NCAA Basketball: Most important player on each top-25 team for 2022-23 season

2. Houston Cougars – Jarace Walker

The Cougars have a star point guard in Jamal Shead and two returning scoring guards from injury in Tramon Mark and Marcus Sasser. But with both starting forwards Fabian White and Josh Carlton from last season gone, the Cougars will need the new frontcourt to have a big impact. That includes the program’s first-ever five-star prospect in Walker, a 6’8 power forward.

If he can have a solid impact offensively, that’ll balance out the frontcourt. And if Walker can be a star somehow, that could easily make Houston the team to beat this NCAA Basketball season. The past frontcourts for the program haven’t been elite but the veterans have done their job. Walker may be young but the Cougars will need him to grow up fast in order for the team to compete for a national title.

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs – Julian Strawther

There’s a case to make that sophomore point guard Nolan Hickman is most important but Gonzaga’s history of creating star point guards, plus the addition of SoCon Player of the Year Malachi Smith gives them options for lead guard. But the other question is who is the second-best player on the roster? All-American center Drew Timme is obviously No. 1 but there isn’t a Jalen Suggs or Chet Holmgren around anymore.

The guy that has the chance to take up that role is Strawther, who averaged 11.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg as a sophomore. He had some big scoring games but also struggled as well last season. The 6’7 forward can shoot the lights out and can be an elite scorer. He also could play some small-ball four in order to maximize spacing around Timme.

The Bulldogs have lots of weapons on offense and can rely on the big man. But if Strawther can be just as good as the No. 2 option, then Gonzaga will once again be equipped to make a deep run in March.