4. Arkansas Razorbacks
In the past few years, the Razorbacks have become the class of the SEC, with two Elite 8 appearances under Coach Eric Mussleman and depending on what happens on Thursday, possible three straight. The program has utilized the transfer portal like no other NCAA Basketball team has and are in the mix for Mack. They’ve done very well with versatile frontcourt players so this has great potential for a match, especially with the current group of bigs not much of a threat offensively.
The reason why I can’t put Arkansas higher on this list is that technically, they don’t have to lose any of its frontcourt players. Trevon Brazile is likely to come back after a season-ending injury, while the twins, Makhi and Makhel, each have a year left as well. There’s also forward Jalen Graham, as well as five-star incoming freshman, Baye Fall. There’s a good chance that at least a couple of those guys are gone but until then, the Razorbacks have some roster work to do to make a compelling case.
3. Xavier Musketeers
Don’t quote me on this but not only does forward Zach Freemantle, who is out for the season, has one more year left but so does current starter, Jack Nunge. Jerome Hunter, another 4th-year senior, could come back as well. Assuming at least one of the three are gone, that still leaves plenty of playing time available for a player like Mack, who could fit in the team’s system.
Xavier has instantly become a success with the return of head coach Sean Miller in his first year, with the program already in the Sweet 16 and could advance further. They’re set to lose a number of veterans and will have to rebuild. Mack would be a nice starting point in those efforts.