NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Indiana, and Ole Miss rise in updated 2024-25 WTE power rankings

14. Xavier Musketeers

The Musketeers are a good example of how a strong offseason can immediately turn a program around. That’s although the Musketeers finished under. 500 and lost its two best players, with leading scorer Quincy Olivari moving on and Desmond Claude entering the transfer portal, ultimately picking USC. 

The big news this offseason was the official return of Zach Freemantle, a four-year starter and one of the best offensive frontcourt players in NCAA Basketball. He missed all of last season with an injury and the frontcourt mightily suffered as a result. He’s back, joined by Oklahoma transfer John Hugley, as well as 6’9 forward Lassina Traore, who averaged a double-double last season at Long Beach State.

Although Olivari and Claude are out, Xavier does return Dayvion McKnight (12.4 ppg and 4.8 apg) and Trey Green, a talented freshman guard and potential breakout candidate in 2025. A few transfers join them, including Indiana State sharpshooter Ryan Conwell, 15 ppg scoring guard from Toledo, Dante Maddox Jr. 

The biggest name is Marcus Foster, a 6’4 guard who averaged 17.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg at Furman. He’s the likely starter at the wing to replace Claude, along with sophomore Dailyn Swain. The status of forward Jerome Hunter is unknown for next season but if he returns, the Musketeers will be a major factor in the Big East.