22. Texas Longhorns
Retention has been key for new HC Sean Miller, returning Jordan Pope, Chendall Weaver, and Tramon Mark for his first season in Austin. Miller will also bring Dailyn Swain alongside him, a 6-foot-7 forward who took a monster sophomore year jump at Xavier, shooting over 50% from the field.
The Longhorns will need to add depth. But I trust that Sean Miller can put together a second-weekend caliber roster in his first season on the Forty Acres.
21. Iowa State Cyclones
The Iowa State Cyclones will keep the energy buzzing in Ames. TJ Otzelberger is set to return one of the top guards in college basketball: Tamin Lipsey. Lipsey has averaged over two steals per game in his three seasons at Iowa State. No question losing Keshon Gilbert hurts Iowa State’s scoring pop. But the (presumed) return of Joshua Jefferson and a quality transfer portal haul have bolstered their physicality.