Arkansas Razorbacks are No. 1 in Method-Too-Early Prime 25 school basketball rankings for 2022-23

After an NCAA match that featured a 15-seed within the Elite Eight, a Duke-North Carolina rivalry sport with unprecedented stakes, the ultimate sport of Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary profession and as hyped a Ultimate 4 as we’ll ever see, all of us want a minute to catch our breath and recharge.

Carried out? OK, good. Hope you are refreshed, as a result of it is already time to look forward to the 2022-23 school basketball season.

Let’s get a few floor guidelines out of the best way rapidly.

One, any participant at present projected by ESPN to be chosen in June’s NBA draft can be thought-about a departure for now. If that participant opts to return to highschool, clearly we’ll alter sooner or later. Gamers not projected to be picked can be included as a returnee, until there’s sufficient dependable data pointing to a sure departure.

Two, for seniors with one other season of eligibility because of the COVID yr, we will mission them as departures — until they’ve formally introduced they’re returning to highschool for one more yr. Once more, we’ll alter as gamers go for one other yr in school.

Each issues are topic to alter, however we had to attract a line within the sand someplace at this level within the calendar.

Assume that is it for now — there are solely 219 days till the season ideas off, so it is time to dive in!

There’s not a transparent No. 1 coming into the offseason, however five-star guard Anthony Black‘s dedication to Arkansas in late March offers the Razorbacks the sting. Eric Musselman, who has established himself as probably the greatest switch recruiters and coaches within the nation, is bringing the nation’s second-best highschool recruiting class to a program coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances. Nick Smith is in competition to be the No. 1 choose in 2023, whereas Jordan Walsh and Black are additionally five-star prospects who may begin instantly. There are some roster questions, primarily centered on Jaylin Williams and Au’Diese Toney, but when one of many two returns, I feel that is the very best group within the nation.

Projected beginning lineup:

Nick Smith (No. 6 in ESPN 100)
Devo Davis (8.Three PPG)
Anthony Black (No. 20 in ESPN 100)
Jordan Walsh (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
Au’Diese Toney (10.5 PPG)

Houston got here one step in need of back-to-back Ultimate Fours, but it surely’s clear Kelvin Sampson has discovered one thing that works and has turned the Cougars into one of the vital constantly bankable groups over the previous a number of seasons. Jamal Shead had a terrific NCAA match, and Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark needs to be again wholesome after having their seasons reduce brief attributable to harm. Jarace Walker provides some severe expertise to Houston’s frontcourt, and I am of the opinion that fellow incoming freshman Terrance Arceneaux is without doubt one of the greatest pure scorers within the 2022 class. This group may have extra scoring choices than ever to go together with its normal elite defensive and offensive rebounding prowess. Additionally of potential significance: The 2023 Ultimate 4 can be held at Houston’s NRG Stadium.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jamal Shead (10.zero PPG)
Marcus Sasser (17.7 PPG)
Tramon Mark (10.1 PPG)
Jarace Walker (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
J’Wan Roberts (3.2 PPG)

For now, we’re projecting Johnny Juzang, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Peyton Watson to all return to Westwood, provided that not one of the three is at present inside ESPN’s top 60 for the 2022 NBA draft. That really taking place seems like a stretch, but it surely’s troublesome to determine at this level. If it does occur, Mick Cronin’s group may in the end have a case to be preseason No. 1. The Bruins are including Amari Bailey, arguably the very best guard within the 2022 class and somebody who will add loads of backcourt dynamism, in addition to five-star heart Adem Bona. There’s lots left to play out this offseason for UCLA, however the Bruins are beginning off in a reasonably good place.

Projected beginning lineup:

Tyger Campbell (11.9 PPG)
Amari Bailey (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Johnny Juzang (15.6 PPG)
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (13.9 PPG)
Adem Bona (No. 13 in ESPN 100)

After seeing its nationwide championship desires get canceled by COVID-19 in 2020, Kansas was capable of get to Monday night time for the primary time in 10 years — the final time the Ultimate 4 was in New Orleans — and end the job with its fourth nationwide championship. Subsequent yr the Ultimate 4 is in Houston, however the Jayhawks may get there once more. Ochai Agbaji, David McCormack, Christian Braun, Mitch Lightfoot and Remy Martin are all prone to be gone, however there can be some continuity with Dajuan Harris Jr. and Jalen Wilson anticipated again. Invoice Self can be bringing in a stellar recruiting class, highlighted by elite scorer Gradey Dick and highly effective offensive participant MJ Rice. A 3rd top-25 recruit, Ernest Udeh, will assist substitute the frontcourt expertise — however returnees K.J. Adams and Zach Clemence will assist, too.

