15. Richie Saunders - BYU
2024-2025 stats: 16.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.6 ast
Few teams have more buzz heading into next season than the BYU Cougars. While landing the top-rated high school recruit is a major reason for the hype, the return of Richie Saunders is just as big. Last year he looked like the perfect fit in first year head coach Kevin Young’s system, leading the Cougars in scoring and winning the Big 12 Most Improved Player award.
14. Labaron Philon - Alabama
2024-2025 stats: 10.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.8 ast
After a relatively quiet offseason, Nate Oats got a major boost when Philon announced he would be withdrawing from the draft and returning to Alabama. With the departure of Mark Sears, Philon will likely run the show in the Tide’s high-powered offense and lead an exciting backcourt alongside Holloway and a hopefully healthy Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
13. Alex Condon - Florida
2024-2025 stats: 10.6 pts, 7.5 reb, 2.2 ast
Many projected Alex Condon as a late first to early second round draft pick, but he ultimately decided to return with hopes of defending the Gators’ national title. Condon’s knack for rebounding the basketball and finishing around the rim helped the Australian have a breakout sophomore season. The returning frontcourt duo of athletic and lengthy bigs in Condon and Haugh will be a tough matchup for anyone in the SEC next season.
12. Tahaad Pettiford - Auburn
2024-2025 stats:11.6 pts, 2.2 reb, 3.0 ast
Few players in college basketball were more exciting to watch last season than Tahaad Pettiford and that was as a freshman who came off the bench. Now we will get to see him as the premier guy at Auburn. Many were shocked with his decision to withdraw from the draft as a projected first round pick, but I am sure Bruce Pearl is not complaining.
11. Markus Burton - Notre Dame
2024-2025 stats: 21.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.0 ast
Few coaches should be happier about a returning player than Micah Shrewsberry is with Markus Burton coming back in what may be a must win season. The rising junior guard was top five in the nation in scoring last year and is a two-time All-ACC selection.