We’re fewer than 40 days before the start of the 2023-24 NCAA Basketball season. And preseason coverage is underway here at Busting Brackets and elsewhere. That includes various team, conference, coach, and individual power rankings.
This piece will be about the best returning NCAA Basketball players for this year. It’s only for D-I players so freshmen, foreign, and JUCO players won’t be included. With so many extra-year seniors and players transferring up a level, it’s as hard as ever to compile a list.
This will be about where I project each of these players when it comes to their statistical and win/loss impact throughout next season. So some guys who may put up big numbers on average teams may get docked a bit.
One player that would’ve made the cut was Zach Freemantle of Xavier but I opted not to have him on since he’s reportedly set to miss the entire season. I’m also going to ignore whether players are going to get a waiver from the NCAA or not since there are some two-time transfers that have a case of being ranked in the top 100 as well.
Here’s a list of who just missed the cut before I go from 100-1.
Honorable Mentions
Chris Ledlum – St. John’s Red Storm
Ledlum was the star at Harvard last season, averaging 18.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg. The former top-100 prospect now is at home in New York, playing for Coach Rick Pitino and St. John’s. Look for him to be the starting power forward, forming one of the top frontcourts in the Big East next season.
KJ Adams – Kansas Jayhawks
Although his stats (10.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg) don’t make Adams seem like a top-100 talent last season’s Big 12 Most Improved Player of the Year winner proved his value in a bunch of different ways. The 6’7 forward shot over 62% from the field and is one of the most versatile defenders in NCAA Basketball. Even with Hunter Dickinson joining the team, look for Adams to still have a nice role overall.
Zyon Pullin – Florida Gators
Pull is a 6’4 point guard that was a 2-time All-Big West performer at UC Riverside, coming off averaging a team-leading 18.3 ppg and 4.2 apg. He shot 49% from the field and 39% from three-point range and on a team that lost all of its ball-handlers this offseason, look for Florida to rely on Pull to run the offense this season.
Emanuel Miller – TCU Horned Frogs
The 6’7 veteran forward shot 51% from the field and nearly 40% from deep (in limited attempts) in his second year with the Frogs. Miller went for 20 points and 10 rebounds against Central Arkansas, as well as 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists versus Kansas State. After losing big man Eddie Lampkin and other key pieces, look for the 5th-year forward to have an even larger role on both ends.
Jaykwon Walton – Memphis Tigers
Walton was on a Wichita State squad that wasn’t very good last season, and not only led them in scoring (13.9 ppg) but did so on highly efficient numbers as a primary perimeter, shooting 54% from the field and 40% from deep. On a team filled with talented scorers, Walton may end up being the best of them this season.
Tramon Mark – Arkansas Razorbacks
The 6’5 guard has flown under the radar at Houston behind Jamal Shead and Marcus Sasser. But Mark has been a double-digit scorer and quality defender for the past couple of years, including a 26-point and 9-rebound effort in an NCAA Tournament win over Auburn. On an Arkansas roster whose backcourt has completely been rebuilt, it’s a chance for Mark to be a focal point.
Xavier Johnson – Indiana Hoosiers
The 6th-year point guard was limited to just 11 games last season, averaging 9.9 ppg and 4.9 apg. Without Jalen Hood-Schifino around, look for Johnson to be the focal point of the offense on the perimeter, while also being one of the lone shooting threats on the roster.
Jaylon Tyson – Cal Bears
Assuming the former Texas Tech forward gets the waiver, look for Tyson to be a breakout candidate at Cal. He quietly averaged 10.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg while shooting 40% from three-point range. In a better spread-out offense, he could thrive on a new-look roster.
Sean Pedulla – Virginia Tech Hokies
The 6’1 point guard averaged nearly 10 ppg more as a sophomore, shooting 34% from deep. Pedulla had 31 double-digit scoring games last season, including six with at least 20 points. His consistent offensive production should continue, as the Hokies lost its two leading frontcourt players (Justyn Mutts and Grant Basile) and be a key lead option on offense.
KJ Simpson – Colorado Buffaloes
The starting point guard for Colorado averaged 15.9 ppg and 3.8 apg for the Buffaloes, earning all-conference honors. Simpson went for 23 points and 10 rebounds against Tennessee early in the year and if he can get the efficiency up, can become one of the top guards in the country.
Elijah Pepper – UC Davis Aggies
The 6’4 guard was one of the highest-scoring players in all of NCAA Basketball last season, averaging 22.5 ppg and 3.4 apg for the Aggies. The 3-time All-Big West star had four different 32-point efforts last season, including on the road late in the season at UC-Irvine. Look for Pepper to be the preseason favorite for Big West Player of the Year.
100. Tyrin Lawrence – Vanderbilt Commodores
2022-23 season stats: 13.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg
The 6’4 guard/wing tripled his scoring production compared to the prior season, shooting an efficient 50% from the field. Lawrence went for 20+ points six times, including 24 points and nine rebounds versus Michigan. With Jordan Wright gone, look for the senior guard to be a focal point on offense.
99. Zakai Zeigler – Tennessee Volunteers
2022-23 season stats: 10.7 ppg and 5.4 apg
The 5’9 point guard not only is one of the better passers in NCAA Basketball but Zeigler also is a two-time All-SEC defender, coming off averaging two steals a game. The team struggled when he went down with a season-ending injury but the hope is that he’ll be around 100% by the time the season opens a month from now.
98. Keion Brooks – Washington Huskies
2022-23 season stats: 17.7 ppg and 6.4 rpg
After played at an “okay” level in the past three years at Kentucky, the former five-star recruit had his breakthrough campaign with the Huskies. He led them in both scoring and rebounding, scoring 10+ points in all but two games, including a career-high 30 points against Cal Poly. With potentially a better supporting cast this time around, look for Brooks to make a 1st-Team All-Pac 12 list this year.
