NCAA Basketball: Updated WTE 2022-23 power rankings after transfer deadline
A new wrinkle has been added to the NCAA Basketball offseason that involves the transfer portal. In an effort to create some clarity for the rosters, a deadline has been created for players to officially enter the portal to get the free “one-time” transfer without having to apply for a waiver.
The date of said deadline was May 1st but technically, players can be announced up to 48 hours due to the process of the school getting noticed. So there could be a few players that enter hours but doubtful there will be some major names that leave.
I did a way-too-early power rankings a month ago right after the national championship game and there have been plenty of changes since. But is there a new No. 1? Check out my latest power rankings in what’s been a hectic offseason so far.
Related Story. WTE power rankings for 2022-23 (month ago). light
Honorable mentions that just missed out include Virginia, Florida State, Purdue, Indiana, and San Diego State.
25. Colorado State Rams
2021-22 record: 25-6 (14-4 in Mountain West)
The Rams were one of the best mid-major teams in NCAA Basketball last season, thanks to mainly Mountain West Player of the Year David Roddy and starting point guard Isaiah Stevens. They were the only two players in double-digits last season but with Roddy averaging 19.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg and Stevens putting up 14.7 ppg and 4.7 apg, there wasn’t too much offense needed from the supporting cast.
But that “supporting cast” is going to look a little different next year. Role players Adam Thistlewood, Kendel Moore, and Dichon Thomas have transferred out so far this offseason, while point guard Chandler Jacobs has no more eligibility. Colorado State did add Patrick Cartier, a 6’8 forward and All-American and the D-II level at Hillsdale College. He averaged 22 ppg and 6.0 rpg and can stretch the floor, adding not only frontcourt depth but all insurance in case Roddy doesn’t come back from the NBA Draft process.
The Rams still have a couple of needs for depth, mainly at point guard and center. You can never have enough size, as 6’10 James Moors is the only true “big” in the rotation. And relying on Stevens to play 35-40 mpg a night won’t be sustainable long-term. There are plenty of good players that this top-25 caliber team can land in the next month but all eyes will be on Roddy and his pending decision.