NCAA Basketball: Top 20 pending “covid year” player decisions to watch

16. Alex Ducas – Saint Mary’s Gaels

2022-23 season stats: 12.5 ppg and 4.3 rpg

The 6’6 wing became a double-digit scorer for the Gaels, shooting over 41% from three-point range. He had a few 20+ point games, including a 25-point effort against New Mexico. Ducas made a 3 in every game but one this season, including a 6/10 effort in a win over Portland.

Ducas will have an even larger role if he comes back, as Logan Johnson will be moving on. Freshman Aidan Mahaney will be moving on the ball more so there’s a real need for the senior to be at the three-spot if needed. If the sharpshooter returns, Saint Mary’s could be in some preseason top-25 polls.

15. Paul Mulcahy – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2022-23 season stats: 8.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.9 apg

There are multiple other key decisions to watch for Rutgers, including what Cam Spencer and Aundre Hyatt do with their extra years. But the most important of the group is Mulcahy, especially since Caleb McConnell does have to leave. The point guard had two games of at least 12 assists this past season and did have 12 games with at least 10 points too.

Rutgers has a top-40 guard joining in Rayvon Griffiths so they can withstand losing Spencer. But not having a veteran ball-handler hurts their chances of competing in the Big Ten in 2024. His all-around play has been key to their success to this point and it’d be hard to replace his production.