97. Enrique Freeman – Arkon Zips
2022-23 season stats: 16.8 ppg and 11.2 rpg
One of the best NCAA Basketball mid-major players in the past few years, Freeman is a three-time All-MAC defender and past Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, the 6’7 forward is a double-double machine that also shot 62% from the field. Freeman’s best performance last season was a 32-point and 15-rebound effort against Ohio. With all of the star guards finally gone in the MAC, this POY award is Freeman’s to lose.
96. Rayj Dennis – Baylor Bears
2022-23 season stats: 19.5 ppg and 5.8 apg
Speaking of star guards from the MAC, Dennis was last season’s conference player of the year. He shot 48% from the field and 37% from deep, with a couple of double-digit passing games and a 32-point and 7-assist effort against Ball State. The 6’4 senior is expected to run the offense for Baylor, who lost Adam Flagler and LJ Cryer in the backcourt.
95. Jaylen Forbes – Tulane Green Wave
2022-23 season stats: 18.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg
Understandably so, Jalen Cook gets a lot of the attention in the Tulane backcourt. But I’d argue that Forbes may be even better as a pure scorer. The former top-100 prospect shot nearly 40% from deep on eight attempts and has two steals a game. Forbes has five games with 25+ points, including a 31-point outing versus SMU. Without Cook around, the Green Wave backcourt is all Forbes and he very well could produce over 20 ppg in the AAC.
94. TJ Bamba – Villanova Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 15.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg
Bamba was a breakout star out west at Washington State, leading them in scoring and shooting a career-high 37% from deep. The 6’5 guard had six games of at least 20 points last season, including a 36-point effort versus Washington. He joins the Villanova backcourt as a capable leading option, potentially allowing Justin Moore to play more at point.
93. Jordan Brown – Memphis Tigers
2022-23 season stats: 19.3 ppg and 8.6 rpg
After stops at Nevada and Arizona, the former five-star prospect excelled at Louisiana Lafayette, winning Sun Belt Player of the Year last season. The 6’11 big man went for 28 points and 11 rebounds against South Alabama, along with 26 points and eight rebounds versus SMU. Assuming that Deandre Williams isn’t eligible to play this season, Brown will be the focal point of the frontcourt at Memphis.
92. Jalen Bridges – Baylor Bears
2022-23 season stats: 10.3 ppg and 5.6 rpg
While the guards got all of the attention last season at Baylor, Bridges proved to be an effective impact transfer from West Virginia. The 6’7 combo forward shot 50% from the field and had games such as 17 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks against Texas, as well as 28 points versus Iowa State in the Big 12 Tournament. As the top returning offensive player for the Bears, look for Bridges to have an ever larger role this time around.
91. Fardaws Aimaq – Cal Bears
2022-23 season stats: 11.1 ppg and 7.9 rpg
Injuries limited Aimaq to just 11 games last season at Texas Tech but the former WAC Player of the Year (Utah Valley) proved he’s a power conference contributor. The 6’11 center had a pair of 19-point games against Oklahoma and TCU, along with an 18-rebound effort versus Kansas. He reunites with Coach Mark Madsen at Cal and if healthy, should have a big final year.
90. Julian Reese – Maryland Terrapins
2022-23 season stats: 11.4 ppg and 7.2 rpg
The 6’9 big man had a breakout sophomore campaign last season, scoring 10+ points in 13 of the last 14 games. That includes a 16-point and 16-rebound performance against Nebraska, along with 21 points and 11 rebounds versus Minnesota. Reese, along with senior forward Donta Scott will be one of the top frontcourts in the Big Ten this season.
89. Olivier Nkamhoua – Michigan Wolverines
2022-23 season stats: 10.8 ppg and 5.0 rpg
The 6’8 forward is one of the better two-way forwards in NCAA Basketball, showing signs of being a quality scorer at times. He went for 27 points against both Texas and Duke last season, with the ladder coming in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Without Hunter Dickinson and other scorers around, Nkamhoua could find himself as the No. 1 or 2 scoring option with the Wolverines.
88. Casey Morsell – NC State Wolfpack
2022-23 season stats: 11.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg
Jarkel Joiner and Terquavion Smith got all the attention at NC State last season, leaving the underrated Morsell being looked over. He actually led the team with 41% three-point shooting and went for 26 points against FIU, along with 18 versus Virginia. We’ll see how he does as the top scoring option on the Wolfpack backcourt but he even with all the newcomers, Morsell should be the guy this season.
87. Anton Watson – Gonzaga Bulldogs
2022-23 season stats: 11.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg
One of the true best “glue guys” in all of NCAA Basketball, Watson is a 6’8 versatile forward known for being a quality frontcourt defender, along with having more of a role in the offense. The senior forward went for 20 points and seven rebounds against San Francisco and went for 17 against Alabama. With Drew Timme gone and Graham Ike not 100%, this is a chance for Watson to showcase his offensive skills even more.
86. Adem Bona – UCLA Bruins
2022-23 season stats: 7.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg
The former five-star prospect won Pac-12 Rookie of the Year and was on the all-defensive unit as a freshman. The 6’10 big man shot 68% from the field and had a couple of big scoring games, including 18 points against Washington. He’s the lone returning starter on a Bruins team that added a bunch of newcomers so look for him to be a breakout candidate to watch.
85. Darrion Trammell – San Diego State Aztecs
2022-23 season stats: 9.8 ppg and 2.9 apg
After putting up a ton of stats at Seattle previously, Trammell put up a ton of wins at San Diego State, leading them to the national title game. The 5’10 guard went for 21 points on four different occasions, including against Alabama in the massive Sweet 16 upset. With Matt Bradley gone, look for the senior guard to fully run the offense for the Aztecs.
