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

By Tristan Freeman

Apr 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) celebrates during the first half against the UCLA Bruins in the national semifinals of the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) celebrates during the first half against the UCLA Bruins in the national semifinals of the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma State Basketball
NCAA Basketball Isaac Likekele Oklahoma State Cowboys (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

2. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Losing star guard and future No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Cade Cunningham will be a tough blow but the Cowboys roster is good enough to remain in the top-30 range. Avery Anderson has the chance to be a national breakout star and All-Big 12 guard next season, while Isaac Likekele will go back to being the facilitator of the offense from the wing position.

The team also brings in former five-star guad Bryce Thompson from Kansas, along with a pair of forward transfers Woody Newton (Syracuse), and Tyreek Smith (Texas Tech) to provide some frontcourt depth alongside Kalib Boone.

If Oklahoma State can collectively replace Cunningham’s production and get the underclassmen to continue developing, they’ll surprise many who’ll be expecting them to take a big step back. The only question is the lack of frontcourt size and experience but their guards are good enough to compete with anyone.

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Bulldogs were just one game from finishing off last season unbeaten but they’re hoping to get back to the title game. They lost a lot to the NBA Draft, including All-Americans Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert, along with all-around key guard Joel Ayayi. The good news is that another All-American is coming back in Drew Timme, along with starting point guard Andrew Nembhard.

Gonzaga also has the No. 1 overall recruit coming in in 7’1 forward Chet Holmgren, along with top-30 point guard prospect Nolan Hickman. There’s also another five-star freshman joining in combo guard Hunter Sallis. Iowa State’s leading scorer Rasir Bolton transferred in this offseason, while rising sophomores Juilan Stawther and Dominick Harris are breakout candidates.

Next. Updated WTE top-25 rankings for 2021-22. dark

There just isn’t a real weakness on this current roster, as Holmgren and Timme will make up one of the best frontcourts in the country, while the backcourt is loaded as well. They might not be as good as last year’s squad but the 2021-22 version will be just as formidable. And that includes the 2K Empire Classic, where they’ll be viewed as a big favorite to win.

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