19. Olivier-Maxence Prosper – Marquette Golden Eagles
2022-23 season stats: 12.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg
The athletic forward has been one of the standouts in the NBA Draft combine, even opting not to participate in the final stages of the combine this past week. That’s a sign that he could be leaning towards staying in and that would be a blow to a Marquette team that could return just about everyone after winning 29 games last season. They do have backup forward David Joplin that could take his place but it would take them out of the No. 1 preseason conversation.
18. AJ Hoggard – Michigan State Spartans
2022-23 season stats: 12.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 5.9 apg
Hoggard had a nice breakout year as a full-time starter and fit perfectly next to Tyson Walker in the backcourt. Walker is back for a 5th year but both Hoggard and Jaden Akins are still in the draft process. The team could withstand not having Hoggard as long as top-60 guard Coen Carr can play well as a freshman but in order to be a definite preseason top-10 team, Michigan State needs its starting guard back.
17. Antonio Reeves – Kentucky Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 14.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg
Reeves was arguably Kentucky’s best player down the stretch once he was inserted into the starting lineup. He was named SEC Player of the Year for his efforts and most importantly, shot a team-leading 43% from three-point range. The Wildcats have a bunch of talented guards joining but who knows if any of them are good enough shooters to replace what the senior wing offers.