2. Miami
Miami has gone deep in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments, making the Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four this year. Aside from Jim Larrañaga being one of the best coaches in the country, the Canes have relied heavily on elite guard play and shotmaking.
Jordan Miller is out of eligibility, but Miami can return Isaiah Wong, Nijel Pack, and Norchad Omier. It’s likely that Wong will go pro, but Miami has enough NIL pull to potentially keep him around for a fifth year.
Pack and Omier aren’t guaranteed to return either, but it feels likely that both will be back. Even if they do lose the ACC Player of the Year in Wong, that would still give the Canes an All-ACC level duo.
Larrañaga will need to hit the transfer portal to find a replacement for Miller, at a minimum. Last year, he brought in Pack and Omier, so his track record in the portal era is strong so far. Look for Larrañaga to bring in a mobile forward who can stretch the floor in their 4-out 1-in offense.