1
N. Carolina
The Tar Heels’ ranking is based on North Carolina returning every rotation player except for Brady Manek – among them All-American Armando Bacot, NCAA Tournament star Caleb Love and defensive specialist Leaky Black. UNC has the best and most-accomplished returning core in the sport.
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29-10
2
Houston
The Cougars’ ranking is based on Houston returning a core featuring both players it lost to injury in December (Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark) plus Jamal Shead. That’s three double-digit scorers Kelvin Sampson should have to pair with Jarace Walker, a 5-star freshman who is among the reasons Houston will once again be the favorite in the AAC.
—
32-6
3
Kentucky
The Wildcats’ ranking is based on CBS Sports National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe returning (alongside fellow starter Sahvir Wheeler) and being joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star guard Cason Wallace. Keion Brooks entering the transfer portal wasn’t ideal but will simply create a bigger opportunity for Jacob Toppin, who had better shooting percentages than Brooks from the field and 3-point line last season.
—
26-8
4
Gonzaga
The Bulldogs’ ranking is based on Gonzaga returning six of the top eight scorers from a team that finished first at KenPom – among them Drew Timme and Julian Strawther. That would provide Mark Few with a strong veteran core that will be supported by transfers like former 5-star prospect Efton Reid.
—
28-4
5
Arkansas
The Razorbacks’ ranking is based on Arkansas losing every meaningful piece besides Davonte Davis, which isn’t ideal. But Eric Musselman’s team should still be a Final Four contender thanks to the addition of three five-star freshman (Nick Smith, Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh) plus impactful transfers like Ricky Council (Wichita State), Jalen Graham (Arizona State), Makhel Mitchell (Rhode Island) and Makhi Mitchell (Rhode Island).
—
28-9
6
Baylor
The Bears’ ranking is based on LJ Cryer, Adam Flagler and Flo Thamba returning from a team that shared the Big 12 title with Kansas. The addition of 5-star guard Keyonte George should give Baylor one of the sport’s best backcourts.
1
27-7
7
Kansas
The Jayhawks’ ranking is based on Kansas returning a core of Jalen Wilson, Dajuan Harris and Joseph Yusefu from the team that won the national championship. A top-five recruiting class highlighted by 5-star prospects Gradey Dick, MJ Rice and Ernest Udeh – plus Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar – should have Bill Self’s program competing for yet another Big 12 title.
1
34-6
8
Duke
The Blue Devils’ ranking is based on Duke losing five players early to the NBA Draft – namely Paolo Banchero, AJ Griffin, Mark Williams, Wendell Moore and Trevor Keels. But first-year coach Jon Scheyer has set himself up for success by securing the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, one that includes 5-star prospects Dereck Lively, Kyle Filiiipowski, Dariq Whitehead and Mark Mitchell.
1
32-7
9
Tennessee
The Volunteers’ ranking is based on Tennessee returning four of its top five scorers – among them Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James. Tennessee will miss one-and-done point guard Kennedy Chandler but should still be a factor near the top of the SEC thanks in part to the addition of five-star forward Julian Phillips.
1
27-8
10
UCLA
The Bruins’ ranking is based on Jaime Jaquez, Jules and Tyger Campbell providing Mick Cronin with a veteran core to pair with a top-10 recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Amari Bailey and Adem Bona. If the freshman are strong from the start, UCLA should have a chance to make the Final Four for the second time in three years.
4
27-8
11
Creighton
The Bluejays’ ranking is based on Creighton returning five of the top seven scorers from a team that advanced to the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. The addition of South Dakota State transfer Baylor Scheierman, the reigning Summit League Player of the Year, makes Greg McDermott’s team the clear favorite in the Big East.
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23-12
12
Texas
The Longhorns’ ranking is based on Texas returning the top two scorers from a team that finished 15th at KenPom – namely Timmy Allen and Marcus Carr, each of whom is using a fifth year of eligibility. Chris Beard is adding to that core a top-15 recruiting class highlighted by two five-star prospects (Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris) and Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter.
—
22-12
13
Auburn
The Tigers’ ranking is based on Auburn returning four of the top six scorers – among them K.D. Johnson, Wendell Green and Allen Flanigan – from a team that earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a nice incoming class highlighted by Morehead State transfer Johni Broome and five-star center Yohan Traore.
