NCAA Basketball: Top 100 returning players for 2022-23 season
80. Dane Goodwin – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2021-22 stats: 13.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.3 apg
While freshman guard Blake Wesley rightfully got most of the credit last season, Goodwin was the leading scorer and consistent sharpshooter. He made over 50% from the field as a guard, along with 46% from three-point range. The senior guard/wing had four games of at least 20 points and was in double figures in the first 20 games as well.
79. Pelle Larsson – Arizona Wildcats
2021-22 stats: 7.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.8 apg
The Utah transfer was the Pac-12 6th Man of the Year last season and was one of the best all-around players in the league as well. The 6’5 guard is a good shooter and capable scorer when given time on the court and should have a big role in replacing Dalen Terry in the backcourt.
78. Sincere Carry – Kent State Golden Flash
2021-22 stats: 17.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 4.8 apg
The former Duquesne guard exploded statically at Kent State last season, winning MAC Player of the Year and making an all-defensive team as well. Carry had several 30+ point efforts, including a career-high 42 points in a win over Ball State. He’s always been known as a quality passer but his becoming an elite scorer as well was a pleasant surprise for the Flash.
77. Darrion Trammell – San Diego State Aztecs
2021-22 stats (at Seattle U): 17.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 5.0 apg
The 5’11 league guard likely would’ve won WAC Player of the Year if it wasn’t for Aimaq but Trammell played a huge role in the Redhawks becoming league contenders. The Aztec transfer had numerous big scoring nights, including 39 against Abilene Christian. Trammell is a legit defender and is the perfect backcourt addition for this season on both ends.
76. Cliff Omoruyi – Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2021-22 stats: 11.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.3 bpg
The former top-50 prospect had a breakout sophomore campaign as the starting center and while his rebounding and rim-protecting looked as advertised, Omoruyi’s offensive potential was a nice surprise. He went for 15+ points on nine occasions, including a season-high 22 against Northwestern. The center is a great rim-runner and should have an even bigger role on offense in his junior season without Ron Harper Jr. around.
75. Jamison Battle – Minnesota Golden Gophers
2021-22 stats: 17.5 ppg and 6.3 rpg
If there was any question as to whether or not the transfer from George Washington to the Big Ten, Battle’s production early on showed that he can be a leading offensive force. He was in double figures in 27 of 29 games, including a season-high 39 points against Maryland. The 6’7 forward has some talented newcomers that should make Minnesota more competitive but in the end, Battle will once again lead them in scoring.
74. Jake Stephens – Chattanooga Mocs
2021-22 stats (at VMI): 19.6 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 3.3 apg
There’s no big man in NCAA Basketball that put up the stats that Stephens did in such an efficient matter. The 6’11 center shot 55% from the field and 46% from three-point range, including 7/8 from deep in a 39-point effort against Samford. He has a 21-rebound effort versus the Citadel and also a number of games of at least five assists. Stephens remains in the SoCon after following his head coach and has a great chance of being SoCon Player of the Year.
73. Osun Osunniyi – Iowa State Cyclones
2021-22 stats (at St. Bonaventure): 11.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.9 bpg
One of the best defensive big men in NCAA Basketball, Osunniyi is a multi-time A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and has over 300 career blocks in four seasons. He’s also a strong rebounder and has a couple of 21-point games this past season as well. The 6’10 and 220-pound big man will be a nice fit in the Big and the league’s strong defense and should anchor Iowa’s State this year.
72. Malachi Smith – Gonzaga Bulldogs
2021-22 stats (at Chattanooga): 19.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 3.0 apg
Last season’s SoCon Player of the Year was the best player on the best team, putting up huge stats on a daily basis while making 41% from three-point range. That includes 11 games of at least 25 points, including 36 points versus Murray State. The 6’3 guard joins a Gonzaga roster loaded with talent and should start and based on previous transfers to the program, should be even more efficient from the field.
71. Josiah-Jordan James – Tennessee Volunteers
2021-22 stats): 10.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 1.7 apg
While the former five-star never ended up being a prolific scorer for the Vols, James still has been a pivotal part of the team’s success. The 6’6 wing can defend up to four positions with his versatility and averaged around 15 ppg in the final eight games of last season. The team’s leading rebounder and underrated shooter should have his largest role on the offense yet so there’s a chance that offensive potential will be realized.