Projected beginning lineup:

Dajuan Harris Jr. (5.Four PPG)
Gradey Dick (No. Eight in ESPN 100)
MJ Rice (No. 19 in ESPN 100)
Jalen Wilson (11.zero PPG)
Ernest Udeh (No. 23 in ESPN 100)

Previous to the NCAA match run, it is extremely unlikely Carolina would have been at this spot within the rankings. However Hubert Davis clearly discovered one thing that labored together with his quartet of stars and proved his teaching chops on the largest stage within the sport. The one damaging for the nationwide runners-up is that Caleb Love might need performed himself out the door after his excellent performances. Armando Bacot might need already been heading in that path. However for now, each are included on this projection — and a trio of Love, R.J. Davis and Bacot can be nearly as good because it will get in school basketball subsequent season. Throw within the improvement of some returnees and the addition of two top-50 recruits, and Davis may have loads of expertise once more.

Projected beginning lineup:

Caleb Love (15.2 PPG)
Seth Trimble (No. 45 in ESPN 100)
R.J. Davis (13.Four PPG)
Dontrez Styles (2.zero PPG)
Armando Bacot (16.5 PPG)

For the primary time since 1980, Mike Krzyzewski won’t be a part of the Duke program. That may result in extra uncertainty than ever for the Blue Devils. However Jon Scheyer’s first recruiting class on the helm is by far the very best within the nation, with three top-five prospects main the best way. Sadly, Scheyer might need to start out 4 of them, provided that as much as six of Duke’s high seven gamers are leaving this system after this season. A primary-year head coach with a beginning lineup that includes 4 freshmen? There are definitely going to be some rising pains. However there’s additionally going to be an amazing quantity of expertise on the roster, with returning level guard Jeremy Roach preserving every part collectively.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jeremy Roach (8.6 PPG)
Dariq Whitehead (No. Four in ESPN 100)
Mark Mitchell (No. 31 in ESPN 100)
Kyle Filipowski (No. 5 in ESPN 100)
Dereck Lively (No. 1 in ESPN 100)

The Wildcats would transfer into competition for the No. 1 spot ought to Oscar Tshiebwe or Shaedon Sharpe return to Lexington, however given their present draft statuses, now we have each gamers departing. However John Calipari may have a gifted group subsequent season both manner. Sahvir Wheeler and Keion Brooks Jr. each return to the beginning lineup, and the additions of five-star recruits Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston will add some extra playmaking to the lineup. There should be a breakout participant up entrance, whether or not it is former five-star recruit Daimion Collins, Jacob Toppin or another person, however there are alternatives. Do not forget about former Iowa switch CJ Fredrick, one of many elite shooters in school basketball, who missed final season with a hamstring harm.

Projected beginning lineup:

Sahvir Wheeler (10.1 PPG)
Cason Wallace (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Chris Livingston (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Keion Brooks Jr. (10.Eight PPG)
Daimion Collins (2.9 PPG)

Baylor will look very totally different subsequent season, with two seniors and two potential first-round picks all exiting Waco. There may be at all times an opportunity Matthew Mayer returns for one more season, however he is gone for now. Scott Drew will doubtless use a a lot smaller lineup subsequent season, with two ESPN 100 recruits — together with elite guard Keyonte George, probably the greatest offensive gamers within the class — becoming a member of returnees Adam Flagler and LJ Cryer on the perimeter. The frontcourt has some questions, with Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua‘s well being atop the record. He suffered an harm to a number of ligaments in mid-February. Flo Thamba‘s choice to make the most of his further yr of eligibility and return to Waco is big for Drew.

