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

6. UConn Huskies

When you win two straight NCAA Basketball national championships, you get the privilege of being in everyone’s WTE top-10 rankings (including myself), despite likely losing four starters and not landing a single transfer. Well, the most important person returned in head coach Dan Hurley, who turned down any interest in the Kentucky job.

It was official that the other starters were leaving. Guards Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer had no eligibility left, while Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle entered the NBA Draft, projected to be lottery picks. Forward Alex Karaban (13.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg) is also currently in the draft process but he’s more likely than not to return.

Since winning the title, the Huskies have been able to land some big names. The biggest is 5-star wing prospect and former Indiana commit, Liam McNeeley. He’s part of a loaded young wing core, joining Jayden Ross, Jaylin Stewart, and four-star incoming freshman, Isaiah Abraham.

UConn also added Michigan starting center Tarris Reed Jr., as well as Aidan Mahaney, who led Saint Mary’s with 13.9 ppg. Look for returning role players such as Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson to have larger roles as well. We’re at the point where you just expect UConn to make it work and the reloading effort is in the works.