Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

11. UCF Golden Knights 

2023-24 season record: 17-16 (7-11 Big 12)

Considering that the Knights struggled in AAC play, there was a chance that they’d be the worst team in the Big 12 last season. Instead, they were fairly competitive overall, including a win over Kansas and ultimately ending up in the NIT. They will be losing some role players, including Marchelus Avery, Shemarri Allen, and big man, Ibrahima Diallo.

The good news is that UCF is one of a few teams set to return its top two scorers. Jaylin Sellers (15.9 ppg) and Darius Johnson (15.2 ppg and 3.7 apg) were two of the top scoring guards in the Big 12 last season and are joined by Mikey Williams, a former 5-star prospect who didn’t play at Memphis due to off-the-court issues.

The hope is that the new-look frontcourt will be improved. The big name is Keyshawn Hall, a 6’8 forward from George Mason who averaged 16.6 ppg and 8.1 rpg. Benny Williams is a 6’8 forward who spent three years at Syracuse, coming off producing 5.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg. And center Rokas Jocius is a 6’10 center from La Salle, who started 27 games and averaged 8.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg.

There’s still a lack of depth on the roster overall that may limit their ceiling. We’ll see if the new frontcourt can hang in the Big 12. If they can, the Knights could have another surprising season.