NCAA Basketball: Duke, Gonzaga, and WVU rise in latest WTE ’23-24 power rankings

25. Xavier Musketeers

Coach Sean Miller and the Musketeers knew that they needed to reload this offseason. It was a guarantee that guards Souley Boum and Adam Kunkel had to go, while wing Colby Jones is a projected first-round NBA Draft pick. The question was whether or not they’d get at least one of the starting forwards, Jack Nunge or Zach Freemantle.

We now have our answer, as Nunge will be going pro and Freemantle is set to return. Nearly a year ago, Freemantle was suspended for a bit when Coach Miller arrived, as the two didn’t seem to connect well. But things were patched up and the big man has a successful year, averaging 15.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 22 games before suffering a season-ending injury.

Joining Freemantle in the frontcourt is Abou Ousmane, a 6’10 big man from North Texas. He averaged 11.1 ppg and 6.0 rpg as a starter and was an all-conference performer in Conference USA. The backcourt got a pair of big boosts in Dayvion McKnight (16.5 ppg and 3.8 at WKU) and Quincy Olivari (18.7 ppg and 5.9 rpg at Rice), both of whom are quality shooters.

Xavier is risking a lot on a trio of Conference USA transfers but as the league’s postseason success showed, they may be up to the task. But having a top-tier offensive weapon back in Freemantle gives them a nice floor on that end at least.