Projected beginning lineup:

Dillon Hunter (No. 54 in ESPN 100)
Keyonte George (No. Three in ESPN 100)
Adam Flagler (13.Eight PPG)
LJ Cryer (13.5 PPG)
Flo Thamba (6.2 PPG)

Creighton coming into the season because the Huge East favourite is an enormous name, however given the best way the Bluejays had been enjoying late within the season and the returnees to Omaha, it is onerous to argue in any other case. They received 10 of their remaining 14 video games this previous season, together with an NCAA match victory over San Diego State and a 27-point win over Windfall within the Huge East match. Ryan Nembhard and Ryan Kalkbrenner ought to each be wholesome in loads of time for the season, whereas freshmen Arthur Kaluma and Trey Alexander are additionally again as starters. Greg McDermott would possibly want to search out somewhat extra scoring pop with Ryan Hawkins and Alex O’Connell gone, however the portal could be very a lot open.

Projected beginning lineup:

Ryan Nembhard (11.Three PPG)
Rati Andronikashvili (1.Eight PPG)
Trey Alexander (7.Four PPG)
Arthur Kaluma (10.Four PPG)
Ryan Kalkbrenner (13.1 PPG)

That is one other rating that may fluctuate wildly within the coming weeks. For now, we’re assuming Bennedict Mathurin is definitely gone, whereas Christian Koloko and Dalen Terry are additionally projected to be picked in ESPN’s newest mock draft. If Tommy Lloyd loses all three gamers, this rating would possibly look somewhat excessive. If both Koloko or Terry returns, then we may see the Wildcats rise. Arizona was clearly not the identical group with no totally wholesome Kerr Kriisa, however he and Pelle Larsson ought to kind a high quality backcourt — whereas Azuolas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo will proceed to present Arizona a dimension benefit over most groups up entrance. The query is on the wing, the place Adama Bal may very well be poised for an enormous step ahead.

Projected beginning lineup:

Kerr Kriisa (9.7 PPG)
Pelle Larsson (7.2 PPG)
Adama Bal (1.5 PPG)
Azuolas Tubelis (13.9 PPG)
Oumar Ballo (6.Eight PPG)

Hunter Dickinson almost left Ann Arbor for the NBA draft final summer season, and he may definitely take the following step this yr, however newest projections have him going undrafted — so there’s an opportunity Juwan Howard will get him for one more marketing campaign. If he does return, Michigan will once more have one of many greatest frontcourts within the nation, with Howard hoping Caleb Houstan can change into extra constant on the wing. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how the Wolverines substitute DeVante’ Jones and Eli Brooks; Frankie Collins confirmed flashes down the stretch, whereas Dug McDaniel is a troublesome, fast freshman coming into the fold. Kobe Bufkin, a former McDonald’s All American, may even return on the perimeter.

Projected beginning lineup:

Dug McDaniel (No. 60 in ESPN 100)
Frankie Collins (2.Eight PPG)
Caleb Houstan (10.1 PPG)
Moussa Diabate (9.zero PPG)
Hunter Dickinson (18.6 PPG)

Maybe the largest NBA draft choice to influence the rankings within the coming weeks can be that of Drew Timme. Probably the greatest gamers in school basketball all through his profession, Timme may legitimately go both manner. He is projected as a late second-round choose, however he may additionally return and look to set every kind of data in Spokane. If he leaves, Mark Few may have his least confirmed roster in a very long time. Nolan Hickman and Hunter Sallis, each former five-star recruits, ought to get their likelihood to shine within the backcourt, whereas Julian Strawther and Anton Watson return up entrance. The place does Few flip if Timme would not return? He’ll doubtless pursue various switch bigs.

Projected beginning lineup:

Nolan Hickman (5.1 PPG)
Hunter Sallis (4.Three PPG)
Julian Strawther (11.Eight PPG)
Anton Watson (7.Three PPG)
Ben Gregg (2.Four PPG)

On paper, Villanova would not have a ton of confirmed expertise able to go subsequent season. However who’re we to rely out Jay Wright? The person has received two of the previous six nationwide championships and is coming off one other Ultimate 4 look. However there are definitely some questions. Justin Moore — assuming he is wholesome — and Eric Dixon are the lone returning starters, until Brandon Slater comes again for one more yr. Cameron Whitmore matches Villanova completely as a troublesome, bodily, high-motor frontcourt participant. However the backcourt is up within the air. Is Mark Armstrong able to make an influence? Does Jordan Longino or Bryan Antoine or Chris Arcidiacono present some consistency?

