2026-27 men’s college basketball preseason top 100 players

We’ve by no means had a top-100 listing like this. Ever.

This yr’s rating of the 100 finest players coming into the 2026-27 men’s college basketball season consists of a mixture of top-tier freshmen, the very best returners in America, rising stars who might get away and a number of players who might have their seasons blocked by a choose.

You cannot inform the story of this season with out mentioning Tyran Stokes, Jordan Smith Jr. and a loaded freshman class. You can also’t paint the complete image of the season forward with out discussing Jeremy Fears Jr., Thomas Haugh, Milan Momcilovic and others who collected vital NIL charges to return to college basketball. And you’ll be able to’t talk about this yr’s marketing campaign with no dialog about Seth Trimble, Mark Mitchell, Robbie Avila, Tamin Lipsey and the opposite players fighting for a fifth season of college basketball.

Yes, we have taken the stance that the players who graduated highschool in 2022 and had been excluded by the NCAA’s new five-in-five guidelines, are nonetheless eligible — regardless of the authorized uncertainties. If there are developments that say in any other case, we’ll make changes.

At its coronary heart, this stays our try to assess the present expertise pool in a bizarre preseason for college basketball. Please do not sue the messenger.

The incoming five-star, 6-foot level guard was a constant riser over the latter a part of his highschool profession, together with a dominant run throughout Bella Vista Prep’s run to the Chipotle Nationals championship and a 29-point, 7-assist efficiency for the World staff on the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He is extremely fast with the ball in his palms, and is adept at entering into the lane and creating for himself or teammates. — Borzello

Grunloh, a 7-footer from Germany, began all 36 video games for Virginia in his first college season in 2025-26, shortly establishing himself as one of many elite rim protectors within the sport. He ranked within the top 10 nationally in block price and within the top 75 in offensive rebounding price, whereas taking pictures 62% contained in the arc and 35% from 3. No longer splitting time with Ugonna Onyenso, Grunloh’s counting stats ought to take a soar. — Borzello

Trent Perry just isn’t the very best participant on Mick Cronin’s roster, however he is arguably a very powerful. Among the Bruins’ three returning starters — Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. and Xavier Booker — the 6-4 guard had the best rankings final season on Evan Miya’s general effectivity metric. He averaged 12.6 factors and made 42% of his 3-point makes an attempt in Big Ten motion. He’s the steadying presence of this group. — Medcalf

Williams was a top-five recruit within the 2026 class and is among the finest long-term prospects coming into college this season. With 6-11 dimension and high-level taking pictures potential, he’ll create mismatches for opponents — and can also be a flexible sufficient defender on the different finish. He won’t make a big impact in Year 1, given the presence of Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Belmont switch Drew Scharnowski, however he has the instruments to be an NBA participant in a brief period of time. — Borzello

Eric Musselman has an intriguing group this season, a set of younger (potential) stars in Alijah Arenas (coming back from damage) and top-35 freshmen Christian Collins, Darius Ratliff and Adonis Ratliff. That makes Cofie, who averaged 9.9 factors and 6.8 rebounds final season, an efficient veteran presence. He allowed solely a 38.2% clip across the rim towards opposing players, per Synergy Sports knowledge. — Medcalf

Aberdeen is again the place he began his college profession, the place he was the primary guard off the bench throughout the Gators’ 2025 championship season. He spent 2025-26 at Kentucky, breaking out by averaging 13.5 factors and three.4 assists and taking pictures 36.3% from 3 — all profession highs. He’s preventing for a fifth yr of eligibility, and if he will get it, he’ll be the beginning taking pictures guard on the preseason No. 1 staff. — Borzello

There weren’t a number of highs for Penn State throughout its 12-win 2025-26 marketing campaign — aside from Mingo, the 6-3 guard. Now at Baylor, he’ll be the on-floor chief subsequent to his brother, five-star recruit Dylan Mingo. Kayden (13.7 PPG, 4.3 APG) was top 25 in steals per recreation (2.1) final season, and he’ll now assist a Bears protection that’s hoping to enhance on a sub-100 mark in effectivity on that finish of the ground. — Medcalf

Payne obtained a medical redshirt 10 video games into final season. During these 10 video games, nonetheless, the 6-9 senior ahead confirmed he is able to being one of many higher bigs within the Big Ten. He averaged 17.5 factors and seven.2 rebounds, together with a 30-point, 10-rebound effort towards Wagner. — Borzello

At SEC media day, Diallo went viral after claiming he is a “lambatarian,” as in somebody who eats solely lamb. He additionally stated he transferred to Kentucky as a result of he desires to expertise successful, following a 16-win season. If Diallo (15.7 PPG, 4.5 APG) can enhance on subpar perimeter taking pictures (30%), he is likely to be a breakout star within the powerhouse convention. — Medcalf

Perkins was ranked tenth within the Big East in Evan Miya’s offensive effectivity metric final season — a number of spots forward of the likes of UConn’s Braylon Mullins and Marquette’s Nigel James Jr. The 6-4 guard Perkins, who averaged 13.7 factors and linked on 37% of his 3-point makes an attempt, dedicated turnovers on simply 7.5% of his possessions final season — a top-50 mark. He’s a key participant for a staff that ended a four-year NCAA event drought and is seeking to return to the Dance. — Medcalf

