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NCAA Basketball: Biggest x-factor for each top-25 team for 2022-23 season

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 28, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) shoots the ball against the North Alabama Lion's in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaag won 93-63. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) shoots the ball against the North Alabama Lion's in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaag won 93-63. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Cougars forward Reggie Chaney Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Cougars forward Reggie Chaney Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kentucky Wildcats – CJ Fredrick

The Wildcats have the National Player of the Year back in Oscar Tshiebwe, as well as one of the top passers in NCAA Basketball in Sahvir Wheeler. Neither are shooters from deep, meaning that the other three players for Kentucky on the court need to be three-point shooters. The best on the current roster is CJ Fredrick, who shot 46% from deep in two years at Iowa.

The 6’2 guard would be a nice boost in the backcourt next to either Wheeler or five-star freshman Cason Wallace. If he can fit into the rotation defensively, the Wildcats’ offense can become even more potent next season.

3. Houston Cougars – Jarace Walker

The Cougars have their highest-ranked freshman prospect in Walker, a 6’8 power forward and offensive weapon in the frontcourt. This is a team that has one of the best backcourts in the country in Marcus Sasser, Jamal Shead, and Tramon Mark.

After losing Fabian White and Josh Carlton, the team needs Walker to be an impact player in order to reach their national title aspirations. The team can still be a postseason threat if he has growing pains and struggles but how good he is may determine whether or not they’re truly the best team in the country.

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