NCAA Basketball: Top 25 NBA Draft decisions left with a week before deadline

4. Terrence Shannon – Illinois Fighting Illini

2022-23 season stats: 17.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 2.8 apg

Shannon was the clear star of the Illini last season, not only leading them in scoring but also playing the defacto point guard role once Skyy Clark transferred out. He had six games of at least 24 points and was the only guy besides Matthew Mayer that could really create his own offense,

The All-Big Ten guard would be a big blow for the team, especially since they still don’t have a veteran point guard on the roster. Forward Coleman Hawkins also is in the draft process but Illinois has more questions in the backcourt at the moment. Incoming transfers, Justin Harmon and Marcus Domask would have to have a huge impact out the gate to keep them competitive if Shannon isn’t around.

3. Ryan Kalkbreener – Creighton Bluejays

2022-23 season stats: 15.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg

The 7’0 center not only is a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year but Kalkbreener also led the team in scoring overall. Creighton suffered a six-game losing skid when he was dealing with an illness but once he came back, the team was Final Four good and just a couple of seconds from getting there this past season.

With forward Arthur Kaluma gone, Kalkbreener could have an even larger role in the offense, while once again being the defensive anchor. If he leaves, it’s hard to see how Creighton could be a top-20 team next season and a threat to win the Big East.