NCAA Basketball: Michigan, Gonzaga among top 2021 offseason winners

2. Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Zags are once again in fantastic shape to claim their first national title despite losing starters Corey Kispert, Joel Ayaji, and Jalen Suggs to the NBA draft. GU did get good news as Andrew Nembhard, who averaged 9.4 points as well as 4.4 assists, pulled his name out of the draft, and second-team All-American selection Drew Timme decided to return for his junior campaign.

Defensive stalworth Anton Watson also returns for Mark Few, who brought in the country’s top-rated recruit in 7-foot Chet Holmgren along with 5-star combo guard Hunter Sallis. Additionally, Few once turned to the transfer market and grabbed former Iowa State point guard Rasir Bolton. While Bolton is not the defender that Ayaji is, he should fill his role admirably well.

1. Kansas Jayhawks

KU is primed to make up for their worst season under Bill Self (21-9), and a second consecutive flame out in the second round in the NCAA Tournament, as Ochai Agbaji and Jamal Wilson have decided to return to Lawrence instead of remaining in the NBA draft.

While the Jayhawks lost starting point guard Marcus Garrett to the NBA draft, Self brought in scoring lead guard Remy Martin from Arizona State, and Iowa State transfer Jalen Coleman-Lands to replace him. Drake transfer Joseph Yesufu and D-II All-American selection Cam Martin are also expected to see plenty of time.

Additionally, the Jayhawks have the eighth-rated recruiting class coming in, according to 247Sports, which is led by Zach Clemence and KJ Adams.