1
28-6
14
TCU
The Horned Frogs’ ranking is based on TCU returning the top six scorers from a team that beat Kansas late and finished 26th at KenPom. That experienced core should have Jamie Dixon’s team competing for what could be TCU’s first Big 12 title.
3
21-13
15
Villanova
The Wildcats’ ranking is based on Villanova returning six of the top nine scorers from its Final Four team – among them Brandon Slater and Caleb Daniels. Jay Wright left Kyle Neptune with a nice core that should allow the new Villanova coach to keep the Wildcats in the national conversation.
—
30-8
16
Indiana
The Hoosiers’ ranking is based on Indiana returning the top three scorers from a team that made the NCAA Tournament – among them Trayce Jackson-Davis, who could be a candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year. Indiana’s recruiting class is ranked fifth nationally and highlighted by 5-star prospects Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau.
—
21-14
17
Texas A&M
The Aggies’ ranking is based on Texas A&M returning every relevant player — besides Quenton Jackson — who helped the Aggies make the championship game of the NIT. Buzz Williams made the NCAA Tournament in Year 4 at both Marquette and Virginia Tech and should do the same at Texas A&M.
1
27-13
18
Michigan
The Wolverines’ ranking is based on a returning core of Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams being joined by an incoming class highlighted by Princeton transfer Jaelin Llewellyn and top-40 prospect Jett Howard, the latter of whom was named MVP at the Iverson Classic. Juwan Howad should have the Wolverines in the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season.
5
19-15
19
Oregon
The Ducks’ ranking is based on Oregon returning three of its top six scorers – among them double-digit scorers Will Richardson and Quincy Guerrier. A recruiting class featuring 5-star prospects Kel’el Ware and Dior Johnson, plus JUCO All-American Tyrone Williams and Colorado transfer Keeshawn Barthelemy, should allow Dana Altman to have a nice bounce-back season and possibly compete for what would be a third Pac-12 title in a four-year span.
NR
20-15
20
Arizona
The Wildcats’ ranking is based on Arizona returning a core of Azuolas Tubelis, Kerr Kriisa, Pelle Larsson and Oumar Ballo. That should be enough to keep Tommy Lloyd’s program near the top of the Pac-12 standings.
1
33-4
21
Alabama
The Crimson Tide’s ranking is based on Alabama returning four of its top eight scorers from an NCAA Tournament team – among them Noah Gurley and Charles Bediako. Nate Oats should combine that core with a top-five recruiting class featuring two 5-star prospects and Ohio transfer Mark Sears.
—
19-14
22
Purdue
The Boilermakers’ ranking is based on Purdue returning three of the top seven scorers from a team that made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament – among them All-American candidate Zach Edey. Admittedly, that’s not a lot — but Matt Painter deserves the benefit of the doubt based on the consistency with which he runs his program.
—
29-8
23
Dayton
The Flyers’ ranking is based on Dayton returning the top five scorers from a team that just missed the NCAA Tournament – among them double-digit scorers Daron Holmes and Toumani Camara. If Anthony Grant can keep his talented freshmen out of the transfer portal, the Flyers’ future is bright in the Atlantic 10.
—
24-11
24
Ohio St.
The Buckeyes’ ranking is based on Zed Key and Justice Sueing returning and being joined by a top-five recruiting class featuring four top-65 prospects. Transfers Sean McNeil (West Virginia), Isaac Likekele (Oklahoma State) and Tanner Holden (Wright State) will provide Chris Holtmann with a nice trio of veteran newcomers.
—
20-12
25
Michigan St.
The Spartans’ ranking is based on Michigan State returning five of the top nine scorers from a team that advanced to the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. Max Christie’s decision to remain in the NBA Draft is a blow – but Tom Izzo should still coach in his 25th straight NCAA Tournament next March.
—
23-13
26
Saint Louis
The Billikens’ ranking is based on Saint Louis returning four starters – among them backcourt mates Yuri Collins and Gibson Jimerson – and adding transfer Javon Pickett, who averaged 11.1 points at Missouri last season. SLU is also getting back Javonte Perkins, who led the team in scoring two seasons ago before missing last season with a torn ACL.
—
23-12