Projected beginning lineup:

Mark Armstrong (No. 63 in ESPN 100)
Jordan Longino (1.Eight PPG)
Justin Moore (14.Eight PPG)
Cameron Whitmore (No. 29 in ESPN 100)
Eric Dixon (9.1 PPG)

After trying like probably the greatest groups within the nation over the ultimate six weeks of the common season and within the SEC match, Tennessee’s season got here to a halt with a loss to Michigan within the second spherical. Just one starter is gone, however that is Kennedy Chandler, probably the greatest freshmen within the nation final season. That may put extra strain on Zakai Zeigler, who emerged as a key piece for Rick Barnes’ group. Santiago Vescovi, Josiah-Jordan James and Uros Plavsic are again as starters, whereas Olivier Nkamhoua needs to be wholesome. Tennessee had some stretches early within the season the place the offense disappeared for lengthy intervals of time; with out Chandler, the Vols will want somebody to step as much as present scoring pop.

Projected beginning lineup:

Zakai Zeigler (8.Eight PPG)
Santiago Vescovi (13.Three PPG)
Josiah-Jordan James (10.Three PPG)
Olivier Nkamhoua (8.6 PPG)
Uros Plavsic (4.2 PPG)

Previous to Jaden Shackelford‘s choice on Sunday to enter the NBA draft — with a press release that does not point out a lot of an curiosity in returning to Tuscaloosa — I had the Crimson Tide ranked inside the highest 10. Now, they drop a number of spots, however I nonetheless like Nate Oats’ group. Jahvon Quinerly is again, as are three different key items of the Alabama rotation. Plenty of the optimism stems from an elite recruiting class that options five-star prospects Jaden Bradley and Brandon Miller, in addition to ESPN 100 recruits Rylan Griffen and Noah Clowney. We even have to attend and see whether or not JD Davison and Keon Ellis — two projected draft picks — return to Tuscaloosa for one more season.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jahvon Quinerly (13.Eight PPG)
Jaden Bradley (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Darius Miles (5.Eight PPG)
Brandon Miller (No. 18 in ESPN 100)
Charles Bediako (6.7 PPG)

Bruce Pearl’s greatest job can be changing future first-round picks Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, who solely spent one season at Auburn however turned arguably the very best frontcourt duo within the nation at each ends of the ground. Pearl took an enormous step towards discovering reinforcements in late March, when former LSU commit Yohan Traore picked Auburn — he ought to begin instantly. Wendell Green Jr., K.D. Johnson and Zep Jasper are all again on the perimeter; the important thing for them can be decision-making and shot choice. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Allen Flanigan can return to his 2020-21 kind. He entered final season as a projected first-round choose after averaging 14.Three factors, however missed the primary half of the season attributable to harm and struggled to get going offensively.

Projected beginning lineup:

Wendell Inexperienced Jr. (12.zero PPG)
Ok.D. Johnson (12.Three PPG)
Allen Flanigan (6.Three PPG)
Jaylin Williams (5.6 PPG)
Yohan Traore (No. 36 in ESPN 100)

One other key pivot level within the preseason rankings for subsequent season can be whether or not Kofi Cockburn comes again to Champaign for one more go-round. As a result of he is not projected to be chosen, now we have him returning — and that is basically the lone motive Illinois is ranked within the Prime 25 proper now. However Cockburn has made his NBA choice late within the course of the previous couple of years, and he would possibly determine it is time to transfer on no matter draft standing. If that occurs, Brad Underwood probably has an enormous rebuild on his fingers with Alfonso Plummer, Trent Frazier, Da’Monte Williams and Jacob Grandison all seniors this previous season. It is no shock the Combating Illini are within the combine for a number of remaining excessive schoolers and switch targets.

Projected beginning lineup:

Jayden Epps (No. 90 in ESPN 100)
RJ Melendez (3.Eight PPG)
Luke Goode (2.zero PPG)
Coleman Hawkins (5.9 PPG)
Kofi Cockburn (20.9 PPG)

After falling simply in need of the NCAA match, Anthony Grant and the Flyers should not must sweat out Choice Sunday in 2023. Dayton returns all 5 starters from a group that beat Kansas, Miami, Virginia Tech and Davidson — and with six of its high seven gamers final season solely freshmen, it may very well be the beginning of a really profitable run for Grant. Malachi Smith was probably the greatest freshman level guards within the nation this previous season, whereas 6-foot-10 massive man DaRon Holmes II is a future NBA participant. Dayton was elite taking pictures the ball final season and likewise had a top-40 protection for a lot of the season. If the younger core takes the anticipated step ahead, the Flyers may very well be very, excellent.

