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NCAA Basketball: Updated WTE 2022-23 power rankings after transfer deadline

By Tristan Freeman

CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 29: Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a basket against the NC State Wolfpack in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center on January 29, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 29: Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a basket against the NC State Wolfpack in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center on January 29, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Basketball Arizona Wildcats guard Kerr Kriisa Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Arizona Wildcats guard Kerr Kriisa Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Arizona Wildcats

2021-22 record: 33-4 (18-2 in Pac-12)

The Wildcats were a very positive surprise in Tommy Lloyd’s first season as head coach, getting a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and making the Sweet 16. It’s going to be hard to outdo that performance without Pac-12 Player of the Year and leading scorer Bennedict Mathurin is off to the NBA as a projected lottery draft pick. Also leaving is starting center and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Christian Koloko after his breakout season.

Arizona also lost a trio of reserves in Justin Kier, Kim Aiken, and former top-100 prospect Shane Nowell but does return a number of key pieces for next season. Azuolas Tubelis was second on the team with 13.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg and should be even more a part of the offense with both Koloko and Mathurin out of the way in the frontcourt. Speaking of the frontcourt, backup big man Oumar Ballo was impressive on both ends when on the court and could be nearly as good a starting center as Koloko was.

In the backcourt, look for Kerr Kriisa to take another step in his development, and become more efficient in his shooting. And starting guard Dalen Terry was one of the top “glue guys” in the country last season and should have more opportunities to showcase his offensive skills.

With Pelle Larsson and former top-100 wig recruit Adama Bal also back, this is a roster that can go 8-deep and be formidable in the Pac-12. It was a close call between Arizona and UCLA for conference supremacy and it might look that way once again in 2023.

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