NCAA Basketball: Biggest roster needs for each WTE top-25 team for 2024-25 season

3. Iowa State Cyclones - 3-point specialist

Iowa State is one of the rare teams that returns its four top scorers from the past season. Plus, they also landed four transfers to add to the depth, including big men, Brandton Chatfield and Joshua Jefferson. If I could add one more player to solidify them as a Final Four contender, it would be a proven shooter. That’s been their biggest issue come postseason time and while they have proven scorers, getting someone who can shoot 40% from deep could be what takes them to the next level/ 

2. Houston Cougars - Offensive-minded big man 

The Cougars only lost two players from its Big 12-title-winning team, including Conference Player of the Year, Jamal Shead. But the team has managed to find his replacement in former Oklahoma starter, Milos Uzan. With Mylik Wilson back, they should be fine when it comes to ball-handlers. While the frontcourt is all back, including J’Wan Roberts and Ja’Vier Francis, they aren’t the great offensive threats in the country. That missing scoring production inside was why they couldn’t beat Duke once Shead went down. If they could find a forward that could give them a boost off the bench, that could prove decisive next March.

1. Kansas Jayhawks - Extra frontcourt depth

It’s been a great offseason for the Jayhawks so far, landing several key guard transfers. Even without Riley Kugel, they have a ton of starpower in the backcourt, including Wisconsin transfer AJ Storr and former Alabama guard, Rylan Griffen. With KJ Adams and star center Hunter Dickinson back, the frontcourt and overall starting lineup make them legit national title contenders once again. 

The only real weakness on the roster is a lack of proven depth, with Zach Clemence and 5-star prospect Flory Bidunga as the projected backups. If Bidunga isn’t ready for big minutes, Kansas could be an injury away from things falling apart, as what happened this past season.