NCAA Basketball: 2022-23 Christmas wishlist for each top 25 team

12. Baylor Bears – Hope for a miracle with Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua

The Bears have one of the best backcourts in NCAA Basketball with Keyonte George, LJ Cryer, and Adam Flagler, each averaging at least 15.0 ppg. The issue has been the lack of production on the frontcourt, with starter Jalen Bridges being inconsistent and not getting much else from the others. The team clearly misses Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, who was last year’s Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was part of the 2021 national title squad.

Tchatchoua has been out with a knee injury and the odds aren’t great that he returns this year. But Baylor could use him to bolster the frontcourt depth and add his physicality and relentless energy. Sometimes, you need a Christmas miracle and if the Bears can get one with his return in February, that could make them a title contender.

11. Gonzaga Bulldogs – Nolan Hickman continues developing in WCC play

When Gonzaga was ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll, the biggest question everyone had was about the point guard play, led by sophomore Nolan Hickman. Against a brutal non-conference schedule, he was expected to have some ups and downs and that certainly occurred. Through 13 games, Hickman is averaging 8.3 ppg and 3.9 apg on 40% shooting, including 13 points and four assists in the recent win over Alabama.

Expect the sophomore playmaker to see his stats improve as WCC play approaches but the key is to see Hickman more consistent. As great a player as Drew Timme is, it’ll come down to the guard play to determine whether the Bulldogs will be a Final Four team.