84. Braden Smith – Purdue Boilermakers
2022-23 season stats: 9.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, and 4.4 apg
Smith was a surprising good freshman for the Boilermakers, taking on the lead guard role and being part of the No. 1-seed squad. The 6’0 point guard went for 20 points against Marquette and had 24 points and five assists versus Iowa. Assuming he improves his play as a sophomore, look for Smith to be one of the top ball-handlers in the Big Ten.
83. Drew Pember – UNC Asheville Bulldogs
2022-23 season stats: 21.0 ppg and 9.2 rpg
After not producing much at Tennessee in the first couple of years, Pember went down to Asheville and became the Big South Player of the Year, along with being the two-time league DPOY. The 6’9 forward had a number of big outings, including 40 points in the season-opener against UCF, along with a career-high 48 points and 12 rebounds versus Presbyterian. Look for Pember to be the heavy favorite to repeat for the top award in the Big South and lead the Bulldogs to another NCAA Tournament appearance.
82. Tre Mitchell – Kentucky Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 11.7 ppg and 5.5 rpg
Mitchell was fairly good in his lone year at West Virginia last season, second on the team in scoring. The 6’9 frontcourt player went for 14 points and 15 rebounds against Baylor, along with a season-high 22 points versus Oklahoma State. He was the lone veteran transfer for the Wildcats and gives them needed experience and a floor-spacing option at the four-spot.
81. Tristen Newton – UConn Huskies
2022-23 season stats: 10.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 4.7 apg
As expected, Newton didn’t have the same gaudy stats that he did prior at East Carolina but he still managed to produce a couple of triple-doubles during the regular season, along with scoring 19 points in the national championship win over San Diego State. With Jordan Hawkins and Andrew Jackson both gone, look for him to have the ball in his hands even more this season.
80. Quentin Post – Boston College Eagles
2022-23 season stats: 15.1 ppg and 5.6 rpg
Post was limited to 19 games last season due to injuries, but Boston College was a legit threat when he was on the court. The 7’0 center shot 54% from the field and 43% from deep and went for 29 points and 14 points against Notre Dame, as well as 24 and 10 versus Virginia Tech. Look for the ACC’s Most Improved Player to get a spot on an all-league team.
79. Ajay Mitchell – UC-Santa Barbara Gauchos
2022-23 season stats: 16.3 ppg and 5.1 apg
The sophomore guard was the Big West Player of the Year, leading the Gauchos to the NCAA Tournament. Mitchell led the team in scoring and was in double figures in 30 of 35 games. That includes a pair of 28-point games, along with 17 points and 10 assists against Long Beach State. Santa Barbara lost a lot of talent but as long as Mitchell is around, they’ll be a favorite in the Big West.
78. Branden Carlson – Utah Utes
2022-23 season stats: 16.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg
The 4-year starter for the Utes is coming off his best statistical year yet, led the team in both points and rebounds. Carlson shot 50% from the field and also blocked two shots a game as an underrated interior defender. Among his six double-doubles includes 27 points and 11 rebounds against Oregon State, along with 27 and 10 versus Stanford in the Pac-12 Tournament. Utah will need even more from the big man in order to make the Big Dance but he’s one of the 10 best players in the league.
77. Pop Isaacs – Texas Tech Red Raiders
2022-23 season stats: 11.5 ppg and 2.7 apg
The 6’2 point guard was one of the few things that went right for Texas Tech, shooting nearly 40% from deep. Isaacs had 10+ points in 16 of 25 games, including a season-high 23 points against Texas. With a better supporting cast around him, look for Issacs to be a national breakout candidate.
76. Jalen Cook – LSU Tigers
2022-23 season stats: 19.9 ppg and 4.9 apg
Cook spent his last two years at Tulane, scoring nearly 20 ppg. The 6’0 guard had a stretch of 11 games with 20 points out of 12, including 27 points and 14 assists against Memphis, as well as 30 versus South Florida and Wichita State. He’s back at LSU to hopefully run the offense in place of Adam Miller but reportedly needs a waiver from the NCAA first.
75. Dillon Jones – Weber State Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 16.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, and 3.8 apg
One of the best NCAA Basketball players casual fans don’t know of, the 6’6 Jones is pound-for-pound, one of the best rebounders in the country. The senior went for 17 points and 21 rebounds against Montana, as well as 21 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists versus Northern Colorado. Look for Jones to be the Big Sky POY favorite and a reason why Weber State has a chance to go dancing in March.
74. Aaron Estrada – Alabama Crimson Tide
2022-23 season stats: 20.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.3 apg
Estrada found his perfect spot at Hofstra, where in the last two years, he’s won the CAA Player of the Year award twice. The 6’4 guard was in double figures in every game but one, including a career-high 40 points against Elon. After a year at Oregon where things didn’t work out, Estrada is hopeful for a different outcome at Alabama, where he’s likely to start.
73. Arthur Kaluma – Kansas State Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 11.8 ppg and 6.0 rpg
As a sophomore, the 6’7 forward continued to show flashes of stardom. Kaluma went for 27 points against BYU, along with 14 points and 16 rebounds versus UConn. He was the 5th option at Creighton before but now elevates to a top 2-3 offensive player at Kansas State and the team hopes he can be the replacement for All-Big 12 forward, Keyontae Johnson.
72. Bruce Thornton – Ohio State Buckeyes
2022-23 season stats: 10.6 ppg and 2.6 apg
Brice Sensabaugh got all the attention for Ohio State and its struggle-season but Thornton also started all 35 games as a freshman. The 6’2 playmaker shot 46% from the field and 37% from three-point range, including four games of 20+ points in the final two months of the season. As the lead guard for the Buckeyes, Thornton should be primed to be a breakout candidate that puts up some big numbers.
71. Oso Ighodaro – Marquette Golden Eagles
2022-23 season: 11.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, and 3.3 apg
The 6’9 forward had a breakout year as a full-time starter, earning All-Big East honors and being a consistent double-digit scorer. He went for 16 points and 18 rebounds against Notre Dame, along with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists versus Georgetown. With forward Olivier Maxence-Prospecr gone, look for Oghodaro to have an ever larger role for the Golden Eagles.
