Following the closure of the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline on Wednesday, a clearer picture has emerged about the rosters that will shape up when the season kicks off in November.
The ongoing transfer portal frenzy has led to significant changes since our last analysis on championship night. While there still might be some last-minute additions from the transfer portal or overseas prospects signing up, today marks the day when unveiling a super-early Top 25 actually makes sense. Let’s dive right in, beginning with the team taking the top spot due to a star player’s last-minute decision to withdraw
Previous rank: 6
Projected starters: Mark Sears, Chris Youngblood (transfer), Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi (transfer)
Top reserves: Aden Holloway (transfer), Derrion Reid (freshman), Jarin Stevenson, Houston Mallette (transfer), Aiden Sherrill (freshman), Mouhamed Dioubate, Naas Cunningham (freshman), Labaron Philon (freshman)
Nate Oats has put together a team with the best 3-point shooting prowess in the nation. With Sears and Wrightsell leading the way, backed by three transfer guards who all made over 50 3-pointers last season, including two of them shooting over 40% from 3, the offensive arsenal looks potent. The addition of Omoruyi from Rutgers, who anchored a top-five defense, further strengthens their roster. With four top-40 freshmen also in the mix, Alabama boasts depth, athleticism, and size, making them a formidable team. The only point of concern is their defense, which has been a mixed bag in recent years, but their scoring ability is unquestionable.
2. Gonzaga
Previous: 2
Projected starters: Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Steele Venters, Ben Gregg, Graham Ike
Top reserves: Braden Huff, Michael Ajayi (transfer), Khalif Battle (transfer), Dusty Stromer
Gonzaga brings back four of their five starters and welcomes back Venters, the reigning Big Sky Player of the Year, who missed last season due to injury. Notable lineup versatility gives them the option to go big if needed. The bench depth for the Zags is strong, with players capable of forming a top-25 team by themselves. With improved defense and smart roster construction, Gonzaga looks set to score with ease.
Previous: 3
Projected starters: Milos Uzan (transfer), LJ Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, J’Wan Roberts, Ja’Vier Francis
Top reserves: Joseph Tugler, Terrance Arceneaux, Ramon Walker, Mercy Miller (freshman), Chase McCarty (freshman)
Houston was leading the pack in college hoops last season before an injury setback. With most of the rotation returning and key additions in Uzan and depth boost from Tugler and Arceneaux, the Cougars’ defense remains the strongest pillar. Consistent 30-plus wins for three seasons and a deep run in the Final Four, Houston is a safe bet under coach Kelvin Sampson.
Previous: 7
Projected starters: Dajuan Harris Jr., Rylan Griffen (transfer), AJ Storr (transfer), KJ Adams, Hunter Dickinson
Top reserves: Zeke Mayo (transfer), Elmarko Jackson, Flory Bidunga (freshman), Zach Clemence, Rakease Passmore (freshman), Jamari McDowell
Kansas, with its throwback style of play last season, relied heavily on ball movement and offense execution. However, lack of shooting and a go-to perimeter scorer were hurdles to overcome. This season, the addition of transfers addresses those concerns. Lineup versatility with big wings and improved defense showcase Kansas as a team aiming for offensive consistency.
Tamin Lipsey leads an Iowa State team with high expectations. (Jay Biggerstaff / Getty Images)
5. Iowa State
Previous: 4
Projected starters: Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert, Milan Momcilovic, Joshua Jefferson (transfer), Dishon Jackson (transfer)
Top reserves: Curtis Jones, Nate Heise (transfer), Demarion Watson, Brandton Chatfield, Nojus Indrusaitis (freshman), Dwayne Pierce (freshman)
The reigning best defense in college basketball from last season is back with key returnees and strong defensive pieces. Coach Otzelberger’s knack for picking underrated transfers and building elite defenses bodes well for Iowa State. Known for guarding hard, Iowa State’s defense is expected to be a major strength. With the added depth and potential breakouts from transfers and freshmen, the Cyclones are in for an exciting season.
6. Duke
Previous: 1
Projected starters: Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, Mason Gillis (transfer), Cooper Flagg (freshman), Khaman Maluach (freshman)
Top reserves: Maliq Brown (transfer), Kon Knueppel (freshman), Isaiah Evans (freshman), Darren Harris (freshman), Patrick Ngongba II (freshman), Sion James (transfer)
Coach Jon Scheyer’s approach in building around Flagg with solid, efficient players like Gillis, Brown, and James is evident in Duke’s roster composition. Boasting top talent level, the team’s efficacy might increase with noteworthy rookie contributions. Defense and offensive efficiency look to be key areas. With a strategic mix of youth and experience, Duke’s potential is grounded on Flagg’s performance on the offense.
7. Connecticut
Previous: 5
Projected starters: Hassan Diarra, Aidan Mahaney (transfer), Solomon Ball, Alex Karaban, Samson Johnson
Top reserves: Tarris Reed Jr. (transfer), Liam McNeeley (freshman), Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross, Ahmad Nowell (freshman), Isaiah Abraham (freshman)
Coach Dan Hurley’s track record for ideal roster setup and tailored offensive and defensive schemes indicates a successful Connecticut team. Adding shooters Mahaney and McNeeley to boost offensive firepower, UConn is poised to capitalize on optimal floor space for their offense to thrive. Vital to their success, Mahaney’s performance influences team trajectory. Defensive strengths and rotational depth from centers ensure the Huskies’ consistent competitiveness.
Previous: 8
Projected starters: Zakai Zeigler, Jahmai Mashack, Chaz Lanier (transfer), Igor Milicic Jr. (transfer), Felix Okpara (transfer)
Top reserves: Jordan Gainey, Darlinstone Dubar (transfer), JP Estrella, Cameron Carr, Cade Phillips, Bishop Boswell (freshman)
Tennessee’s steady reign as a top-five seed for six consecutive NCAA Tournaments is reflective of their strong defensive foundation. With a focus on defense-oriented roster construction, the Vols are primed to maintain elite defensive performance. Offensively, the challenge lies in replacing key players like Knecht, with the hope resting on Lanier’s ability to take on a primary scoring role. Collective shooting proficiency paired with depth on the perimeter offers the Vols a strategic edge.