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

23. Florida Gators

The transfer portal worked out well for the Gators last season with guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Zyon Pullin. However, Pullin, who produced 15.5 ppg and 4.9 apg, is gone, along with key big man Tyrese Samuel and outgoing transfer Riley Kugel.

Clayton is back for Florida, who led the team with 17.6 ppg on 37% shooting from deep. Double-digit scoring guard Will Richard (11.4 ppg) also returns, plus Florida adds FAU transfer Alijah Martin (13.1 ppg) to the team. He flew under the radar a bit compared to star guard Johnell Davis with the Owls, but he will likely be a starter on the wings.

Two other transfers joining the team come in the frontcourt in Sam Alexis and Rueben Chinyelu. Alexis is a 6’9 forward from Chattanooga who nearly averaged a double-double, while Chinyelu is a 6’11 center from Washington State who started 12 games and produced in limited minutes overall. With Micah Handlogten recovering from a serious injury towards the end of last season, having depth inside is helpful.

Florida should have one of the better starting lineups in NCAA Basketball. The depth should be fine, too, as long as guards Denzel Aberdeen and freshmen Isaiah Brown and Urban Klavzar can have an impact. In an SEC that will be very tough from top to bottom, look for Florida to find a spot in the top half.