White is preventing for a fifth yr of eligibility. If granted, will probably be the primary time in his college profession that he has spent back-to-back seasons on the identical college. He beforehand performed at USC, Louisville and Illinois earlier than ending up at Kansas final season. He was a key participant for the Jayhawks, averaging profession highs in factors (13.5), rebounds (6.7) and assists (1.8) and taking pictures a career-best 40.3% from 3. — Borzello

Thompson is among the finest scorers coming into college basketball this season, possessing elite dimension for the wing: 6-9 with a 7-4 wingspan. He can rating in any respect three ranges, performs in transition and might shoot it constantly from behind the arc. The left-handed Thompson might push to be Ohio State’s top scorer this season. — Borzello

Atwell, one other five-for-five hopeful, might be among the best 3-and-D players within the Big 12 if eligible. He’s a terrific 3-point shooter, making practically 46% of his perimeter photographs on greater than eight makes an attempt per recreation. The former UNC Greensboro switch has additionally turn out to be a extremely succesful defender. Assuming he can play, Atwell ought to complement Hofstra switch Cruz Davis within the Tech backcourt. — Borzello

Iowa State’s ceiling is tied to Toure’s improvement (8.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG as a freshman) in addition to his restoration from offseason shoulder surgical procedure. The staff introduced the 6-3 guard is predicted to return in January, simply because the Cyclones enter the Big 12’s gauntlet. But can he take the subsequent step? T.J. Otzelberger might be relying on his sophomore wing to select up the place he left off final season. — Medcalf

With Darryn Peterson’s inconsistent availability final season, Council turned a much more vital a part of the Jayhawks than anybody might have anticipated. He averaged 12.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 5.1 APG — highlighted by a 36-point outing towards NC State — and is hoping for a fifth yr of eligibility to return to Kansas for an additional season. — Borzello

Collins, who averaged 17.5 PPG at Utah State and earned All-Mountain West second-team honors, is awaiting the result of a high-profile battle between the Ohio governor and the NCAA — which lately sued the governor over his government order that gave all class of 2022 athletes within the state a fifth yr of eligibility. Legal woes apart, the 6-4 guard may very well be a cornerstone expertise for Jerrod Calhoun in his first season in Cincinnati. — Medcalf

Jai Lucas’ first season at Miami featured an excellent protection — but it surely was one which additionally lacked some rim safety and allowed opponents to attain too simply contained in the arc. In steps Cyril, who led the SEC in block price final season at Georgia, swatting 2.2 photographs per recreation in simply over 21 minutes. He was additionally the very best offensive rebounder within the convention and averaged 9.3 PPG. — Borzello

His father, Peja Stojakovic, made his mark within the NBA as a prolific perimeter shooter who made 40% of his 3-point photographs over 13 seasons. That’s not the place Andrej (13.5 PPG) thrives. More than 50% of his photographs final season had been taken across the rim — and he made greater than 68% of these makes an attempt. Overall, he linked on 58% of his photographs contained in the arc for an Illinois staff that reached the Final Four. — Medcalf

For a 6-5 guard, Cain is unbelievably environment friendly contained in the arc, particularly within the paint. He shot 61% on 2-pointers final season, which enabled him to enhance his scoring numbers regardless of his 3-point numbers dropping. Cain additionally ranked twentieth within the nation in free throw taking pictures. With Jeremiah Wilkinson gone, Cain might be wanted much more offensively in Athens. — Borzello

The 2026 NCAA event featured plenty of high-level efforts from unsung stars. Hill was a type of, singlehandedly holding his VCU squad alive. The 6-foot-3 guard scored 34 factors in a first-round win over North Carolina, then dropped 17 factors within the Rams’ second-round loss to Illinois. The All-Atlantic 10 first-teamer now brings these offensive skills to Knoxville, the place he generally is a standout within the SEC. — Medcalf

It would not be a shock to see Mobley’s scoring numbers take a noticeable soar after he posted 15.7 PPG and 41.1% from 3-point vary a season in the past. Do-everything guard Bruce Thornton Jr. is gone, leaving loads of photographs up for grabs in Columbus. Perhaps this season will look extra like Mobley’s four-game stretch in January, wherein he had not less than 22 factors in every. — Borzello

A former top-10 recruit, Mgbako transferred from Indiana after two seasons and regarded poised for a large yr at Texas A&M. But he missed the beginning of the 2025-26 marketing campaign after present process foot surgical procedure and, after returning for seven video games, refractured his proper foot — and his season was over. At his finest, Mgbako is a tough matchup for opponents on account of his 6-9 dimension and three-level scoring potential. — Borzello

Sarr entered his first yr of college basketball touted as a possible lottery decide. But the 6-8 wing (6.4 PPG) correctly selected to return to high school to proceed his improvement. On a Duke staff that may demand extra stability this season, he can play a major position. We have already got proof of this, too: He scored 19 factors in his staff’s preseason win over Belmont final month. — Medcalf

