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