NCAA Basketball: Top 30 pending "covid-year" players decisions to make for 2024-25
3. Jamal Shead - Houston Cougars
2023-24 season stats: 12.9 ppg and 6.3 apg
Before an unfortunate injury that took him out in the Sweet 16 game against Duke, Shead, who earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors, was taking over as a legit go-to option on offense, including 21 points and 10 assists in the OT win over Texas A&M. Along with Cryer, Shead has another year available and would be a preseason All-American if he returns.
2. RJ Davis - North Carolina Tar Heels
2023-24 season stats: 21.2 ppg and 3.5 apg
Without Caleb Love in the picture, Davis became one of the top players in all of NCAA Basketball, earning ACC Player of the Year honors. He had four games of 30+ points this season, including a career-high 42 points against Miami. With Armando Bacot leaving, the Tar Heels need Davis for another year if they want to remain as favorites in the ACC.
1. Mark Sears - Alabama Crimson Tide
2023-24 season stats: 21.4 ppg and 4.1 apg
Sears was one of the breakout stars this season, scoring nine more points compared to last season to lead Alabama to its first-ever Final Four appearance. The fourth-year guard averaged 24.3 ppg during this four-game run, including 23 points and several clutch baskets in the win over Clemson in the Elite 8.
Next. Teams who should target Rutgers transfer Cliff Omoruyi. Teams who should target Rutgers transfer Cliff Omoruyi. dark
The Crimson Tide will be losing starting guard Aaron Estrada, along with a couple of other rotation pieces. Having Sears back gives them not only the clear favorite for SEC Player of the Year a year from now but also a star good enough to get them right back to this point.