McCaffery (RSFr. F), Jack Nunge (Jr. F/C)
Garza (23.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg) declared for the draft, but many expect him to return. It’s time for more people to recognize how much Joe Wieskamp (14.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg) does on a nightly basis. If Jordan Bohannon gets another year, the Hawkeyes will have even more talent than this year.
14. West Virginia
Key Departures: Jermaine Haley (G/F), Chase Harler (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Jordan McCabe (Jr. G), Miles McBride (So. G), Emmitt Matthews Jr. (Jr. F), Derek Culver (Jr. F), Oscar Tshiebwe (So. F/C)
Bench: Gabe Osabuohien (Sr. F), Sean McNiel (Jr. G), Taz Sherman (Sr. G), Isaiah Cottrell (Fr. F/C), Brandon Knapper (Jr. G)
Tshiebwe (11.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and Culver (10.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg) are both officially back. That’s enough to have any opposing frontcourt shaking in their boots. With McBride and McCabe looking to step up, the Mountaineers won’t be a team to play around with.
15. UCLA
Key Departures: Prince Ali (G)
Expected Early Departures: Chris Smith (G)
Projected Lineup: Tyger Cambell (RSSo. G), Jules Bernard (Jr. G), Jaime Jaquez (So. G), Cody Riley (RSJr. F), Jalen Hill (RSJr. F)
Bench: Daishen Nix (Fr. G), David Singleton (Jr. G), Jake Kyman (So. G)
UCLA is on their way back to being a consistently relevant program. This balanced group will be able to make you pay in a number of ways. I’m a fan of the Hill (9.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and Riley (8.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg) post due. Tyger Cambell will be more efficient getting his own shot as a sophomore.
16. Florida
Key Departures: Kerry Blackshear Jr. (F)
Expected Early Departures:
Projected Lineup: Andrew Nembhard (Jr. G), Noah Locke (Jr. G), Scottie Lewis (So. G), Keyontae Johnson (Jr. F), Anthony Duruji (Jr. F)
Bench: Tre Mann (So. G), Tyree Appleby (Jr. G), Omar Payne (So. F/C), Ques Glover (So. G), Samson Ruzhentsev (Fr. F)
Scottie Lewis (8.5 ppg) is a first-round talent that struggled in his freshman year. Instead of leaving, he returns as a player primed to take off. Keyontae Johnson (14.0 ppg), Locke, and Nembhard return to the starting lineup. Youth won’t be an excuse this time around.
17. Texas
Key Departures: None
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Matt Coleman (Sr. G), Courtney Ramey (Jr. G), Andrew Jones (RSJr. G), Kai Jones (So. F), Jericho Sims (Sr. F)
Bench: Jase Febres (Sr. G), Donovan Williams (So. G), Will Baker (So. C), Gerald Liddell (Jr. F), Kamaka Hepa (Jr. F)
Shaka Smart has the speed and depth needed to create havoc. Coleman (12.7 ppg), Ramey (10.9 ppg), and Andrew Jones (11.5 ppg) all have multiple years of heavy minutes under their belts. As Kai Jones develops into the athletic force he is capable of becoming, the ceiling of the Longhorns will rise.
18. North Carolina
Key Departures: Brandon Robinson (G), Christian Keeling (G), Justin Pierce (G/F)
Expected Early Departures: Cole Anthony (G)
Projected Lineup: Caleb Love (Fr. G), Anthony Harris (So. G), Leaky Black (Jr. G), Garrison Brooks (Sr. F), Armando Bacot (So. F/C)
Bench: Day’ron Sharpe (Fr. F/C), Walker Kessler (Fr. C), Andrew Platek (Sr. G), R.J. Davis (Fr. G), Jeremiah Francis (So. G), Puff Johnson (Fr. F)
This is the deepest frontcourt in America, led by the returning Brooks/Bacot duo and supported by two of the most impressive incoming freshman bigs in Sharpe and Kessler. Roy Williams will be in a better mood with this glass-cleaning, rim-protecting group. Guard play is still a cause of concern.