Lewis, a 6-4 guard, is taking part in at his third college following stints at Arizona and Georgetown and in his fourth convention (Arizona was within the Pac-12 when he was a freshman). The Trojans are loaded with younger expertise, however Lewis (14.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.1 SPG) joins Cofie as one other veteran to maintain this crew collectively on and off the court docket. Lewis averaged 15.2 factors in a nine-game stretch earlier than he suffered a season-ending ankle damage. — Medcalf

At occasions final season, Avdalas regarded like a lottery decide: 33 factors, six assists within the second recreation of his profession towards Providence; 30 factors towards Western Carolina a couple of weeks later. But he averaged simply 10.8 factors within the different 29 video games. His mixture of 6-9 dimension and superior ability and really feel nonetheless give him an intriguing ceiling, and Michael Malone appears ready to make use of him successfully. — Borzello

The most startling scene at SEC media day in Birmingham was Moreno’s new look: The 7-1 heart, who can also be a possible first-round decide in 2027, had dropped greater than 10 kilos after going by means of NBA exercises over the summer time. Leaner and stronger, Moreno (7.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG), is now one of many key players for Kentucky in a vital season for Mark Pope. — Medcalf

Bryan Hodgson’s first splashy signing at Providence, Byrd has been on NBA draft boards for 2 years. The 6-6 wing is a flexible defender and a disruptive playmaker at that finish of the ground, main the Mountain West in steal share in every of the previous two seasons and rating third in block share at San Diego State final season. If Byrd can enhance his 30% 3-point taking pictures, his ceiling will get a lot greater. — Borzello

Fland was a five-star recruit in highschool with gives from each blueblood program in America. At Arkansas, nonetheless, he needed to climate an damage together with excessive expectations. After transferring to Florida, the 6-3 guard (11.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG) was key to the Gators’ top seed within the NCAA event. This season, he might play subsequent to Denzel Aberdeen, forming one of the potent backcourts within the nation. — Medcalf

Hines’ counting stats final season — 6.5 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks per recreation — do not instantly draw one’s curiosity, however Dan Hurley is assured sufficient to lean on him to be the Huskies’ frontcourt anchor this season. There are a few causes. One, the Seton Hall switch averaged 10.5 factors, 9.0 rebounds and three.0 blocks in two video games towards UConn final season. Two, these seasonlong averages got here in simply 18 minutes per recreation. He was second within the nation in block price and nineteenth in offensive rebounding share. — Borzello

Richmond blossomed in an expanded position final season, leaping to 11.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG whereas excelling as a defender and extremely harmful transition participant. He additionally confirmed extra than simply fast-break potential, scoring not less than 20 factors in 5 straight video games in February and averaging 13.4 factors in 19 video games as a starter. His two-way potential will hold him on the ground forward of Arkansas’ incoming five-star wings. — Borzello

The 6-11 ahead prolonged an extended custom of Minnesota highschool stars leaving the state to play in Wisconsin. The Lakeville, Minnesota, product (13.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 1.2 BPG) is among the top returning players within the Big Ten. After shedding All-Big Ten standout John Blackwell to Duke within the offseason, getting again Winter, a participant who made 75% of his photographs across the rim, was excellent news for Greg Gard. — Medcalf

Burton hasn’t performed a full season since 2023-24, lacking massive elements of every of the previous two campaigns with accidents. When absolutely wholesome, nonetheless, the 6-footer could be among the best level guards in America. He averaged 18.5 factors in 10 video games final season at Notre Dame after averaging 21.3 factors in 26 video games the season prior. Surrounded by extra expertise and in a special system, Burton’s scoring numbers might go down, however Indiana will love his dynamism — Borzello

The most surprising recruiting information of the offseason unfolded in July, when Spears — the No. 1 participant within the 2027 class — introduced his reclassification into the 2026 cycle and his dedication to Texas, strengthening the Longhorns’ potential as a nationwide title contender. The 6-10 ahead, who’s the son of ESPN’s Marcus Spears Sr., is a flexible ahead with a ability set Sean Miller stated he has hardly ever seen at this degree. Miller has in contrast Spears to NBA standout Aaron Gordon. — Medcalf

The 6-9 Serbian expertise, who performed for FC Barcelona final season, would have been a thriller to most Americans upon his dedication to the Bruins — that’s, till the 17-year-old completed with 37 factors within the FIBA U17 men’s World Cup gold medal recreation towards the United States. Even with top highschool prospects resembling Beckham Black (2027 SC Next 100 No. 1) and Cayden Daughtry (2027 SC Next 100 No. 4) representing Team USA, Kusturica was the very best participant on the ground. — Medcalf

Pettiford was just like the little brother on a staff filled with COVID-era tremendous seniors that topped the rankings many of the 2024-25 season and reached the Final Four. The 6-1 guard remained by means of the teaching transition to Steven Pearl and averaged 15.4 factors for the Tigers, who didn’t make the NCAA event however received the NIT. Pettiford completed with 24 factors and eight assists within the championship recreation over Tulsa, maybe an indication of what is forward. — Medcalf

