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

8. Kevin McCulllar – Kansas Jayhawks

2022-23 season stats: 10.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.4 apg

McCullar put up career-high numbers this past season and had seven games of at least 15 points. That included 21 points and five steals on 8/12 shooting from the field versus Missouri, along with 16 points (10 from the FT), 13 rebounds, and four assists in a win over Kansas State. The 6’6 wing made his first All-Big 12 team as well.

With Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick both gone, McCullar would be the top returning scorer on the roster. Outside of the Jayhawks bringing in a marquee transfer, this would be the chance for the senior wing to have an ever larger role on offense.

7. Tyson Walker – Michigan State Spartans

2022-23 season stats: 14.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.9 apg

It was a big year for Walker compared to his first season at Michigan State, becoming more of a pure scorer than a passer. He shot 42% from three-point range and had seven games of at least 20 points this past season. That included a pair of 30-point efforts, with one being 31 points on 11/15 shooting in the overtime loss to Iowa.

The Spartans have plenty of hype for next season, thanks to a top-5 incoming recruiting class. What they’ll need is a veteran ball-handler that can take the ball and make a key basket at the end. Walker has shown that he can be a lead guard and for them to be a Final Four contender, will need him back.