NCAA Basketball: Ranking top 100 returning players entering 2024-25 season
40. Dawson Garcia, Minnesota Golden Gophers
2023-24 season stats: 17.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.6 APG
Of all the offseason chatter amongst the Big Ten, one returnee that doesn't get talked about enough is Dawson Garcia of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. As a stretch power-forward, Garcia is versatile and skilled enough to take over an offense as last year’s leading scorer and rebounder.
39. Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB Blazers
2023-24 season stats: 13.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.1 APG
After an impressive two-year stint in the JUCO ranks, Yaxel Lendeborg had a terrific season leading the Blazers, earning the 2023-2024 AAC DPOY honors. The rim-protecting force is a menace on the boards and is among the top defenders returning in college basketball this season.
38. Pop Isaacs, Creighton Bluejays
2023-24 season stats: 15.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.5 APG
Perhaps I’m higher on Pop Isaacs than most. Isaacs comes to Creighton after a successful two-year stint at Texas Tech, becoming the high-volume focal point for the Red Raiders offense over the last two years. Isaacs struggled behind the arc, shooting under 30% from three, however, there is no shortage of confidence in Isaacs’ game. Now on a team that was a top-25 three-point shooting team in the country last season, expect a much-improved year for Isaacs behind the arc.
37. Grant Nelson, Alabama Crimson Tide
2023-24 season stats: 11.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG
Among the key pieces returning from Alabama’s Final Four team last season, the return of Grant Nelson immediately raises the Crimson Tide’s ceiling in 2024-25. With a long and slim frame, Nelson is versatile enough to drive downhill or stretch the floor -- a perfect fit in Alabama’s fast-paced system.
36. Malik Reneau, Indiana Hoosiers
2023-24 season stats: 15.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.7 APG
The preseason buzz is palpable in Bloomington, Indiana -- and the return of Malik Reneau is a major reason why. At times, the 6-foot-9 forward was nearly unstoppable in the paint, shooting 69% at the rim, according to Hoop Math. Oh, and Reneau is quite the savvy passer, too.