70. James Bishop – George Washington Revolutionaries
2022-23 season stats: 21.6 ppg and 5.2 apg
Bishop has been a top-tier scorer in the A-10 for the past few years, including posting career-high numbers this past season. The 6’2 senior was in double figures in all but one game, including 40 points and seven assists versus Loyola Chicago, as well as 44 points on the road at Hofstra. GW will need another big year from Bishop in order to stay competitive in the league.
69. Jordan Dingle – St. John’s Red Storm
2022-23 season stats: 23.4 ppg and 2.3 apg
In a four-year span, Dingle won both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year at Penn, ranking second in all of NCAA Basketball in scoring. The 6’3 scoring guard shot 46% from the field and 36% from three-point range in high volume, while having at three games with 30+ points, including 37 versus La Salle. He joins other transfers on a new-built St. John’s roster and very well could lead them in scoring this year.
68. Jesse Edwards – West Virginia Mountaineers
2022-23 season stats: 14.5 ppg and 10.3 rpg
Not only was Edwards one of the top double-double producers in NCAA Basketball last season but he also was an elite defender, blocking nearly three shots a game and earning All-ACC defensive honors. The center pulled down 21 rebounds in a game against Bryant and also had 27 points and 20 rebounds against Wake Forest. Now at West Virginia, look for Edwards to have a similar large role as the most proven effective newcomer on the roster.
67. Trevon Brazile – Arkansas Razorbacks
2022-23 season stats: 11.8 ppg and 6.0 rpg
An injury limited the 6’9 forward to just nine games last season but Brazile, who was viewed as a top-tier impact transfer a year ago, looked very impressive. He had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the season-opener against North Dakota State, along with 20 points and nine rebounds versus San Diego State off the bench. Look for him to have a nice season as the focal point of the frontcourt this time around.
66. Grant Nelson – Alabama Crimson Tide
2022-23 season stats: 17.9 ppg and 9.3 rpg
The 6’10 forward was one of the most skilled forwards in mid-major ranks last season at North Dakota State, earning both 1st-Team and All-Summit League defensive honors. Nelson went for 35 points and 16 rebounds against Western Illinois and 20 points and 22 rebounds versus South Dakota State. He’s now the top frontcourt option for the Tide, replacing Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako.
65. Coleman Hawkins – Illinois Fighting Illini
2022-23 season stats: 9.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, and 3.0 apg
The 6’10 forward is one of the most skilled frontcourt players in all of NCAA Basketball, including leading the team in assists. Hawkins had 23 points and 10 assists against Eastern Illinois, along with a 15-point, 10-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double versus Syracuse. Without Matthew Mayer around in the frontcourt, Hawkins could become more of a scorer than facilitator for Illinois.
64. Kevin McCullar – Kansas Jayhawks
2022-23 season stats: 10.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.4 apg
The 6’6 wing had his best year at Kansas after three seasons with Texas Tech, with career-high scoring and rebounding numbers. McCullar had 14 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists against Baylor, along with 21 points and five steals versus Missouri. The All-Big 12 performer is back for a 5th year and without Gradey Dick around, should get more offensive opportunities on offense.
63. Steven Ashworth – Creighton Bluejays
2022-23 season stats: 16.2 ppg and 4.5 apg
The star guard for Utah State actually started off the bench but after three games of 27+ points, Ashworth became the started that led the team to the NCAA Tournament. The 6’1 guard shot 43% from three-point range and had an 8/17 game from deep (26 points) in a win over Colorado State. Ashworth replaces Ryan Nembhard as the starting point guard for Creighton and could be an offensive upgrade.
62. Cam Spencer – UConn Huskies
2022-23 season stats: 13.2 ppg and 3.1 apg
After three years at Loyola (MD), Spencer transferred to Rutgers where he tied the lead in scoring, shooting an impressive 43% from deep. The 6’4 guard went for 20+ points five different times, including 23 points (6/7 3PT) against Northwestern. He’s now at UConn, where he replaces another sharpshooting guard in Jordan Hawkins in the lineup.
61. PJ Hall – Clemson Tigers
2022-23 season stats: 15.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg
Despite dealing with an offseason knee injury, Hall was able to replace his production from the prior, year, including raising his three-point percentage to 40%. The 6’10 center went for 20+ points 10 times, including a 28-point outing against Louisville. With star forward Hunter Tyson now gone, look for Hall to get even more looks inside as the focal point of the Clemson offense.
60. Tyrese Hunter – Texas Longhorns
2022-23 season stats: 10.3 ppg and 2.5 apg
Compared to the preseason hype after transferring over from Iowa State, Hunter’s numbers may not look overly impressive. He did shoot 34% from deep and 80% from the free throw line, improvements from his freshman campaign. He also had a 29-point effort against Kansas State, including 5/9 from deep. With both Marcus Carr and Sir’Jabari Rice out of the picture, look for Hunter to take a leading role in the backcourt as the veteran playmaker.
59. Jeremy Roach – Duke Blue Devils
2022-23 season stats: 13.6 ppg and 3.1 apg
These days, Roach is the extremely rare former five-star prospect at Duke who’s around for his senior year. And he’s turned into an All-ACC talent, coming off a career-high scoring year that included six games of at least 20 points. Two of them were 23-point efforts in the final few games of the year. Although everyone is back, look for the grizzled veteran to still have a large role on the Blue Devils.
58. Lamont Butler – San Diego State Aztecs
2022-23 season stats: 8.8 ppg and 3.2 apg
Butler has had the reputation of being an elite defender (two-time All-MTN West defender) and a solid scorer overall but he made national headlines with his game-winning shot to beat FAU in the Final Four. The 6’2 guard also had 18 points to beat Creighton in the Elite 8. Without Matt Bradley around, this is Butler’s chance to have a breakout on the offensive side of the ball this season.