If LSU’s first preseason recreation towards McNeese was any indication — Dent performed 39:25 of a doable 40 minutes — Will Wade is able to lean very closely on the fifth-year hopeful. The former New Mexico and UCLA switch completed fourth nationally in assists final season at 7.6 per recreation, a yr after averaging 20.4 factors and 6.4 assists. — Borzello

It’s simple to get misplaced in a rabbit gap of dunk clips from Carr, who averaged 12.0 factors and 5.4 rebounds per recreation final season. There are dunks from baseline. There are alley-oop dunks from passes thrown by Wooden Award favourite Jeremy Fears Jr. If you actually need to be amazed, try the “SportsCenter”-worthy dunks on quick breaks. This season, Carr can have the chance to show he is greater than a spotlight reel. — Medcalf

Ellis is certainly one of, if not the, most adorned worldwide arrivals in college basketball historical past. He received 4 trophies in two seasons of taking part in professionally in Italy and received MVP of each the 2025 Italian Cup and Italian Supercup. St. John’s beat out the likes of Duke and Louisville for the 6-5 guard, who was lastly cleared final week. Rick Pitino is anticipating him to be among the best level guards within the Big East. — Borzello

Sherrell, a 6-10 ahead who averaged 11.1 factors and a couple of.2 blocks per recreation, was such an intimidating defensive power for Alabama final season that players hardly ever challenged him on the rim; each time they did, it didn’t go nicely for them. Per Synergy Sports, opposing players made simply 40% (20 of fifty) of their photographs across the rim towards him final season. He might be a direct addition for the Hoosiers and one of many league’s top inside defenders. — Medcalf

An unheralded recruit popping out of highschool, Johnson opened his college profession with 24 factors towards Montana State and shortly emerged as one of the dynamic freshman level guards within the nation. The 6-2 Johnson averaged 16.9 PPG and three.0 APG throughout his lone season at Colorado and is now going to be working the present for Sean Miller’s transfer-heavy, ultratalented Final Four hopefuls. — Borzello

Kelvin Sampson has developed a number of the finest level guards in America, together with 2026 lottery decide Kingston Flemings. How assured is Sampson that Thomas, the LSU switch who averaged 15.3 factors and 6.5 assists, can lead his staff this season? “[Thomas] is a point guard’s point guard,” Sampson stated after the 6-1 guard signed. “He can manage the game, understands the game at a freakishly high level.” That’s a serious endorsement. — Medcalf

There had been few higher players within the Big 12 throughout convention play final season than Edmonds. His 12.7 PPG and 6.5 RPG on the season do not soar off the web page, however throughout a 12-game stretch from mid-January till early March, the 6-8 ahead posted 16.3 PPG and 10.3 RPG, together with 10 double-doubles. He’s an elite offensive rebounder and regularly will get to the free throw line. — Borzello

Kevin Young might produce back-to-back-to-back top-five picks within the NBA draft in Branch, the 6-7 five-star freshman who would be a part of Egor Demin (No. 8 decide in 2025) and A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in 2026) as latest lottery picks out of Provo, Utah. If Branch, who’s a talented inside-outside risk, lives as much as the hype, that may give Young extra first-round picks in three years than the varsity had produced within the earlier 30. — Medcalf

Kohler, if given a fifth yr of eligibility, might be tasked with filling the void on the 5 for BYU — and can be one other expert offensive weapon for what needs to be an elite assault out of Provo. He expanded his face-up recreation final season to incorporate much more perimeter taking pictures, making an attempt 149 3-pointers after taking simply 56 in his first three seasons mixed. He averaged 12.5 factors and eight.9 rebounds final season and was one of many top offensive rebounders within the Big Ten. — Borzello

Rice, who’s at USC for a second time, averaged 20.3 factors and 6.0 assists whereas additionally connecting on 39% of his 3-point makes an attempt by means of six video games final season after transferring again from Washington. But a shoulder damage ended the 6-4 guard’s marketing campaign and spoiled his return. He has recovered now, nonetheless, to play a starring position on a proficient roster — and to show final season’s livid begin wasn’t a fluke. — Medcalf

Shelstad regarded poised to be among the best level guards within the Big Ten final season earlier than struggling a hand damage in December that restricted him to simply 12 video games. But he nonetheless averaged 15.6 factors and 4.9 assists when wholesome, a transparent enchancment on his 2024-25 season that also earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors. Now at Louisville, Shelstad will get to push the tempo. — Borzello

This is among the most necessary asterisks in college basketball. The North Carolina veteran averaged 14.0 factors per recreation final season earlier than saying his plans to switch to Louisville with the hope of utilizing a authorized ruling to play a fifth season. If the 6-3 guard stays eligible, he’ll add scoring prowess and in addition expertise to a Cardinals staff that spent thousands and thousands this offseason to chase its first nationwide title in additional than a decade. — Medcalf

The 7-1 Croatian heart is such a novel asset to Illinois’ offense. He’s extremely environment friendly across the rim, taking pictures 73% on 2-pointers, however he also can stretch the ground and truly had extra 3-point makes an attempt than 2-point makes an attempt final season. Overall, he averaged 10.4 factors and 5.6 rebounds final season, however that went as much as 12.8 factors per recreation within the NCAA event. — Borzello