19. Houston
Key Departures: Chris Harris (C)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Dejon Jarreau (Sr. G), Caleb Mills (So. G), Quentin Grimes (Jr. G), Nate Hinton (Jr. G/F), Fabian White Jr. (Sr. F)
Bench: Marcus Sasser (So. G), Cameron Tyson (So. G), Brison Gresham (Sr. F), Justin Gorham (Sr. F)
Defense and guard play will be their calling card. All-AAC wing Nate Hinton (10.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg) leads the charge with his all-around game. Another year in the program will do some good for rising sophomore Caleb Mills (13.2 ppg) and former five-star recruit Quentin Grimes (12.1 ppg).
20. Louisville
Key Departures: Steven Enoch (C), Dwayne Sutton (F), Ryan McMahaon (G), Lamarr Kimble (G), Darius Perry (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Jordan Nwora (F)
Projected Lineup: Carlik Jones (Gr. G), David Johnson (So. G), Samuell Williamson (So. G/F), Aidan Igiehon (So. F), Malik Williams (Sr. F)
Bench: Josh Nickelberry (So. G), Jae’lyn Withers (RSFr. F), D’Andre Davis (Fr. F)
Yes, finding out that Jay Scrubb was going to skip Louisville to go straight to the NBA hurt. But Carlik Jones (20.0 ppg, 5.5 apg) more than softens that blow as the top grad transfer on the market. Alongside powerful playmaking guard David Johnson (6.3 ppg, 2.8), that backcourt could be lethal.
21. Oregon
Key Departures: Payton Pritchard (G), Anthony Mathis (G), Shakur Juiston (F)
Expected Early Departures:
Projected Lineup: Will Richardson (Jr. G), Chris Duarte (Sr. G), Eric Williams Jr. (Jr. G), Chandler Lawson (So. F), N’Faly Dante (So. C)
Bench: Addison Patterson (So. G), C.J. Walker (So. F), Eugene Omoruyi (Sr. F), Francis Okoro (Jr. F/C), Jalen Terry (Fr. G)
They are actively in the hunt for a grad transfer, to no one’s surprise. N’Faly Dante (5.8 ppg) will take a big step in his first full season as a Duck. Their perimeter play will be their rock, with Richardson and Duarte back after productive seasons.
22. Richmond
Key Departures: Jake Wojcik (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Jacob Gilyard (Sr. G), Blake Francis (Sr. G), Nick Sherod (Sr. G), Nathan Cayo (Sr. F), Grant Golden (Sr. F/C)
Bench: Tyler Burton (So. F), Connor Crabtree (So. G), Andre Gustavson (Jr. G)
Jacob Gilyard (12.7 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.2 spg) and Blake Francis (17.7) will be the best backcourt in the A10 again. There is no reason to expect anything less than a top-6 seed in the NCAA tournament for a team bringing back so much experience and scoring.
23. Creighton
Key Departures: Denzel Mahoney (G), Kelvin Jones (Sr. C), Davion Mintz (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Ty-Shon Alexander (G)
Projected Lineup: Marcus Zegarowski (Jr. G), Mitchell Ballock (Sr. G), Antwann Jones (So. G), Christian Bishop (Jr. F), Damien Jefferson (Sr. F)
Bench: Jacob Epperson (RSJr. C), Shereef Mitchell (So. G)
Losing Ty-Shon Alexander is a devastating blow to a potential top-5 team. Without him, they will need Mitch Ballock (11.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg) to really look to fill it up. Marcu Zegarowski (16.1 ppg, 5.0 apg) became a premier point guard as a sophomore, so many expect him to handle the added weight gracefully.
24. Illinois
Key Departures: Andres Feliz (G), Kipper Nichols (F), Alan Griffin (F) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Ayo Dosunmu (G), Kofi Cockburn (C)
Projected Lineup: Trent Frazier (Sr. G), Adam Miller (Fr. G), Austin Hutcherson (Jr. G), Jacob Grandison (Jr. G/F), Giorgi Bezhanishvili (Jr. F)
Bench: Da’Monte Williams (Sr. G), Jermaine Hamlin (So. C), Andre Curbelo (Fr. G), Coleman Hawkins (Fr. F)
Kofi sounds like he’s gone for good. Trent Frazier (9.1 ppg) is the top returning scorer, but a capable scorer and lead guard. Both Hutcherson and Grandison are multi-positional defenders that have a knack for scoring. The name to remember is Adam Miller, one of the most explosive scorers in the 2020 class.