57. Graham Ike – Gonzaga Bulldogs
2022-23 season stats: N/A
The former Preseason Mountain West Player of the Year missed all of last season at Wyoming before transferring to Gonzaga. Ike averaged 19.5 ppg and 9.6 rpg in 2021-22, including a 35-point and 14-rebound effort against Denver. With All-American center Drew Timme gone, look for Ike to take over as the focal point of the frontcourt if healthy.
56. N’Faly Dante – Oregon Ducks
2022-23 season stats: 13.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg
The former five-star prospect had a breakthrough campaign in his 4th year, leading the Ducks in both scoring and rebounding. The 6’11 center had 22 points and 10 rebounds against Arizona, along with 16 points and 18 rebounds versus Oregon State. Without Kel’el Ware around, there’s no competition for minutes inside. And Oregon will need a lot from Dante to get back into the NCAA tournament picture.
55. Reece Beekman – Virginia Cavaliers
2022-23 season stats: 9.5 ppg and 5.3 apg
Beekman is one of the best defenders in all of NCAA Basketball, coming off winning ACC DPOY honors. He also posted career-high offensive numbers in his junior season, shooting 35% from deep. The 6’5 guard will be the clear lead guard now that Kihei Clark has finally moved on, let’s see if the long-anticipated offensive bump happens for Beekman.
54. Erik Reynolds – St. Joe’s Hawks
2022-23 season stats: 19.6 ppg and 2.5 apg
The 6’2 guard had a sophomore breakout campaign for the Hawks, leading them in scoring while shooting 38% from deep on eight attempts a game. Reynolds went for 30+ points on five different occasions, including three on the final five games of the season. St. Joe’s has a ton of hype in the A-10 entering this season and Reynolds is the big reason for it.
53. DJ Burns – NC State Wolfpack
2022-23 season stats: 12.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg
Burns was a former Big South Player of the Year at Winthrop and proved to be highly effective in his first year at NC State last season. The 6’9 big man had some big games in the second half of the year, including a 31-point outing against Wake Forest. There are a lot of new faces for the Wolfpack in the backcourt but Burns remains the constant inside and should be a focal point on offense.
52. AJ Hoggard – Michigan State Spartans
2022-23 season stats: 12.9 ppg and 5.9 apg
In what’s been a loaded backcourt for the Spartans, Hoggard has quietly been a passing machine, ranking 3rd in the Big Ten in assists last season. He had 10 points and 14 assists against Nebraska, while also having six 20+ point outings as a scorer, including a season-high 25 points and six assists in the overtime loss to Kansas State.
51. Johni Broome – Auburn Tigers
2022-23 season stats: 14.2 ppg and 8.4 rpg
Broome was a two-time DPOY winner at Morehead State and was a successful transfer at Auburn, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding last season. The 6’11 center had 27 points and 11 rebounds against South Carolina, as well as an 8-block performance versus Auburn. He’s back as one of the top SEC big men this season and could have more of an offensive impact.
50. Blake Hinson – Pittsburgh Panthers
2022-23 season stats: 15.3 ppg and 6.0 rpg
After two years of not playing after leaving Ole Miss, Hinson became one of the best stretch forwards in NCAA Basketball at Pitt. He led the team in both scoring and rebounding, shooting 38% from deep on seven attempts. He went for 25 points and 13 rebounds against Syracuse, along with 24 points against Miami. With the entire backcourt gone, he’s set to the clear No. 1 option on offense for the Panthers.
49. Eric Dixon – Villanova Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 15.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg
The 6’8 forward had a breakout year as a senior, leading Nova in both scoring and rebounding. Dixon was in double figures in 29 of 34 games, including 24 points and nine rebounds against Michigan State. Although the Wildcats added more surrounding talent, look for Dixon to still have a big impact as one of the best Big East frontcourt players.
48. Tucker Devries – Drake Bulldogs
2022-23 season stats: 18.6 ppg and 5.7 rpg
The son of head coach Darian DeVries had a big sophomore campaign that not only earned Drake a trip to the NCAA Tournament but also won Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. The 6’7 wing shot 37% from deep and was in double figures in 32 of 34 games. DeVries had back-to-back 32-point games, as well as 22 versus Bradley to win the autobid. There’s no reason why not to expect another MVC POY title for the star junior.
47. Antonio Reeves – Kentucky Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 14.4 ppg and 2.1 apg
Reeves was the SEC 6th Man of the Year last season but it was when he was inserted into the starting lineup late when he took off. The 6’5 sharpshooter, who shot 40% from deep overall, went for 37 points against Arkansas, one of 10 games with at least 20 points overall. Now as the veteran of team, look for Reeves to be the focal point offensively on the roster.
46. Jamal Mashburn Jr. – New Mexico Lobos
2022-23 season stats: 19.1 ppg and 2.1 apg
The 6’2 guard has been one of the best non-conference players in NCAA Basketball the last two years, leading the Lobos in scoring. Mashburn shot nearly 38% from deep, as well as being in double figures for all but two games. He went for a season-high 33 points on the road at Nevada and a 32-point effort versus Air Force. Mashburn and fellow returning guard Jaelen House will be one of the best backcourt duos next season and help them be a favorite in the Mountain West.
45. Dylan Disu – Texas Longhorns
2022-23 season stats: 8.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg
Coming off injuries, Disu’s impact wasn’t felt until the final month of the season, when the starting big man became one of the top frontcourt players overall. He earned All-Big 12 Tournament honors and went for 28 points and 10 rebounds in the Round of 32 win over Penn State. With a new-look frontcourt and Longhorns roster, look for Disu to have a breakout 5th-year as a key offensive option.
