NCAA Basketball: Ranking top 100 returning players entering 2024-25 season
90. Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern Wildcats
2023-24 season stats: 14.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.6 APG
Adjusting to life without Boo Buie will be a key storyline for the 2024-25 Northwestern Wildcats. Thankfully for Chris Collins, returning Brooks Barnhizer, who withdrew from the 2024 NBA Draft, is another key storyline. Barnhizer endured a monster breakout junior campaign, earning a spot on the 2023-24 Big Ten All-Defensive team after averaging nearly two steals per game. Need a superb defender? Need a reliable scoring option? Look no further than Brooks Barnhizer, who expects to be one of the top players in the Big Ten.
89. Nolan Hickman, Gonzaga Bulldogs
2023-24 season stats: 14.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.7 APG
It was finally the breakout season many had hoped for with Nolan Hickman, who shot 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from three. As arguably the most improved player on Gonzaga’s roster last season, the 6-foot-2 guard expects to be the integral x-factor -- and leader -- on a 2024-25 Gonzaga roster that has the depth and firepower to reach the Final Four.
88. Keshon Gilbert, Iowa State Cyclones
2023-24 season stats: 13.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG
After spending two seasons at UNLV, Keshon Gilbert had his best season yet, leading the Cyclones in scoring (13.7) on a team that won 29 games and earned a two-seed in the Big Dance. Returning for his senior season in Ames, the aggressive, playmaking guard has a monster season ahead on one of the more talented teams in NCAA basketball in 2024-25.
87. Lamont Butler, Kentucky Wildcats
2023-24 season stats: 9.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.0 APG
We hear a lot about the defenses of Iowa State, Houston, Virginia, Auburn, etc. How about San Diego State, ranked near the top ten in KenPom defensive efficiency over the past five years? A major reason for that is Lamont Butler, the reigning 2023-24 MWC DPOY. As one of the best defensive guards in college basketball, Butler will be instrumental to Kentucky’s success in 2024-25.
86. Ian Schieffelin, Clemson Tigers
2023-24 season stats: 10.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.2 APG
Ian Schieffelin was a key piece for Clemson’s Elite Eight run last season. During its four-game sample size in the NCAA Tournament, Schieffelin averaged 14.8 PPG and nine RPG -- the type of numbers Schieffelin expects to put up this year. With PJ Hall departing in the frontcourt, Schieffelin -- the double-double machine -- will be a pivotal piece in Brad Brownell’s frontcourt entering the 2024-25 season.