25. Stephen F. Austin
Key Departures: Kevon Harris (G), John Comeaux (G), Nathan Bain (F)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Roti Ware (Sr. G), David Kachelries (Sr. G), Cameron Johnson (Sr. G), Gavin Kensmil (Sr. F), Charlie Daniels (Sr. F)
Bench: Oddyst Walker (Jr. G), Kharee McDaniel (RSFr. G), Calvin Solomon (So. F), Demiere Brown (Jr. F), Sama’zha Hart (So. F)
The depth and aggressiveness of the Lumberjacks is going to create a lot of headaches for opposing teams. A 28-win team with five seniors in the starting lineup is a good place to start. Kensmil (11.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Johnson (11.4 ppg), and Ware (9.5 ppg) are set up to be the heads of the snake.
26. Tennessee
Key Departures: Jordan Bowden (G), Lamonte Turner (G), Jalen Johnson (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Santiago Vescovi (So. G), Josiah-Jordan James (So. G), Yves Pons (Sr. G), E.J. Anosike (Gr. F), John Fulkerson (Sr. F)
Bench: Jaden Springer (Fr. G), Victor Bailey (Jr. G), Keon Johnson (Fr. G), Olivier Nkamhoua (So. F), Davonte Gaines (So. G)
27. USC
Key Departures: Jonah Matthews (G), Nick Rakocevic (F), Daniel Utomi (G), Quinton Adlesh (G)
Expected Early Departures: Onyeka Okongwu (F)
Projected Lineup: Ethan Anderson (So. G), Elijah Weaver (Jr. G), Noah Baumann (Jr. G), Isaiah Mobley (So. F), Evan Mobley (Fr. C)
Bench: Isaiah White (Gr. F), Tahj Eaddy (Gr. G), Max Agbonkpolo (So. F), Drake London (So. G)
28. Belmont
Key Departures: Tyler Scanlon (F), Michael Benkert (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Grayson Murphy (Jr. G), Adam Kunkel (Jr. G), Tate Pierson (Jr. G), Caleb Hollander (Jr. F), Nick Muszynski (Jr. C)
Bench: Nick Hopkins (Sr. G), Ben Sheppard (So. G), Mitch Listau (Jr. G), Even Brauns (Fr. C), Frank Jakubicek (Fr. F/C)
29. Florida State
Key Departures: Trent Forrest (G), Dominik Olejniczak (C)
Expected Early Departures: Devin Vassell (G), Patrick Williams (F)
Projected Lineup: M.J. Walker (Sr. G), Anthony Polite (Jr. G), Scottie Barnes (Fr. F), Malik Osbourne (Jr. F), Balsa Koprivica (So. C)
Bench: Raiquan Gary (Jr. F), RayQuan Evans (Sr. G), Sardaar Calhoun (Jr. G), Wyatt Wilkes (Jr. F)
30. Seton Hall
Key Departures: Myles Powell (G), Quincy McKnight (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Bryce Aiken (Gr. G), Myles Cale (Sr. G), Jared Rhoden (Jr. G), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Sr. F), Ike Obiagu (Jr. C)
Bench: Takar Molson (Jr. G), Tyrese Samuel (So. F), Shavar Reynolds (Sr. G), Dimingus Stevens (Fr. F), Anthony Nelson (Jr. G)
31. Ohio State
Key Departures: Andre Wesson (F), D.J. Carton (G) via transfer), Luther Muhammad (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Kaleb Wesson (F/C)
Projected Lineup: CJ Walker (Sr. G), Duane Washington Jr. (Jr. G), Justice Sueing (Jr. F), Seth Towns (GR. F), Kyle Young (Sr. F)
Bench: Musa Jallow (RS Jr. G), E.J. Liddell (So. F), Abel Porter (Gr. G), Alonzo Gaffney (So. F)
32. Rutgers
Key Departures: Akwasi Yeboash (F), Shaq Carter (F)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Geo Baker (Sr. G), Montez Mathis (Jr. G), Caleb McConnell (Jr. G/F), Ron Harper Jr. (Jr. G/F), Cliff Omoruyi (Fr. C)
