NCAA Basketball: Top 100 returning players for 2022-23 season

Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) looks on during a break in play against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half in the semifinals of the West regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball Ohio State Buckeyes forward Zed Key Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

We’re just fewer than 20 days left until the start of the 2022-23 NCAA Basketball season. And we’ve been previewing and covering as much throughout the preseason but it’s getting old. The good news is we have just a few big pieces left to look at the entire sport before the games start.

This project takes a look at the very best returning players from last year heading into this year. This includes my projections of potential breakout stars and which transfers will have big impacts (will injury current injuries to make things easier). No true freshmen will be included because, to be honest, I don’t where to place guys like Nick Smith and Dereck Lively alongside guys who’ve already played in NCAA Basketball.

Here are a few honorable mentions, followed by the top 100 returning overall players.

HM: Zed Key – Ohio State Buckeyes

The junior big man won’t be playing behind E.J Liddell anymore and will be the focal point of the Buckeyes’ frontcourt. Key has shown that he’s capable, including 20 points against No. 1 Duke last season. He’ll have a statistical boost this year but how much is to be determined.

HM: Daeshun Ruffin – Ole Miss Rebels

The former top-100 prospect had a great freshman campaign midway through, averaging 12.6 ppg and 3.4 apg before a knee injury took him out. Ruffin may not be able to start the season on time but when healthy, is one of the better players in the SEC.

HM: Tyler Burton – Richmond Spiders

The breakout star of the A-10 last season averaged 16.1 ppg and 7.7 rpg. The 6’7 wing had numerous games of at least 20 points, including a career-high 36 points against St. Bonaventure. Burton will be even more of the focal point of Richmond now and it won’t be a surprise if he’s a 20 ppg scorer this season.

HM: Charles Pride – Bryant Bulldogs

Peter Kiss led all of NCAA Basketball with 25 ppg but Pride wasn’t too bad as a secondary option, averaging 17.7 ppg and 8.6 rpg. That included games of 44 and 32 points respectively when Kiss was out. Pride is now the No. 1 option at Bryant now and the gaudy numbers will show this season.

HM: Tristen Newton – UConn Huskies

After Jayden Gardner left the year prior, Newton became the statistical star of the team, leading with 17.7 ppg and 5.0 apg. The 6’5 guard is now over at UConn as the likely starting point guard. If he can replicate these kinds of numbers as the lead guard with the Huskies, they’ll be a Big East contender.

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