44. Riley Kugel – Florida Gators
2022-23 season stats: 9.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg
The 6’5 guard started 17 games as a freshman at Florida and when he got extended minutes, was a star contributor down the stretch. Kugel was in double figures in the final 10 games of the season, including 24 points versus Kentucky. He’s a consensus breakout sophomore candidate to watch and the only question is how big of a leap Kugel will take with the Gators.
43. Tristan Da Silva – Colorado Buffaloes
2022-23 season stats: 15.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg
Da Silva was one of the top offensive players in the Pac-12 last season, shooting 50% from the field and 39% from three-point range. The 6’8 forward not only had a five-game stretch where he went for 20+ points but he also had a career-high 30 against Oregon. He and KJ Simpson returns as an elite conference duo and if the team is an NCAA Tournament threat, Da Silva is most likely to get POY consideration.
42. Clifford Omoruyi – Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2022-23 season stats: 13.2 ppg and 9.6 rpg
One of the best interior defenders in NCAA Basketball, Omoruyi nearly averaged a double-double, along with also blocking a couple of shots per game. He went for 13 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks against Nebraska, along with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks versus Minnesota. After losing so much production on both ends, Rutgers will need even more production from the big man to remain viable in the Big Ten.
41. Mark Sears – Alabama Crimson Tide
2022-23 season stats: 12.5 ppg and 2.6 apg
Sears was a successful transfer from Ohio last season, starting all 37 games and shooting 35% from three-point range. He had 24 points and five assists versus UNC and a season-high 26 on the road at Arkansas. With Jaden Bradley, Jahvon Quinerly, and even star Brandon Miller gone, the backcourt and offensive opportunities will be Sears to run with.
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.
35. Isaiah Stevens – Colorado State Rams
2022-23 seasons stats: 17.9 ppg and 6.7 apg
Despite joining the team late last season due to an injury, Stevens still managed to become a 4-time All-Mountain West contributor and lead the team in both categories. He shot 38% from deep and was in double figures every year, including 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists against UNLV in overtime. Without John Tonje around, Stevens will have to carry the scoring load even more for Colorado State this year.
34. Santiago Vescovi – Tennessee Volunteers
2022-23 season stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 3.1 apg
One of the best “3 and D” guards in the country, Vescovi is a four-year starter who shot over 37% from deep, while also having a trio of 20+ point games. One of them was a 22-point effort against Ole Miss. With Zakai Zeigler coming back from a serious injury, look for Vescovi to have more ball-handling duties to start out the season.
33. Ace Baldwin Jr. – Penn State Nittany Lions
2022-23 season stats: 12.7 ppg and 5.8 apg
Baldwin Jr. willed VCU to the NCAA Tournament out of the A-10 last season, earning both Defensive and overall Player of the Year honors in that league. He averaged over two steals a game as an elite ball-stopper, while also dropping a career-high 37 points on the road at Saint Louis. Now on a completely rebuild Penn State squad, look for Baldwin to be the team’s best player and an impact transfer in the Big Ten.
32. Aidan Mahaney – Saint Mary’s Gaels
2022-23 season stats: 13.9 ppg and 2.0 apg
The 6’3 guard started 26 games for the Gaels as a freshman, shooting 40% from three-point range. Mahaney had some heroic performances for the team in the second half of the season, including 25 points against LMU and 18 in a win over BYU in the WCC Tournament. With Logan Johnson gone, look for Mahaney to have an even bigger role in the scoring department for a team that could very well win the league.
31. Nijel Pack – Miami Hurricanes
2022-23 season stats: 13.6 ppg and 2.3 apg
Pack was as good as advertised coming over from Kansas State, third on the team in scoring while shooting 40% from three-point range. The 6’0 guard had eight games of at least 20 points, including 26 on 7/10 3PT in the upset win over Houston in the Sweet 16. With ACC Player of the Year guard Isaiah Wong gone, look for Pack to have the lead role on offense and his scoring improve sharply as a result.
30. Dajaun Harris – Kansas Jayhawks
2022-23 season stats: 8.9 ppg and 6.2 apg
Harris was the starting PG on the 2022 Kansas Jayhawks national title team so his ability to win is well-documented. But besides being one of the best pure passers in the game, Harris also was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. And he quietly shot 41% from deep last season, though it was on limited attempts. With a supporting cast that’s filled with even more shooters, look for Harris to be one of the leaders in assists.
29. Caleb Love – Arizona Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 16.7 ppg and 2.8 apg
Love may be the most divisive player in all of NCAA Basketball because there are plenty of pros and cons. But he’s still one of the top pure scorers, although he can be inefficient at times. Love went for 34 points and nine rebounds in the overtime matchup versus Alabama, along with 24 on the road at Wake Forest. Arizona has several good defenders but will need Love to step in and have a big impact on offense for them to be national contenders.
28. Jahmir Young – Maryland Terrapins
2022-23 season stats: 15.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 3.1 apg
After starring at Charlotte for three years, Young’s stellar play continued at Maryland last season, leading them in scoring. He went for 26 points and eight rebounds against Penn State, along with a season-high 30 points and 11 rebounds versus Ohio State. Without Donald Carey and Hakim Hart in the backcourt, Young will have an even larger role in the offense and could be the best player not named Zach Edey in the Big Ten.
27. Tolu Smith – Mississippi State Bulldogs
2022-23 season stats: 15.7 ppg and 8.5 rpg
On a team that literally couldn’t shoot (ranked last in NCAA Basketball in 3PT), Mississippi State was carried by Smith to get into the Big Dance. The 6’10 center shot 57% from the field and was in double figures for 28 of 34 games. That includes 27 points and 11 rebounds against Vanderbilt and 28 points and 12 rebounds versus Florida in the SEC Tournament. With hopefully some better shooting around him, Smith could be in position to produce even more in his final year.
