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

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 10: Boo Buie #0 of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts after scoring against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 10: Boo Buie #0 of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts after scoring against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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usc vs. michigan state march madness
NCAA Basketball Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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.