NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top 25 power rankings for 2022-23 season

2021-22 season record: 28-4 (13-1 in WCC)

It was another Sweet 16 appearance and a No. 1 seed for the Bulldogs but Arkansas sent them home earlier than expected, ending the NCAA Basketball career of the unicorn forward Chet Holmgren. And according to reports, it also spelled the end for starting guards, Rasir Bolton and Andrew Nembhard.

Now all eyes will be on All-American big man Drew Timme, who averaged over 25 ppg in three games in the NCAA Tournament. If he comes back, Gonzaga will have arguably the best individual player in the country for next season and the ultimate security blanket on offense.

The Bulldogs will need Timme as they turn the offense over to guards Nolan Hickman and Hunter Sallis. They were part of the rotation but didn’t provide much offensively but were great on the other side of the ball. If these former five-star recruits take the next step in their respective development as sophomores, Gonzaga’s defense will remain in the top-tier in the backcourt and be fine enough on offense. And look for former top-60 recruit Dominick Harris to be part of the rotation as well after missing this past season due to an injury.

Including forwards Kaden Perry and Ben Gregg in the frontcourt, there’s a lot of young talent for the Bulldogs to use next season, even before the transfers. And with wing Julian Strawther set for an even bigger role as a junior, this team once again has the chance to lead the nation in scoring. There’s a lot of athleticism and Timme is a 20 ppg proven star. They’ll look a little different and likely will have some rough patches with the young backcourt, but the ceiling will remain high in 2023.