Bench: Myles Johnson (Jr. C), Jacob Young (Sr. G), Paul Mulcahy (So. G), Mamadou Doucoure (Sr. F)
33. LSU
Key Departures: Skylar Mays (G), Marlon Taylor (G)
Expected Early Departures: Trendon Watford (F)
Projected Lineup: Ja’vonte Smart (Jr. G), Cam Thomas (Fr. G), Charles Manning (Sr. G), Darius Days (Jr. F), Emmitt Williams (Jr. F)
Bench: Josh LeBlanc (Jr. F), Mwani Wilkinson (Fr. F), Jalen Cook (Fr. G), Aundre Hyatt (Jr. G)
34. Indiana
Key Departures: Devonte Green (G), De’Ron Davis (F/C)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Rob Phinisee (Jr. G), Aljami Durham (Sr. G), Justin Smith (Sr. F), Trayce Jackson-Davis (So. F), Joey Brunk (Sr. F/C)
Bench: Armaan Franklin (So. G), Damezi Anderson (Jr. F), Race Thompson (Jr. F), Jerome Hunter (RSSo. F), Trey Galloway (Fr. G)
35. Saint Louis
Key Departures: Tay Weaver (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Yuri Collins (So. G), Demarius Jacobs (Jr. G), Jordan Goodwin (Sr. G), Hasahn French (Sr. F), Jimmy Bell Jr. (So. F/C)
Bench: Javonte Perkins (Sr. G),Terrence Hargrove Jr. (So. G/F), Gibson Jimerson (So. G), Fred Thath Jr. (Jr. G)
36. Stanford
Key Departures: Isaac White (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Tyrell Terry (G)
Projected Lineup: Daejon Davis (Sr. G), Bryce Wills (Jr. G), Noah Taitz (Fr. G), Spencer Jones (So. F), Oscar Da Silva (Sr. F)
Bench: Jaiden Delaire (Jr. F), Lukas Kisunas (Jr. F)
37. Connecticut
Key Departures: Christian Vital (G), Alterique Gilbert (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: R.J. Cole (RSJr. G), James Bouknight (So. G), Tyler Polley (Sr. F), Akot Akok (So. F), Josh Carlton (Sr. F/C)
Bench: Brendan Adams (Jr. G), Isaiah Whaley (Sr. F), Andre Jackson (Fr. F), Jalen Gaffney (So. G)
38. Arkansas
Key Departures: Jimmy Whitt (G), Adrio Bailey (G), Jalen Harris (G) via tranfser
Expected Early Departures: Mason Jones (G)
Projected Lineup: JD Notae (Jr. G), Desi Sills (Jr. G), Isaiah Joe (Sr. G), Vance Jackson (Gr. F), Abayomi Iyiola (Jr. F)
Bench: Jalen Tate (Gr. G), Moses Moody (Fr. G), KK Robinson (Fr. G), Connor Vanover (So. C), Reggie Chaney (Jr. F)
39. Memphis
Key Departures: Isaiah Maruice (C)
Expected Early Departures: Precious Achiuwa (F)
Projected Lineup: Boogie Ellis (So. G), Damion Baugh (So. G), Lester Quinones (So. G/F), D.J. Jeffries (So. F), Isaiah Stokes (So. F)
Bench: Tyler Harris (Jr. G), Alex Lomax (Jr. G), Lance Thomas (Jr. F), Malcolml Dandridge (So. C)
40. Dayton
Key Departures: Trey Landers (G), Ryan Mikesell (F)
Expected Early Departures: Obi Toppin (F)
Projected Lineup: Jalen Crutcher (Sr. G), Rodney Chatman (Sr. G), Ibi Watson (Sr. G), Zimi Nwokeji (RSFr. F), Jordy Tshimanga (Sr. C)
Bench: Dwayne Cohill (Jr. G), Moulaye Sissoko (RSFr. C), RJ Blakney (Fr. F)
41. Xavier
Key Departures: Tyrique Jones (F), Quentin Goodin (G)
Expected Early Departures: Naji Marshall (F)
Projected Lineup: Paul Scruggs (Sr. G), Kyky Tandy (So. G), Dwon Odom (Fr. G), Zach Freemantle (So. F), Jason Carter (Sr. F)
Bench: Dieonte Miles (RSFr. F/C), C.J. Wilcher (Fr. G)
42. Loyola (IL)