Murauskas, an all-West Coast Conference first staff choice who averaged 18.4 factors per recreation final season, left Moraga when Randy Bennett was employed as Arizona State’s new head coach. The 6-8 ahead is accustomed to the world, although: He began his profession at rival program Arizona earlier than serving to Saint Mary’s win the 2025 WCC regular-season crown outright after which break up the title with Gonzaga final season. He can assist the Sun Devils overcome the percentages in Tempe, too. — Medcalf

Falslev received Mountain West Player of the Year final season however opted to stick with the Aggies after head coach Jerrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati. That was a large coup for brand new Aggies coach Ben Jacobson, notably as this system begins life within the Pac-12. Falslev averaged 16.0 factors, 5.7 rebounds and three.1 assists, taking pictures 39% from 3 — whereas additionally incomes a spot on the league’s all-defensive staff. — Borzello

Jai Lucas signed a multiyear extension this offseason for 2 causes: One, the varsity wished to guarantee that the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year, who achieved the best turnaround in Division I historical past, stayed on the town. Two, the varsity has watched Lucas mould players like Henderson, a 6-6 ahead who averaged 13.8 factors and 4.9 rebounds final season as a freshman. Henderson’s sophomore season might embrace All-ACC honors if he continues to develop. — Medcalf

Mallory did not begin a single recreation as a freshman final season, however there’s little doubt he is able to take the reins for a Virginia staff coming off a 30-win marketing campaign. He averaged 9.3 factors, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals regardless of taking part in simply 24 minutes, rating within the top 10 of the ACC in each help price and steal price. — Borzello

Coleman had a late breakout in highschool, not blossoming right into a top-25 recruit till the tip of his senior season. He initially dedicated to Wake Forest earlier than reopening his recruitment final spring and choosing Illinois. It might be fascinating to see how Brad Underwood makes use of the 6-4 guard; Stefan Vaaks and David Mirkovic, whereas greater, will see the lion’s share of playmaking duties. But, there’s potential for a one-and-done lottery decide consequence for Coleman. — Borzello

The Illinois locker room is crowded, however that is precisely what Brad Underwood wished after a historic run to the nationwide semifinals. He introduced again the nucleus of that group and added a couple of extra players — together with Vaaks, who earned All-Big East freshman staff honors final season after averaging 15.8 factors at Providence. The 6-7 guard additionally matches proper into what was the tallest staff in America general, in response to KenPom. — Medcalf

Punch loved a breakout season a yr in the past, averaging 14.1 factors and 6.8 rebounds and rising as among the best defensive playmakers within the nation. He additionally tallied a mixed 3.2 blocks and steals per recreation, and ranked within the top 10 of the Big 12 in each block price and steal price. He has confirmed scoring chops, together with 50 mixed factors in back-to-back Big 12 event video games. — Borzello

After successful this system’s second nationwide title, Dusty May moved to the NBA, and so did three of his players — Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. — who had manned the very best frontcourt in America. The Wolverines have maintained a spot within the top 25 and as a Big Ten contender partly as a result of Thiam (12.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.6 BPG) arrived from Cincinnati within the offseason. He’s one of many nation’s top put up players. — Medcalf

Jai Lucas had loads of success with a degree guard switch final yr (Tre Donaldson), and he is hoping to copy that with Lewis this season. Lewis began at Villanova from day one final season and was finally ranked within the top 5 of the Big East in each help price and steal price. He additionally averaged 12.2 factors and scored not less than 20 factors 5 occasions in league play. — Borzello

Williams (14.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 40% from past the arc) hopes to be cleared for a fifth-year return to Lubbock after a lukewarm run at NC State final season: Under Will Wade, he handled accidents and had the bottom offensive score of his profession, per KenPom. This regardless of placing up numbers much like what he’d achieved as a hero for Texas Tech’s Elite Eight squad in 2025. He can be an necessary participant for Grant McCasland’s staff once more. — Medcalf

Avila is suing the NCAA for an extra season of eligibility and has enrolled as a graduate scholar at Saint Louis in case he will get a fifth yr. One of essentially the most expert frontcourt players within the nation and the hub of Josh Schertz’s explosive offense, Avila’s scoring numbers took a step again final season because the Billikens surrounded him with extra firepower — however he nonetheless averaged 12.8 factors, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shot a career-high 41% from 3. — Borzello

In the ultimate yr of Bobby Hurley’s tenure, Arizona State completed seventieth in adjusted defensive effectivity per KenPom and completed ninth in defensive effectivity in league play. Imagine these numbers if he hadn’t had the 7-1 Diop, who averaged 13.6 factors, 5.8 rebounds and a couple of.1 blocks (the latter a top-25 mark within the nation). Diop additionally allowed only a 53% success price across the rim from opposing players, per Synergy Sports. That ability will assist Mark Few’s program significantly this season. — Medcalf

Nate Oats could not wait too lengthy to insert Allen into the beginning lineup as a freshman final season, and he enters Year 2 with authentic first-round NBA draft buzz after averaging 11.4 factors, 6.9 rebounds and three.1 assists. With the departures of Labaron Philon Jr., Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Aiden Sherrell, there needs to be loads of alternatives for Allen to extend these numbers. — Borzello

