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

10. Arkansas Razorbacks – Anthony Black

I tried to avoid having too many freshmen on this list but for Arkansas, everyone has their projected role except one. Nick Smith will run the offense, while the transfer forwards will all be rim runners and defenders. And the other five-star freshman (Jordan Walsh) projects to be one of the top scorers on the team. But what about the other five-star prospect, Anthony Black?

He’s a unique prospect in that Black is a 6’7 guard that can play point while also capable of defending up to four positions on the court. He’s a solid scorer and rebounder and looks to be sort of a “glue guy” for the Razorbacks. If he has a big impact and gets plenty of minutes, it’s expected that Arkansas will be potent on both sides this season.

9. Creighton Bluejays – Baylor Scheierman

One of the top transfers this offseason was Creighton landing Baylor Scheierman, who was the Summit League Player of the Year at South Dakota State after averaging 16.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 4.5 rpg on 51% shooting from the field and 47% from three-point range. With three starters returning and Trey Alexander, who did start in the postseason last year also back, this could be the best starting lineup in all of NCAA Basketball in 2022-23.

However, it’s well known that the Summit League isn’t known for defense, so players’ numbers can be inflated. The Big East could make Scheierman look much more normal and how good he is defensively could be a question as well. If he just makes three-pointers alone, the former Jackrabbit will be a successful pickup. But if Scheierman ends up being an all-conference player at the Big East level, Creighton may end up making history in the postseason.