NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season

Feb 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to center Kyle Filipowski(30) during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 63-57. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball Jamal Shead #1 of the Houston Cougars (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

7. Houston Cougars

2022-23 season record: 33-4 (17-1 AAC)

Houston has completely dominated the American Athletic Conference for the past few years and was ranked No. 1 at one point last season. But a surprise trip up to Miami in the Sweet 16 prevented them from hosting the Final Four. Now, they head to the Big 12 without three of its top scorers, including star guard Marcus Sasser and NBA lottery pick, Jarace Walker.

The Cougars do have a new-look backcourt surrounding returning PG Jamal Shead. They bring in a familiar Big 12 face in LJ Cryer, a scoring transfer from Baylor who averaged 15 ppg on over 40% shooting from deep. And Damian Dunn produced 15.3 ppg and 3.0 rpg at Temple and had multiple 30+ point outings last season. Plus, look for former top-50 prospects, Emanuel Sharp and Terrance Arceneaux to be breakout candidates if given the minutes.

The frontcourt doesn’t have as much firepower without Walker around but veteran forwards Ja’Vier Francis and J’Wan Roberts should be good enough inside. Plus, the Cougars have a pair of top-100 freshmen talents in Joseph Tugler and Jacob McFarland to add to the depth and provide size against bigger lineups.

Houston is easily the best candidate of the four newcomers to compete in the Big 12 this season. But can they go into immediate title contention for a title? This roster and Coach Kelvin Sampson are good enough and we’ll get an 18-game sample against the likes of Kansas and Baylor to see how they compare.

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