The 6-8 Tugler (8.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.3 SPG) would not have the gaudy numbers a few of his friends on this listing have achieved. He is arguably the best winner on this listing, although. In three years at Houston, the previous Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2025) has received 97 video games. He has been named to the All-Big 12 defensive staff twice and helped the Cougars end within the top 5 in adjusted defensive effectivity. — Medcalf

The former Baylor star withdrew from the NBA draft and introduced his determination to affix Rick Pitino’s squad, which has an opportunity to be elite if all its fifth-year candidates are cleared to play. Yessoufou, (17.8 PPG, 2.0 SPG) will not want a choose to permit him to play this season, and beneath Pitino may also have the possibility to develop right into a participant who can notice his skilled desires. — Medcalf

Harris got here out of nowhere to turn out to be among the best scorers within the nation final season, leaping from 6.1 factors per recreation as a freshman to 21.4 at Wake Forest — after which transferred to Tennessee to play for what needs to be a Final Four contender. Rick Barnes’ groups haven’t sometimes been predicated on offensive firepower, however Harris needs to be his newest in an extended line of affect transfers. — Borzello

To associate with the losses of their head coach and three star players, the Wolverines additionally misplaced five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. to a season-ending knee damage throughout an abroad exhibition journey. The latter has elevated the importance of McKenney’s return. The 6-4 guard averaged 9.9 factors and made 39% of his 3-point makes an attempt for final season’s nationwide championship staff. He was higher within the NCAA event, when he averaged 12.0 factors and made 48% of his photographs from past the arc. — Medcalf

Kaufman-Renn, who signed with Kansas precisely two weeks earlier than the Jayhawks’ first recreation of the season, will change the outlook of Bill Self’s staff if he stays eligible to play this season. He regarded like a dominant All-American again in 2024-25, averaging 20.1 factors and 6.5 rebounds, then posted averages of 14.2 factors and eight.3 rebounds final season, and needs to be among the best huge males within the Big 12 this season. With Kaufman, Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White all preventing for an additional yr, Self will hope court docket selections go Kansas’ manner. — Borzello

Every yr, there is a participant who latches on to a contender late and creates a preseason buzz price noticing. That occurred with Boumtje Boumtje, who dedicated to Duke in late April. In the Blue Devils’ preseason win over Belmont, he justified the excitement and completed with 19 factors, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals. And he is solely 17 years outdated, so the 7-footer will not be eligible for the NBA draft till 2028. — Medcalf

De Ridder arrived in Charlottesville with loads of worldwide hype and delivered virtually instantly, hitting 20 factors in 4 of his first 5 video games en path to averages of 15.6 factors and 6.2 rebounds. The Belgium native capped his first season in college basketball with 22 factors and 4 3-pointers — a season excessive from behind the arc — within the NCAA event, which may very well be a have a look at the place he may broaden his recreation this season. — Borzello

John Calipari has made a complete profession out of designing his offense round proficient level guards. Dennis Gates will borrow a web page from that guide with the arrival of five-star guard Crowe, who’s a projected top-10 decide in June. The 6-3 star with a knack for creating photographs might flip Missouri into an SEC contender, make the Tigers a second-weekend risk and take this system to the subsequent degree. — Medcalf

When Texas signed Vokietaitis out of the portal from Florida Atlantic in 2025, he was considered as an underrated addition given his per-minute manufacturing for the Owls. But with an even bigger position in Austin, the stats improved: 15.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, taking pictures practically 62% from the sphere. He was even higher late within the season, headlined by a 23-point, 16-rebound effort towards BYU within the NCAA event. — Borzello

Last season, Holloway (16.8 PPG, 44% from 3) missed the NCAA event following an arrest and a first-degree felony drug cost. At the time, it appeared as if his time as a college basketball participant had come to an finish. But he accomplished the situations of a program that may supply him a contemporary begin. That’s excellent news for Alabama, which is able to regain the providers of certainly one of America’s finest players. — Medcalf

Hall is making an attempt to play at his fifth college in 5 years, and Rick Pitino might be thrilled if the productive ahead can swimsuit up for the season. At Auburn, Hall had the very best statistical season of his profession, averaging 19.3 factors and seven.1 rebounds, taking pictures a career-best 37.9% from 3. The one knock on Hall has been his zero NCAA event appearances; if he is eligible, that may virtually definitely change. — Borzello

Ngongba spent final season taking part in subsequent to Wooden Award winner Cameron Boozer, however the 6-11 heart was additionally certainly one of America’s most effective players. Ngongba averaged 10.1 factors, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks — all in simply 21.9 minutes per recreation. According to Evan Miya’s metrics, he was the thirteenth most effective participant in the complete nation. With an even bigger position for the Blue Devils this season, his affect ought to improve. — Medcalf

When Hubbard will get going, there aren’t many extra entertaining players in college basketball. He completed tenth within the nation in scoring final season, averaging 22.1 factors to go along with 3.6 assists, and he tried round 9 3-pointers per recreation for a 3rd yr in a row. He had 40 (!) factors twice final season, making 10 3s en path to 46 towards Auburn after which scoring 42 towards Georgia. — Borzello