Key Departures: Jalon Pipkins (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Keith Clemons (Sr. G), Lucas Williamson (Sr. G), Tate Hall (Sr. G/F), Aher Uguak (Sr. F), Cameron Krutwig (Sr. C)
Bench: Marquise Kennedy (So. G), Braden Norris (So. G), Tom Welch (So. F), Cooper Kaifes (So. G), Paxson Wojcik (So. G), Baylor Hebb (Fr. G)
43. Syracuse
Key Departures: Brycen Goodine (G) via transfer, Jalen Carey (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: Elijah Hughes (F)
Projected Lineup: Joe Girard (So. G), Buddy Boeheim (Jr. G), Marek Dolezaj (Sr. F), Quincy Guerrier (So. F), Bourama Sidibe (Sr. F)
Bench: Kadary Richmond (Fr. G),Jesse Edwards (So. C), Woody Newton (Fr. F)
44. Northern Iowa
Key Departures: Isaiah Brown (G), Spencer Haldeman (G), Justin Dahl (C)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: A.J. Green (Jr. G), Trae Berhow (Sr. G), Tywhon Pickford (Sr. G), Noah Carter (So. F), Austin Phyfe (Jr. F)
Bench: James Betz (So. F), Cole Henry (RSFr. F), Evan Gauger (RSFr. G)
45. Butler
Key Departures: Kamar Baldwin (G), Sean McDermott (G), Henry Baddley (G), Derrik Smits (C), Khalif Battle (G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Aaron Thompson (Sr. G), Myles Tate (Fr. G),Jordan Tucker (Sr. F), Bryce Nze (Sr. F), Bryce Golden (Jr. F)
Bench: Christian David (Sr. F), JaKobe Coles (Fr. F), Chuck Harris (Fr. G)
46. Purdue
Key Departures: Jahaad Proctor (G), Evan Boudreaux (F), Matt Haarms (C) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Eric Hunter (Jr. G), Isaiah Thompson (So. G), Sasha Stefanovic (Jr. G), Nojel Eastern (Sr. G/F), Trevion Williams (Jr. F/C)
Bench: Aaron Wheeler (Jr. F), Ethan Morton (Fr. G), Jaden Ivey (Fr. G)
47. Wright State
Key Departures: Billy Wampler (F), Cole Gentry (G), Jordan Ash (G), Skyelar Potter (Jr. G) via transfer
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Trey Calvin (So. G), Jaylon Hall (Sr. G), Tanner Holden (So. G), Grant Basile (Jr. F), Loudon Love (Sr. C)
Bench: Aleksandar Dozic (Sr. F), Jason Manns (Jr. F), Tim Finke (So. G/F)
48. Notre Dame
Key Departures: John Mooney (F), T.J. Gibbs (G), Rex Pflueger (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Prentiss Hubb (Jr. G), Cormac Ryan (So. G), Dane Goodwin (Jr. G), Nate Laszewski (Jr. F), Juwan Durham (Sr. C)
Bench: Nik Djogo (RSSr. F), Robby Carmody (RSSo. G/F), Elijah Taylor (Fr. F), Troy Sanders Jr. (Fr. G/F), Matt Zona (Fr. C)
49. Oklahoma State
Key Departures: Cameron McGriff (F), Lindy Waters (G), Thomas Dziagwa (G), Jonathan Laurent (G)
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Cade Cunningham (Fr. G), Isaac Likekele (Jr. G), Avery Anderson (So. G), Kalib Boone (So. F), Yor Anei (Jr. F)
Bench: Ferron Flavors Jr. (Gr. G), Chris Harris Jr. (So. G), Keylan Boone (So. G/F), Rondel Walker (Fr. G)
50. NC State
Key Departures: Markell Johnson (G), C.J. Bryce (G), Pat Andree (F),
Expected Early Departures: None
Projected Lineup: Braxton Beverly (Sr. G), Devon Daniels (Sr. G), Jericole Hellems (Jr. F), Manny Bates (So. F), DJ Funderburk (Sr. F/C) Bench: Thomas Allen (Jr. G), Josh Hall (Fr. F), Cam Hayes (Fr. G), Ebenezer Dowuona (Fr. C)