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

10. Arkansas Razorbacks – Hope that Nick Smith suits up again

There isn’t much to complain about if you’re a Razorback fan, going 11-1 entering SEC play and only getting four games out of Nick Smith, a top-5 freshman player entering the season. He’s been injured with a knee issue off and on and unfortunately now, is out indefinitely. Smith averaged 12.8 ppg in four full games played, which would be second on the team but there’s a chance that he’ll simply be shut down for the rest of the season.

While freshman Anthony Black and junior Davonte Davis have done a solid job running the offense, Arkansas depth is going to be tested, with forward Trevon Brazile out for the season via injury as well. Without Smith, they’re likely not a true contender come March. But maybe there’s a chance we haven’t seen the last of the dynamic freshman in an NCAA Basketball game.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide – Avoid more defensive letdowns

As usual, the Tide has one of the best offenses in NCAA Basketball, thanks to star freshman Brandon Miller and his 20 ppg average. What also was noticeable early on was the defensive improvements compared to a year ago. However, the team suffered a key injury, losing Nimari Burnett for 6-8 weeks. He arguably was the best perimeter defender on the team and in his absence, Alabama allowed 88 points to Memphis and 100 to Gonzaga, losing to the Bulldogs.

SEC play is up next for Alabama, where its team defense will be constantly tested. Getting St. Bonaventure transfer Dom Welch back would help its depth but it’s up to the others to not let the loss of Burnett tank them on the defensive end.