NCAA Basketball: Top 15 pending decisions for 2022 NBA Draft

2. G Marcus Sasser – Houston Cougars

2021-22 stats: 17.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg

After a solid sophomore season, Sasser was on his way to national breakout status this past year, scoring 51 total points in the first two games. The 6’1 guard had 25+ points in four of the first 12 games of the season before an injury took him out the rest of the way.

An argument can be made that Sasser wasn’t as valuable for Houston, since they were able to make the Final Four without both him and Tramon Mark. But it’s more of a testament to the elite depth in the backcourt, as guards Kyler Edwards, Jamal Shead, and Taze Moore were able to take over.

Now that the season is over, Houston is looking at potentially the best overall backcourt in the country for the 2022-23 campaign. Moore has no eligibility left, while Edwards may look to capitalize on his postseason run and go pro. Sasser has also entered the NBA Draft process and may have shown enough in those 12 games to get a look by scouts.

Of course, if Sasser does indeed come back, the Cougars may be the preseason team to beat for next year. As mentioned, Shead will be back along with Mark, joined by five-star power forward prospect Jarace Walker and likely a marquee transfer pickup at the center position. Had he not gotten injured, Sasser was on pace for an All-American season and the AAC Player of the Year Award. His coming back helps set up potentially the best team in the country next season.