26. Joel Soriano – St. John’s Red Storm
2022-23 season stats: 15.2 ppg and 11.9 rpg
On a dysfunctional Red Storm roster, Soriano was a breakout perfomer and Big East Most Improved Player, leading them in both scoring and rebounding. The 6’11 center had a whopping 25 double-doubles last season, including a 21-point and 19-rebound effort against Niagara. His stats should remain the same this year but with an improved supporting case, look for Soriano to potentially be in the running for Big East Player of the Year.
25. Tylor Perry – Kansas State Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 17.3 ppg and 2.1 apg
Despite playing in one of the slower-paced systems in NCAA Basketball last season, Perry, who won Conference USA Player of the Year, produced efficient numbers, including 41% shooting from deep. The 5’11 point guard had 28 points against UAB, along with a season-high 35 versus San Jose State. Perry comes in to be the hopeful replacement for Markquis Nowell, the All-American star guard from last year.
24. Kam Jones – Marquette Golden Eagles
2022-23 season stats: 15.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg
On a top-10 team from last season, Jones may be the least talked-about leading scorer I can remember. The sophomore guard truly broke out as a full-time starter, shooting 46% from the field and 36% from deep. Jones went for 26 points and six rebounds against Wisconsin, while also having 19 points in the NCAA Tournament opening-round win over Vermont. While the roles of the Marquette guards remain the same, look for Jones to continue being the focal point of the offense.
23. RJ Davis – North Carolina Tar Heels
2022-23 season stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 3.2 apg
Davis quietly had a very good year for the underachieving Tar Heels, shooting 44% from the field and 36% from deep. He went for 22 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Georgia Tech, along with 26 points against NC State. With Caleb Love and the attention he got gone, the light shines bright on Davis as the clear leader of the backcourt this season.
22. Norchad Omier – Miami Hurricanes
2022-23 season stats: 13.1 ppg and 10.0 rpg
It’s rare to see undersized bigs like Omier successful transfer up but the former Sun Belt Player of the Year at Arkansas State ended up being an All-ACC performer. The 6’7 center produced 15 double-doubles, including 19 points and 12 rebounds against Providence and 16 points and 16 rebounds versus Syracuse. His role should remain the same in his second year with the program and may even get more looks on offense.
21. Trey Alexander – Creighton Bluejays
2022-23 season stats: 13.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg
The 6’4 guard greatly improved his efficiency as a sophomore, shooting 41% from three-point range. Alexander had a 27-point game on 5/9 shooting from deep against Villanova, along with a season-high 32 points versus DePaul. Creighton lost two starters this offseason and Alexander is the best pro prospect of the group. If Ashworth struggles in any way, look for the junior guard to be the clear alpha on the perimeter.
20. Tyrese Proctor – Duke Blue Devils
2022-23 season stats: 9.4 ppg and 3.3 apg
The former reclassed five-star prospect only shot 38% from the field on the season but truly broke out in the final months last year, scoring in double figures in seven of the final nine games. That includes an 11-point and 10-assist effort versus Pitt in the ACC Tournament. As a consensus national breakout candidate, the real question is how much his stats are going to improve in year 2.
19. Bryce Hopkins – Providence Friars
2022-23 season stats: 15.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg
After transferring over from Kentucky, Hopkins was a breakout star and All-Big East performer, leading the Friars in both main categories. The 6’7 forward went for 27 points against UConn and a career-high 29 points and 23 rebounds in an overtime win over Marquette. Hopkins has a new coach and some new teammates but he remains the star of the team and an All-American candidate.
18. Jamal Shead – Houston Cougars
2022-23 season stats: 10.5 ppg and 5.4 apg
The 6’1 guard has been in the shadows a bit in the backcourt but Shead got recognized for his defensive effort, earning AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The point guard also had some big offensive games, including 14 points and 10 assists against UCF and 25 points in a win over Wichita State. There’s no more Marcus Sasser around so it’s a chance to see even more scoring from him.
17. Max Abmas – Texas Longhorns
2022-23 season stats: 21.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, and 4.0 apg
Abmas has been the best pure scorer in NCAA Basketball the last few years, including several 30+ point efforts. The two-time Summit League Player of the Year shot 37% from deep on nearly 10 attempts a game and had a season-high 36 points on 6/12 3PT against Kansas City. He’s now in the Big 12 at Texas and we’ll see how much of that elite scoring ability translates this season.
16. Wade Taylor IV – Texas A&M Aggies
2022-23 season stats: 16.3 ppg and 3.9 apg
The 6’0 playmaker was a big breakout star in the SEC as a sophomore, leading the 2nd-place Aggies in scoring while shooting 36% from deep. Taylor had 12 games of at least 20 points, including a season-high 28 in a win over Alabama. With most of the roster intact, look for Taylor to have another big year and without Brandon Miller around, could be a favorite for SEC Player of the Year.
15. Terrence Shannon Jr. – Illinois Fighting Illini
2022-23 season stats: 17.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg
The former Texas Tech starter proved he can be a leading offensive option, shooting 42% from the field and effectively playing the point guard role at times last season. His two highest-scoring games came early in the year, with 30 points against Monmouth and 29 points and 10 rebounds versus UCLA. Look for Shannon to once again have a large role for the Illini and be an All-American candidate if the team is good enough.
14. Boo Buie – Northwestern Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 17.3 ppg and 4.5 apg
In some ways, the star guard for Northwestern carried them to the NCAA Tournament, thanks to his quality scoring games to win just enough Big Ten games last season. Buie was in double figures in 31 of 34 games, including 28 points against Fort-Wayne, as well as a career-high 35 versus Illinois. Without Chase Audige around, the pressure will be on Buie even more to scorer enough to keep the Wildcats in the game.
13. Johnell Davis – Florida Atlantic Owls
2022-23 season stats: 13.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg
Davis was the 6th Man of the Year in Conference USA since he started just 16 of 37 games. Yet the 6’4 guard was still able to put up some gaudy numbers overall, including 36 points against UAB and 29 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a win over Fairleigh Dickinson in the NCAA Tournament. The elite scoring guard is back and with Alijah Martin on board, gives the Owls a top-10 caliber NCAA Basketball backcourt.
