NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2022-23 season

The Bulldogs may not have an incoming five-star freshman coming in this time around but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have a case of being ranked No. 1 for the third straight year. And that’s because they once again have Drew Timme, who is a consensus top-3 player in NCAA Basketball.

The center is coming off averaging 18.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg on 59% shooting from the field. Timme had numerous big games, including a career-high 37 points against Texas. In the past two years, the 6’11 big man has scored in double figures in 60 of 64 games. He’s one of the most consistent and efficient frontcourt players in the country and without No. 3 NBA Draft pick Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, look for Timme to have another big scoring campaign.

Also returning is Julian Stawther, a 6’7 small forward that produced 11.8 ppg on 37% shooting from deep. He’s an athletic scorer that had some big games but also disappeared at times. His consistency will have to improve but he’s likely to be the No. 2 or 3 scoring option on offense this time around.

Rasir Bolton is back for a 5th-year after a quality shooting season, ranking in the top-10 nationally at 46% from three-point range. The guard shot 50% from the field and gives Gonzaga a quality option from deep in the backcourt. Former five-star prospects Hunter Sallis are Nolan Hickman are set for larger roles and potential breakout campaigns, with Hickman the key guy to watch. He’s likely to be the starting point guard and if he can run the offense successfully, the team will be a surefire title contender.

If Hickman struggles as a sophomore, look for former SoCon Player of the Year Malachi Smith to be another option. The 6’3 transfer guard from Chattanooga averaged 19.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 3.0 apg and shot 41% from three-point range. He was efficient from the field and a productive lead guard and could do the same in the Bulldogs’ backcourt.

Add returning forward Anton Watson and LSU transfer center Efton Reid to the frontcourt depth and Gonzaga has the case of having the best 8-man rotation in NCAA Basketball. The question of how good the starting point will be is what potentially holds them back but everywhere else is confirmed to be great.