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