36. Dedan Thomas Jr., LSU
Dedan Thomas Jr. was among the top players in the Mountain West last season, averaging 15.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 4.7 APG as a sophomore. And he’s only 19, turning 20 just before the 2025-26 season.
There’s no question: it’s a big year for Matt McMahon and the LSU Tigers. The hope is that the reigning 2023-24 MWC ROY can be that sparkplug that’s badly needed in the backcourt.
At 6-foot-1, Thomas is a crafty, jack-of-all-trades type of guard who can score on all three levels. He’s a true floor general, averaging a career five assists per contest. He plays with great pace and is an above-average decision-maker off pick-and-rolls. His value should be immense for the Tigers this season.
35. Pharrel Payne, Maryland
Pharrel Payne follows Buzz Williams over from Texas A&M to Maryland and expects to make an immediate impact from the get-go in the frontcourt.
Last season, it took some time for Payne to find his groove. But when he did, the 6-foot-9 big center continued to be one of the more efficient bigs in the country, shooting 64.6% from the field, including 25-point and 26-point outings in the NCAA Tournament.
What stands out the most from Payne is his averages per 40 minutes last season: 20.6 PPG and 10.1. He’s physical. He’s athletic. He’s going to block shots. He’s the perfect prototype in a Buzz Williams system.
34. Jaland Lowe, Kentucky
Jaland Lowe was among college basketball’s top ball-screen readers last season at Pitt, continuously finding seams to attack downhill. He was terrific last season, averaging 16.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 5.5 APG.
Now off to Kentucky, Lowe has the playmaking abilities to be one of the top guards in the SEC -- and is easily among the top guard transfers in the conference altogether. While his efficiency dropped last season, only shooting 26.6% from three, his defensive impact cannot be ignored either, something that should help the Wildcats flourish in transition.
33. Derrion Reid, Oklahoma
Derrion Reid, the former McDonald’s All-American, is the definition of upside, which is why I have him slotted so high here.
His stats at Alabama last season -- 6.0 PPG and 2.8 RPG -- don’t tell the whole story after he missed 13 games in 2024-25 due to a hamstring injury. Long story short? Expect the 6-foot-8 forward to be a problem at Oklahoma next season.
Shooting 54% at the rim, Reid is a physical finisher inside the paint. He’s got great footwork to finish above taller defenders over both shoulders. He’s capable of stretching the floor, something I expect to be a positive development in his game. Expect a big-time sophomore season for Derrion Reid in Norman.