Haggerty’s transfer from Memphis to Kansas State final season did not consequence within the efficiency many had anticipated from the AP All-American second-teamer. He merely could not carry the Wildcats, who fired former head coach Jerome Tang midseason. Even so, the 6-4 guard (23.4 PPG) remained certainly one of America’s top scorers, ending top-five in that class nationally for a second yr in a row. — Medcalf

Shaka Smart gave James the keys to the offense early in his freshman season, and James answered the decision. He posted 16.4 PPG and 4.9 APG general, however his numbers had been even higher in Big East play as soon as he acquired used to the college recreation: 19.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, 37.1% from 3-point vary. Marquette ought to make a large soar within the Big East standings, and James might be on the coronary heart of it. — Borzello

The Germany native did not take lengthy to turn out to be an impactful two-way participant who used his physicality and aggressiveness as among the best glue guys in college basketball. Kharchenkov is among the elite defensive players within the Big 12 and in addition appears to be like poised for a breakout offensive season after scoring not less than 14 factors 3 times within the NCAA event. — Borzello

Cadeau was named the Most Outstanding Player within the NCAA event for holding Michigan on a path to the nationwide title after his switch from North Carolina. Keeping him in Ann Arbor was new head coach Mike Boynton Jr.’s largest offseason transfer — and success. It means the Wolverines begin their title protection with among the best level guards within the nation, a participant who recorded 45 assists and simply 14 turnovers in six NCAA event video games. — Medcalf

If eligible, Reneau might be a contender for ACC Player of the Year — and Miami might be a borderline preseason top-10 staff. After transferring in from Indiana final offseason, Reneau produced a first-team All-ACC marketing campaign, averaging 18.9 factors, 6.5 rebounds and a couple of.1 assists. He additionally confirmed an expanded face-up recreation, taking 75 3-pointers after making an attempt 77 whole in his first three seasons. — Borzello

Mitchell is the face of the fifth-year class preventing for an additional season. He went undrafted within the 2026 NBA draft, however the 6-9 guard averaged 18.3 factors and made 39% of his 3-point makes an attempt final season and will as soon as once more be a difference-maker for the Tigers. He’s so necessary to the Tigers’ plans that head coach Dennis Gates testified on his behalf in a listening to in mid-October. The Kentucky choose in the end issued a short lived injunction that may permit Mitchell to play this season — except the NCAA efficiently reverses the order in court docket. — Medcalf

Sandfort was among the best transfers in college basketball final season, going from a job participant at Iowa in 2024-25 to an All-Big Ten performer with the Cornhuskers. He is among the finest 3-point shooters within the sport, making practically 42% of his perimeter photographs on practically 9 makes an attempt per recreation. He averaged 18.1 factors on the season and made not less than six 3s in a recreation on seven events. — Borzello

Huff was among the best huge males within the nation final season, having fun with a breakout junior marketing campaign earlier than struggling a left knee damage in January. He was averaging 17.8 factors and 5.6 rebounds previous to the damage, taking pictures higher than 66% from the sphere as one of the environment friendly offensive players within the nation. — Borzello

Momcilovic admitted throughout SEC media day that he most likely would have stayed within the NBA draft had NIL not been out there. But when requested about experiences that he obtained $6 million to play for Kentucky, he merely laughed and stated, “No comment.” We’ll discover out if one of many best shooters in latest college basketball historical past — he made 136 of 279 3-point makes an attempt at Iowa State final season (49%) — is definitely worth the seven-figure sum he was provided to assist Mark Pope achieve Lexington. — Medcalf

Wright withdrawing his title from the switch portal and returning to Provo was large information for Kevin Young and the Cougars; the previous Baylor switch is coming off a third-team All-Big 12 marketing campaign wherein he posted 18.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 4.6 APG, taking pictures 41% from 3. He was electrifying at occasions final season, together with 5 video games of not less than 25 factors in Big 12 play. — Borzello

It usually takes top transfers a while to get adjusted to a brand new system. Not Demary (10.1 PPG, 5.9 APG, 39% from past the arc). In his fourth recreation with the Huskies after transferring from Georgia, he registered 21 factors and 7 assists in a win over No. 1 decide A.J. Dybantsa and BYU in Boston. He was, unsurprisingly, named preseason Big East Player of the Year for this marketing campaign, organising lofty expectations for the 6-5 guard. — Medcalf

Chinyelu is again because the anchor of Florida’s frontcourt for a 3rd straight season after he averaged 10.9 factors and 11.2 rebounds and led the nation in rebound share. He was dominant on the glass at each ends of the ground, rating seventh nationally in offensive rebounding share and third in defensive rebounding share. — Borzello

The Arizona teaching employees has spent the offseason praising Holt for not solely his maturity and explosiveness but in addition for his work ethic. He’s bodily prepared for the subsequent degree, which is uncommon for many incoming freshmen. The 6-5, five-star wing ought to compete for the top spot within the 2027 NBA draft, doubtlessly changing into simply the second participant in Wildcats historical past to be the No. 1 decide and the primary since Deandre Ayton in 2018. — Medcalf

