NCAA Basketball: 2021-22 Christmas wishlist for each top 25 team

Dec 22, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to players AJ Griffin (21) and Paolo Banchero (5) during a break in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 76-65. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball Christmas Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Colorado State Rams – More national recognition

Although the Rams have gone on a covid pause as of late and missed the chance to face Alabama, they still have the second-highest AP ranking in program history and currently are one of just five unbeaten teams remaining on the season. They have an All-American candidate in forward David Roddy (20.5 ppg and 7.7 rpg) and look like the heavy favorite to win the Mountain West Conference or get an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

There isn’t anything Colorado State needs team-wise but rather to get showered with love from the national media. This is a team whose top five contributors are non-seniors, so they can be ranked in the preseason next season while climbing up all the way to the top 10 in a few weeks. And considering that they don’t play San Diego State until February, that isn’t impossible at all.

19. Kentucky Wildcats – An All-American spot for Oscar Tshiebwe

There were a ton of quality big men that returned for this season, including Hunter Dickinson, Kofi Cockburn, Drew Timme, and David McCormack. And for the most part, these centers have done well and will warrant all-conference and even All-American consideration. However, the best big man so far this season has been West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe, currently averaging a team-leading 16.1 ppg and 15.5 rpg (leads the nation) through 11 games.

That includes three games of at least 20 rebounds and a season-high 28 against Western Kentucky in a win. Tshiebwe has been unstoppable on the boards and arguably the go-to option on offense, so expect the numbers not to take a massive dip in SEC play. And with plenty of high-profile opportunities left to make even more statements, Tshiebwe will end up making a case for 1st-Team All-American this year.

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