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NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25 season

By Tristan Freeman

Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) talks with head coach Nate Oats during the Final Four semifinal game against Connecticut at State Farm Stadium.
Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) talks with head coach Nate Oats during the Final Four semifinal game against Connecticut at State Farm Stadium. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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12. Arizona Wildcats

Of the five starters from last season, four are gone. Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson moved on, while Oumar Ballo and Kylan Boswell entered the transfer portal. The one guy who is back is Caleb Love, last season’s Pac-12 Player of the Year. The star guard led the team with 18.0 ppg and 3.4 apg, shooting 41% from the field.

Other guys who have breakout potential are returning. Jaden Bradley was one of the best backup guards in the country, while KJ Lewis is a potential breakout candidate to watch. Underclassmen Motiejus Krivas, Henri Veesaar, and freshman Emmanuel Stephen give them depth and potential in the frontcourt.

Ultimately, the transfers will be the key to whether the Wildcats can be Big 12 contenders in their first season. Trey Townsend is a 6’7 forward from Oakland, averaging 17.3 ppg and 8.1 rpg and earning Horizon League Player of the Year honors. Tobe Awaka was the backup big man at Tennessee and could be primed for a large role in the rotation.

Add Campbell transfer Anthony Dell’Orso and five-star freshman prospect Carter Bryant on the wings; this roster has a ton of potential. It might not reach the ceiling of last year’s core, but with Love around, they’re capable of beating anyone in the country.

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