Smith was the very best guard within the 2026 highschool class, and he’ll probably be one of many first players chosen within the 2027 NBA draft. He’s a confirmed winner at a number of ranges and has received two gold medals with USA Basketball. Smith could make performs at each ends of the ground and is aggressive attending to the basket with the ball in his palms. — Borzello

Lipsey (13.5 PPG, 5.1 APG, 2.3 APG final season) is a three-time inclusion on the All-Big 12 defensive staff and in addition the All-Big 12 first or second groups. He will want a court docket ruling to play yet another season for T.J. Otzelberger. If allowed to, the 6-1 guard may very well be one of many top players within the nation and Iowa State’s ticket to a spot within the top 25 and the NCAA event. — Medcalf

One of the very best players within the portal, Bidunga has cemented himself as one of many premier inside defenders within the sport, main the Big 12 in block share and having the second-best Defensive BPR within the nation, per Evan Miya. The former Kansas switch tallied 13 double-doubles final season, together with a large 23-point, 10-rebound efficiency towards Arizona. — Borzello

The solely factor that would top Mullins’ best second from final season can be a nationwide championship. One clip of his buzzer-beater over Duke within the Elite Eight has greater than 2.2 million views. A projected lottery decide within the 2026 draft, Mullins wouldn’t have returned to high school in a earlier period. But the Huskies had the money to maintain the 6-6 guard and increase this system’s hopes of successful a 3rd nationwide title in 4 years. — Medcalf

Condon might have gone to the NBA after every of the previous two seasons however is again with the Gators for his fourth season. He improved his numbers throughout the board final season, too — averaging 15.1 factors, 7.5 rebounds and three.6 assists whereas taking pictures practically 56% from the sphere. The 6-11 ahead performed his finest towards the tip, hitting the 20-point mark six occasions in his remaining 10 video games. — Borzello

You cannot exchange Cameron Boozer, the Wooden Award winner and top-five draft decide. Jon Scheyer will not put that burden on Blackwell, the All-Big Ten guard from Wisconsin. These Blue Devils can have extra stability and depth than final season’s staff, too. But when it is time for certainly one of his players to enter the cellphone sales space and placed on a cape, Scheyer will probably name on the senior guard who averaged 19.1 factors and made 39% of his 3-point makes an attempt final season. — Medcalf

There’s no particular timeline for Toppin’s return from the torn ACL he suffered in February. But when absolutely wholesome, he is a surefire top-five participant and Wooden Award candidate. He was averaging 21.8 factors and 10.8 rebounds on the time of his damage, making him the primary Big 12 participant since Blake Griffin to common greater than 20 factors and 10 boards in a season. — Borzello

Illinois followers had been crushed once they realized concerning the offseason foot surgical procedure that threatened to disrupt the season for Mirkovic (13.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 38% from past the arc). But Brad Underwood lately introduced the 6-9 star of final season’s Final Four staff might return sooner than beforehand anticipated. If he is again for almost all of this marketing campaign, this staff might end what it began a season in the past. — Medcalf

The Lithuania native might have gone to the NBA draft and been a possible first-round decide, however he’s again in Tucson and needs to be primed for a step ahead offensively — whereas nonetheless being one of many elite put up defenders and rim protectors in college basketball. He averaged 10.4 factors, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks final season, taking pictures 57% from the sphere. He additionally ranked within the top 10 in Evan Miya’s defensive BPR and Bart Torvik’s defensive field plus/minus. — Borzello

The very first thing you discover about Stokes, the potential No. 1 draft decide, is his power. Everything he does on the court docket unfolds with energy and power. But the 6-8 expertise can also be clean with elite passing potential and management abilities on the ground. In the fourth quarter of the McDonald’s All American Game, he dominated his friends to guide his staff to a win, which is what Bill Self expects him to do in Lawrence. — Medcalf

Tanner did not begin a single recreation as a freshman however then established himself as one of many nation’s elite level guards in his second season. He averaged 19.5 factors, 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists, taking pictures practically 37% from 3-point vary — and subsequently earned first-team All-SEC honors. Tanner one way or the other took his recreation to a special degree down the stretch, together with a number of 30-point efforts and averaging 26.5 factors in two NCAA event video games. — Borzello

After absolutely breaking out as a junior, Haugh opted to return to Gainesville as an alternative of being a possible lottery decide. He earned first-team All-SEC honors final season, averaging 17.1 factors and 6.1 rebounds, together with huge performances towards Arizona (27 factors) and Duke (24 factors). Whether he turns into the clear-cut favourite for nationwide participant of the yr probably comes all the way down to Florida’s stability and whether or not there’s sufficient room for the 6-9 ahead to take a statistical soar when he is surrounded by so many different proficient choices. — Borzello

To put some perspective on what Fears achieved final season when he earned AP All-America second-team honors, we now have to return to 1979. That yr, Magic Johnson led the Spartans to the nationwide title whereas averaging 8.4 assists. Fears, additionally an elite level guard with this system, led the nation final season with 9.4 assists per recreation. He additionally made 88% of his free throws — barely greater than Johnson’s 84% price. We’re not saying they’re on the identical degree, however there may very well be extra magic forward for Fears and his staff. — Medcalf