16. Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Bryce Hopkins has dealt with a magnitude of injury misfortunes over the past couple of seasons. He played in just 14 games two seasons ago. He played in just three games last season.
In Hopkins’ first and only full season with Providence (2022-23), he averaged 15.8 PPG and 8.5 RPG. Even in the following two seasons, he put up similar numbers, albeit a (very) short sample size.
With a clean bill of health, I fully expect Hopkins to pick up right where he left off. Hopkins is a physical combo-like forward who is a nightly double-double threat. He’s an excellent downhill scorer, he can stretch the floor and is quite the passer for his size, too. Pairing Hopkins alongside Zuby Ejiofor (and a little bit of Dillon Mitchell) in the frontcourt is a duo that not many opponents want to see in 2025-26.
15. Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati
There’s no way around it: Last season was a major disappointment for the Cincinnati Bearcats. After losing Aziz Bandaogo (graduation) and Dillon Mitchell (transfer portal) in the frontcourt, Wes Miller had no choice but to aggressively look for a starting big this offseason.
They got that, and more, in UCF transfer Moustapha Thiam.
With the Knights last season, Thiam was among the top freshmen in the Big 12, averaging 10.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG and 2.6 BPG. He led the Big 12 in blocks per game and ranked eighth nationally.
Only a sophomore entering this season, Thiam’s upside is evident. He has already shown he can be among the top rim protectors in the conference. He’s already shown he can mobile rim-running big. If his outside shot can continue to develop, perhaps we have Thiam slotted too low on this list.
14. Adrian Wooley, Louisville
Speaking of freshmen, one name that shot through the ranks last season was Kennesaw State’s Adrian Wooley, who averaged 18.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG and 3.6 APG for the Owls last season.
Now off the Louisville, the 6-foot-5 guard posted spectacular offensive splits, shooting 60% effective field goal percentage and knocking down 42.2% of his three-point attempts.
The reigning CUSA Freshman of the Year is a legitimate NBA prospect entering the 2025-26 season. He’s got great positional size and playmaking chops -- and isn’t afraid to clean the glass, either. While his usage rate won’t be as high next season, the key for Wooley next season is to a.) maintain the same efficiency and b.) lower his turnover rate. And I believe he can do just that.
13. Rob Wright III, BYU
Rob Wright III made a surprise entry into the transfer portal this offseason, opting to stay in the Big 12 with the BYU Cougars. As a freshman last season (another freshman!), the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 11.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG and 4.2 APG. He led the Bears in assists.
What the Cougars are getting in Wright is a true floor general. He was among the top transfer point guards in this year’s portal cycle. Despite his size, Wright was a fearless attacker at the rim and could effectively change pace playing off of pick-and-rolls and ball screens.
Dotting a 27% assist rate, Wright III is also a superb playmaker and can make passes through tight windows. His upside is evident -- and he’s already shown what he can do. He will be among the top guards in the Big 12 next season, without question.