24. Iowa Hawkeyes
This is our wild card. If history is any indicator of success, the Iowa Hawkeyes should be in good hands under new HC Ben McCollum. McCollum built a winning factory at NCAA Division 2 Northwest Missouri State. In his first season in the D1 ranks, the Bulldogs won 31 games, including an upset over Missouri in the NCAA Tournament.
He’s been a head coach for 16 seasons and is yet to lose 100 games. Bringing in over five former Drake players -- including MVC POY Bennett Stirtz -- is quite the starting point for the Hawkeyes this offseason.
23. Arizona Wildcats
It’s going to be a very different look in Tucson. But instilling any doubt in Tommy Lloyd -- who is 112-33 in his first four seasons as a D1 HC -- would seem ill-advised despite losing Caleb Love and five players to the transfer portal.
The Wildcats are set to return Jaden Bradley in the backcourt and Tobe Awaka in the frontcourt. Big man Motiejus Krivas is an interesting name to monitor as well after dealing with injuries last season. Tommy Lloyd will work his magic in the transfer portal. It just has to take time.