NCAA Basketball: Best player from each of the 50 states for 2022-23

Alabama – Brandon Miller (Alabama)

Named to the preseason All-SEC Second Team, Miller is an exciting freshman who is certainly one of the young players to watch in the SEC this season. He’s a versatile 5-star recruit who can do nearly anything Nate Oats needs from him; Miller can shoot from long range, defend all over the court, and may be that piece the Crimson Tide needs to excel this season. By season’s end, he’ll be Alabama’s best player, especially if his shooting numbers are impressive as expected.

Arizona – Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona)

After averaging 13.9 points and 6.2 rebounds as a sophomore last season, Tubelis is back for a third year with the Wildcats. He was a big part of last year’s breakout success for Arizona and will play a much more significant role this season, with Arizona looking to replace Mathurin’s production in the lineup. He’s an impressive big man who may be taking another step forward this year, though hopefully, he can avoid injury this season.

Arkansas – Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas)

Before the season even begins, some people are saying that Smith is the top collegiate prospect in the game, an even more impressive piece than some of these skilled upperclassmen. A combo guard with a great shooting touch, this young freshman will play an important role leading the offense at Arkansas, and Eric Musselman knows he has one of the best pieces in the nation. Smith is a playmaker with a high basketball IQ and the ability to defend at a high level; just wait until he gets on the court for the Razorbacks.

California – Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA)

Jaquez was First Team All-Pac 12 and was on the All-Defense squad for the conference last season. He averaged 13.9 points and 5.7 rebounds a game for another successful and talented Bruins squad. With Juzang gone, even more responsibility falls on Jaquez this season and he’s likely to have another big season. While he struggled from outside last year, Jaquez becomes the figurehead of this offense and will get many chances to lead these Bruins.

Colorado – Isaiah Stevens (Colorado State)

Stevens returns for his senior season and should be the best player on a talented Colorado State squad. He’s averaged at least 13 points a game in each of his first three seasons and has certainly emerged as one of the best point guards in the Mountain West. There will be added pressure on Stevens as a scorer, with the departure of David Roddy, but Stevens looks like he can lead and facilitate this Rams offense, all while providing a decent impact on the other side of the ball.