NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season

It may have taken the entire offseason to resolve it, but Kentucky finally got confirmation that Wake Forest transfer Olivier Sarr will be eligible to play this season. The team went searching for centers beforehand before landing his commitment, and they got the biggest fish possible.

The 7’0 center averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.0 rpg last season and is an impressive athlete that can defend at a high level. He’s not the only transfer, as Rhode Island’s Jacob Toppin (brother of former Dayton Flyer Obi Toppin) and Davion Mintz of Creighton also joined the Wildcats.

"With all of their weapons this season, the Wildcats are incredibly deep and have the capability to win the SEC and a national title in March. – Ian Mumm (FiveOnFiveHoops)"

Those are the only familiar faces of the NCAA Basketball world, as the rest of the faces are freshmen. The No. 1 overall recruiting class features several five-star shooting guards, including BJ Boston and Terrence Clarke. These two are projected NBA Draft lottery picks and could each average 15+ ppg. The starting point guard likely will be Devin Askew, backed up by Mintz.

Sarr’s presence helps out the frontcourt, which is otherwise young and talented, yet unproven.  Isaiah Jackson and Lance Ware are top-50 freshmen forwards, while Cam’Ron Fletcher is a combo forward. The lone returning player Keion Brooks Jr. has the best odds to start at power forward but will have a short leash.

This roster projects to be very good defensively all around. And as long as both Boston and Clarke are as good as advertised, the Wildcats won’t have many issues scoring. Coach Calipari will have a younger than normal roster but the immense talent remains once again.