7. UConn Huskies
Players to watch: Tristen Newton, Andre Jackson, Adama Sanogo
When a team wins the national championship, the roster is always going to change and players are going to have decisions to make. There already are a few, as projected NBA Draft lottery pick Jordan Hawkins is gone, while backup center and freshman Donovan Clingan has decided to return.
That’s important because he had a chance to be a 1st round pick had Clingan stayed in the NBA Draft. Plus, it guarantees that are least one of the key centers is back. Sanogo, who led UConn with 17.2 ppg and 7.7 rpg last season, is likely either staying in the draft or could be in the transfer portal but that answers the center position for them.
In the backcourt, Newton was the starting point guard, averaging 10.1 ppg and 4.7 apg. The veteran ball-handler could come back for a 5th year but they also have to deal with Jackson, who also averaged 4.7 apg and while he doesn’t shoot the ball, is a quality all-around playmaker.
UConn may be able to replace Newton but not Jackson, who could get drafted if teams are willing to look past the shooting issues. The Huskies will be in good shape next year no matter what but having these veterans will certainly make things easier.