NCAA Basketball: Top 20 pending “covid year” player decisions to watch
When covid struck in 2020, it greatly impacted NCAA Basketball and sports overall. But the aftereffect has remained in this sport in particular. The NCAA had granted players an extra year of eligibility so the freshmen that played in the 2019-20 season could stay for a 5th season if they so choose.
Well, we’re now at that point where that group of freshmen are true seniors and is the last bunch of players that can stay for the “covid year”. There’s still a bunch, including a number that entered the transfer portal. For those that are still with their respective teams, there are decisions that need to be made.
Here’s a power ranking of 20 true seniors whose decisions will impact the 2023-24 NCAA Basketball season the most.
*This list will exclude those who are eligible for a 6th year since it’s more likely they go pro
20. Armaan Franklin – Virginia Cavaliers
2022-23 season stats: 12.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg
The 6’4 guard was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers in the past season, shooting 37% from three-point range on five attempts and taking the most shots on the team. He had 26 points against Baylor in the third game of the season and looked like someone that would have a big impact overall. The guard had six games with 20+ points overall.
Virginia’s roster has already undergone some big changes. Ben Vander Plas, Jayden Gardner, and Kihei Clark have moved on, while Kadin Shedrick and Isaac Traudt have already transferred out. If Reece Beekman stays in the NBA Draft, that literally leaves just Franklin. If he doesn’t come back, Coach Tony Bennett will have to start all over.
19. De’Vion Harmon – Texas Tech Red Raiders
2022-23 season stats: 13.6 ppg and 3.6 apg
Harmon has had his ups and downs in his first two stops but became a consistent double-digit scorer for the Red Raiders. The 6’2 guard had five games of at least 20 points this season, including 25 points against Texas Tech.
Texas Tech has a new coach in Grant McCasland and it’ll be interesting to see if he brings any players from North Texas with him. Otherwise, he needs to keep both Harmon and Pop Isaacs in the backcourt. How Harmon fits in the new system would be a factor but from an offensive standpoint, he’d be needed.