NCAA Basketball: Ranking of top 100 returning players for 2023-24 season

40. Ryan Nembhard – Gonzaga Bulldogs

2022-23 season stats: 12.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 4.8 apg

The 6’0 guard improved all of his shooting numbers in his sophomore year, including a respectable 36% from three-point range. Nembhard had some big scoring outputs as well, including 25 points against Arkansas and a career-high 30 versus Baylor. After following the same path his older brother Andrew did, Ryan now is the top guard at Gonzaga and should have his biggest role yet.

39. Alijah Martin – Florida Atlantic Owls

2022-23 season stats: 13.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg

One arguably the most balanced top-25 roster in NCAA Basketball, Martin has stood out as the go-to scorer for the Owls. The two-time All-CUSA star went for 30 points and 11 rebounds in a conference tournament win over UAB, as well as 26 points in the Final Four defeat to San Diego State. With guard Michael Forrest the only departure on the roster, look for Martin’s stats to raise up even more.

38. Judah Mintz – Syracuse Orange

2022-23 season stats: 16.3 ppg and 4.6 apg

One of the top returning freshmen players in NCAA Basketball, Mintz started all 32 games and nearly led the Orange in scoring. Mintz had a 16-point and 10-assist game versus Georgetown, along with a season-high 24 points in games against Monmouth and Pittsburgh. With both Joe Girard and Jesse Edwards gone, this is Mintz’s team as a sophomore and with an improved three-point shot, he should be a big factor in the ACC.

37. Baylor Scheierman – Creighton Bluejays

2022-23 season stats: 12.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 3.3 apg

The 6’6 former Summit League Player of the Year proved that you can move up from that league and still be successful. Scheierman led the Bluejays in rebounding and was a do-it-all contributor, shooting 36% from deep and producing 13 double-doubles. He still could score too, going for 25 points against Xavier for a season-high. With two starters gone, there’s a chance we’ll see the ball in his hands more.

36. Boogie Ellis – USC Trojans

2022-23 season stats: 17.7 ppg and 3.1 apg

Ellis was a breakout national star last season, leading USC in scoring on efficient numbers, including 39% shooting from deep. He went for 31 points and six assists against UCLA, along with a career-high 35 versus Arizona. Ellis will be paired with No. 1 incoming freshman Isaiah Collier to form one of the top backcourts in NCAA Basketball.