4. St. John’s Red Storm
Rick Pitino has wasted no time in the transfer portal, landing high-coveted pieces in Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Bryce Hopkins (Providence). And don’t expect the Red Storm to be done just yet. Losing RJ Luis hurts but Pitino has enough talent returning -- Zuby Ejiofor, Aaron Scott and Simeon Wilcher tentatively returning.
3. UConn Huskies
Last season was a bit of a down year for the UConn Huskies after winning back-to-back national championships. A top-five recruiting class -- led by Darius Adams, Braylon Mullins and Eric Reibe -- will do the trick.
What keeps UConn among college basketball's best next season is the looming stay-or-go decision from junior Alex Karaban, who would likely be a late second-round pick if drafted. Adding prized transfer portal target Silas Demary Jr. (Georgia) is a quality start. If Taris Reed Jr. elects to stay in the frontcourt, the mighty Huskies will be an even bigger force to be reckoned with.