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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 Kentucky Wildcats Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Kentucky Wildcats Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kentucky Wildcats

2021-22 record: 26-8 (14-4 in SEC)

There were three key storylines for this program this past month, two of them being good news. The most important thing was SEC and National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe coming back for an extra year after averaging 17.4 ppg and 15.2 rpg (led NCAA Basketball). His presence alone makes them SEC and national title contenders once again.

On the flip side, Kentucky likely won’t ever get to see No. 1 overall ranked recruit Shaedon Sharpe play in college, as he entered the NBA Draft. There’s a slim chance that he returns after all but odds are that he’s gone. In his place is Illinois State transfer Antonio Reeves, who averaged 20.1 ppg on 39% from three-point range.

Reeves can slot in as the 2/3 guard alongside returning starting point guard Sahvir Wheeler, sharpshooter CJ Fredrick, and five-star incoming combo guard Cason Wallace. The other newcomer on the roster is Chris Livingston, a five-star combo forward prospect. The frontcourt outside of Tshiebwe is unproven, with Damion Collins, Jacob Toppin, and Lance Ware.

This is a roster that probably could/will need another piece on the wings if Sharpe isn’t coming back but just having Tshiebwe makes them a national contender for next season.

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