NCAA Basketball: Alabama, Kentucky rises in latest way-too-early top-25 power rankings for 2024-25

12. Arizona Wildcats

The offseason started out rough for the Wildcats, with starters Kylen Boswell and Oumar Ballo entering the portal. Plus, starting wing Pelle Larsson went pro, and 5-star prospect Jason Sonon elected to go to rival ASU. Still, the return of leading scorer Caleb Love instantly makes them a threat in their first season in the Big 12 next season.

Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis will keep the backcourt depth solid, while Campbell transfer Anthon Dell’Orso gives them a potent three-point shooter on the wings, along with 5-star incoming freshman, Carter Bryant. If the incoming frontcourt transfer duo of Trey Townsend and Tobe Awaka can be close to as good as Ballo and Keshad Johnson last season, Arizona will remain in the national mix.

11. Texas A&M Aggies

Had they found a way to beat No. 1 seed Houston in OT of the NCAA Tournament, there’s a good chance that the Aggie would have much more hype than they currently do. Because their roster has just as much talent as the rest of the SEC, thanks to the return of star guard and leading scorer/passer, Wade Taylor. 

Several other rotation pieces are back for the Aggies, including Hayden Hefner, Manny Obaseki, and Jace Carter. Plus, they were able to add a couple of projected starters from the portal in guard Zhuric Phelps and big man Pharrel Payne, who will pair with Henry Coleman to make an imposing frontcourt. Texas A&M should be one of the better two-way teams in the country and have an All-American capable of leading the way.