12. Tyson Walker – Michigan State Spartans
2022-23 season stats: 14.8 ppg and 2.9 apg
The second-year in the Tom Izzo system proved to be big for Walker, who led the team in scoring while shooting 42% from three-point range. Walker is one of the top two-way players in NCAA Basketball and a consistent scoring threat, including 30 points against Purdue, as well as 31 versus Iowa in overtime. If Walker produces the same on a top-5 caliber Spartans squad, look for him to get even more attention this season.
11. Oumar Ballo – Arizona Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 14.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg
It was a breakout year for the 7’0 center, who earned Pac-12 Most Improved Player honors. Ballo shot 65% from the field and had some huge games, including 18 points and 16 rebounds versus Colorado, as well as 30 points and 12 rebounds against Creighton. With All-American forward Azuolas Tubelis not around anymore, Ballo has a chance to really shine in the frontcourt for Arizona.
10. LJ Cryer – Houston Cougars
2022-23 season stats: 15.0 ppg and 2.1 apg
Cryer was one of the top pure scorers while at Baylor, coming off shooting 45% from the field and 42% from deep, along with nearly 90% from the free throw line. The 6’1 guard went for 28 points against UCLA, along with a career-high 30 points in the NCAA Tournament against Creighton. He’s essentially the replacement for Marcus Sasser at Houston and should be a frontrunner for Big 12 Player of the Year on a top-10 roster.
9. Donovan Clingan – UConn Huskies
2022-23 season stats: 6.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg
Despite averaging just 13 mpg off the bench, Clingan was easily a top-tier impact freshman last season. The 7’2 center shot 66% from the field and still managed nearly two blocks a game, along with having a 20-point, 10-rebound, and 5-block game against Marquette. With Adama Sanogo gone, Clingan is going to put up some major stats and make a case for All-American this season.
8. Justin Moore – Villanova Wildcats
2022-23 season stats: 13.5 ppg and 3.2 apg
The 6’4 guard was limited to just 13 games last season after recovering from a serious lower-leg injury and the Wildcats became a threat as soon as he was back. He had a vintage 25-point game against Xavier in 35 minutes. With a fully healthy offseason and a better supporting cast, look for Villanova to be a contender in the Big East, with Moore being the face of the squad.
7. DaRon Holmes – Dayton Flyers
2022-23 season stats: 18.4 ppg and 8.1 rpg
The former top-50 prospect had his expected breakout campaign as a sophomore, becoming the top big man in the A-10 and runner-up to Ace Baldwin for both main awards. Holmes had a 32-point effort on the road at Fordham, followed up with 34 points and six rebounds against George Mason. With him back, Dayton should be the favorites to win the league and the big man could get an All-American mention if things go well.
6. Hunter Dickinson – Kansas Jayhawks
2022-23 season stats: 18.5 ppg and 9.0 rpg
The 3-time All-Big Ten star is arguably the best post-scorer in NCAA Basketball, shooting 56% from the field and 42% from deep. Dickinson had a 32-point and 12-rebound game against Maryland and went for 31 points and 16 rebounds against Illinois. Now at Kansas, the senior big man has a chance to put up some big stats on a top-5 team, automatically putting Dickinson in the NPOY race.
5. Armando Bacot – North Carolina Tar Heels
2022-23 season stats: 15.9 ppg and 10.4 rpg
Although his stats wasn’t as good as the season prior, Bacot still is a double-double machine that regularly puts up big games. He went for 19 points and 23 rebounds against James Madison, along with 28 points and 15 rebounds versus Ohio State last year. With a new-look roster, the Tar Heels should get back into the NCAA Tournament, allowing Bacot to reclaim his status as one of the best players in NCAA Basketball.
4. Ryan Kalkbrenner – Creighton Bluejays
2022-23 season stats: 15.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg
The 7’0 center not only led Creighton in scoring but he’s also a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Kalkbrenner went for 17 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks against Seton Hall, along with a season-high 31 points versus NC State in the NCAA Tournament. When Kalkbrenner wasn’t sick, the Bluejays were a top-10 team. Look for him to make a case for the best big man in the country with his two-way ability.
3. Tyler Kolek – Marquette Golden Eagles
2022-23 season stats: 12.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, and 7.5 apg
Not only is Kolek the top returning passer in NCAA Basketball but he also was the Big East Player of the Year for the Golden Eagles. The 6’3 guard also shot 40% from three-point range and had a 29-point effort against Providence in overtime. Kolek gets to defend his individual title in the league on what should be a preseason top-10 team.
2. Kyle Filipowski – Duke Blue Devils
2022-23 season stats: 15.1 ppg and 9.0 rpg
Just like Roach, Filipowski is the rare returnee for Duke that led the team in both scoring and rebounding as a freshman. The 7’0 forward had games such as 28 points and 15 rebounds against Pittsburgh, along with 29 points and 10 rebounds versus Virginia Tech. There’s no question he’s the focal point of Duke’s offense this year and assuming that he recovered from the offseason hip surgery, Filipowski is going to be an All-American and National Player of the Year candidate.
1. Zach Edey – Purdue Boilermakers
2022-23 season stats: 22.3 ppg and 12.9 rpg
There’s no debate on who should be No. 1 this season, as the reigning National Player of the Year is back after leading Purdue to both Big Ten titles and a 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The 7’4 center had numerous huge games, including 33 points and 18 rebounds versus Indiana and 32 points and 17 rebounds against Michigan State.
Like Oscar Tshiebwe a year ago after returning to Kentucky, Edey gets the No. 1 spot after winning the top NCAA Basketball individual award. But the question is can he and Purdue win the top team award in April. After he embarrassing Round of 32 loss to 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson, all of the pressure on is both Edey and the Boilermakers to excel, from start to finish.