NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 4 teams in 2021 2K Empire Classic Tournament

4. Providence Friars

The dyanmic duo of Nate Watson and David Duke has been broken up, once the star guard left for the NBA Draft this offseason. The good news is that the big man Watson has taken the extra year and will be back, becoming arguably the top big man in the Big East for next season.

The questions will come from the backcourt, as the team looks to replace Duke. AJ Reeves will be back as the senior leader, while incoming transfers Aljami Durham (Indiana) and Justin Minaya (South Carolina) will have to have a big impact offensively. Rising sophomore guard Alyn Breed is a potential breakout candidate with more playing time available to come.

Without much depth inside and a proven second option, the Friars will be finding themselves in the non-conference next season and hope to find some quality scorers. Watson will be a load at the center position but the team will need more to be a threat in the Big East.

3. Louisville Cardinals

The top two scorers (Carlik Jones and David Johnson) are gone, along with a couple of outgoing transfers. But the Cardinals look to have more depth next season, thanks to several incoming transfers. Miami forward Matt Cross gives them spacing options, while guards Noah Locke and Jarrod West will be key pieces in the backcourt. Top JUCO transfer El Ellis will be the lead guard as well.

What also will help Louisville is the expected return of a pair of seniors in Malik Williams and Charles Minlend, two players that were injured all of last season. Both are double-digit contributors who when healthy will have a major impact for 2021-22.

There’s a lot of talent for the Cardinals but it’ll take time for everyone to gel, especially the ball-handlers. But if Williams can be healthy at the center position, this team will be back in the NCAA Tournament picture.