6. Connecticut
Comparatively speaking last season was a big disappointment for the Huskies, but that’s largely because Connecticut had won the previous two national titles. Dan Hurley’s squad was still really good and took eventual champion Florida to the wire in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will certainly miss what they got from top freshman Liam McNeeley but that might be where the bad news ends.
Expectations are raised again in Storrs because fellow stars Solo Ball and Alex Karaban both return after each averaging 14 points a game last season. A good backcourt became a great one with the addition of transfers Silas Demary Jr. from Georgia and point guard Malachi Smith from Dayton. Additionally, Braylon Mullins is a 5-star shooting guard while the return of Tarris Reed Jr. gives stability to the frontcourt alongside Karaban.
When Connecticut won those titles, the starting five was on another level for the Huskies. If everything comes together, this lineup can be just as powerful. There are questions about Reed becoming the dominant big that the Huskies need, but they know what they have in Karaban and are certainly excited to see what Demary brings after his brilliance in the SEC. Regardless of those questions, UConn unquestionably could make national waves all year long once again.