Projected beginning lineup:

Malachi Smith (9.Three PPG)
Kobe Elvis (8.9 PPG)
R.J. Blakney (6.5 PPG)
Toumani Camara (10.9 PPG)
DaRon Holmes II (12.Eight PPG)

I am a proponent of giving Dana Altman-coached groups the advantage of the doubt, and that backfired on me this previous season, with the Geese lacking the NCAA match after being ranked inside the highest 20 within the preseason. However 2021-22 will doubtless find yourself as an outlier. De’Vion Harmon, Quincy Guerrier, N’Faly Dante, Franck Kepnang and Rivaldo Soares are all again from the rotation, whereas the Geese are bringing in high-level recruits Kel’el Ware and Dior Johnson. Ware has as a lot potential as anybody within the 2022 class, whereas Johnson has had hype surrounding him since early in his highschool profession and can be able to make a right away influence.

Projected beginning lineup:

De’Vion Harmon (10.Eight PPG)
Dior Johnson (No. 28 in ESPN 100)
Quincy Guerrier (10.1 PPG)
Kel’el Ware (No. 16 in ESPN 100)
N’Faly Dante (8.1 PPG)

I had Xavier ranked inside the highest 15 earlier than Dwon Odom entered the switch portal Monday morning; with out him, lots can be placed on the shoulders of incoming freshman Desmond Claude (four-star) on the level guard spot. Or the Musketeers may hit the portal. Expertise wasn’t a difficulty this previous season; they simply hit a wall in early February and could not snap out of it earlier than Choice Sunday. However they put it collectively to make a run and win the NIT championship. And now they’ve Sean Miller, who was one of the vital constantly profitable coaches within the nation throughout his time at Arizona and Xavier. Three double-figure scorers are again from this previous season, whereas Kam Craft ought to make a right away influence as a freshman as a scorer. The Musketeers are additionally undoubtedly nonetheless trying so as to add items this month.

Projected beginning lineup:

Desmond Claude (four-star)
Kam Craft (No. 59 in ESPN 100)
Colby Jones (11.6 PPG)
Jack Nunge (13.Four PPG)
Zach Freemantle (10.Four PPG)

Trayce Jackson-Davis falls into the identical class as Cockburn, Dickinson and the UNC and UCLA gamers — not projected to be drafted in 2022 at this level, however may definitely choose to depart. If Mike Woodson does get Jackson-Davis again, nonetheless, Indiana will return a lot of the core items that acquired the Hoosiers again to the NCAA match. Miller Kopp was the one senior, and he seems prone to return for one more yr. Xavier Johnson and Race Thompson are again within the beginning lineup, and Woodson had different choices in Trey Galloway, Jordan Geronimo and Tamar Bates. Jalen Hood-Schifino is a top-25 recruit, and I am very excessive on fellow incoming freshman Kaleb Banks.

Projected beginning lineup:

Xavier Johnson (12.1 PPG)
Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 24 in ESPN 100)
Miller Kopp (6.zero PPG)
Race Thompson (11.1 PPG)
Trayce Jackson-Davis (18.Three PPG)

It is troublesome to mission what Texas will appear to be subsequent season. Timmy Allen, Marcus Carr, Andrew Jones, Courtney Ramey and Jase Febres are all seniors. Christian Bishop is the one projected returnee who averaged greater than 3.7 factors per sport. However there’s some optimism in Austin. Dylan Disu needs to be more healthy subsequent season up entrance; he was a double-double menace each night time at Vanderbilt, and Chris Beard will hope he returns to kind. The Longhorns are additionally welcoming two five-star recruits on the perimeter, with playmaking guard Arterio Morris and explosive Dillon Mitchell coming into the fold. Mitchell is a reputable one-and-done prospect who makes his greatest influence defensively and in transition.

Projected beginning lineup:

Arterio Morris (No. 22 in ESPN 100)
Devin Askew (2.1 PPG)
Dillon Mitchell (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
Dylan Disu (3.7 PPG)
Christian Bishop (7.zero PPG)

Exterior of Duke, Purdue might need had the hardest loss to swallow of anybody within the NCAA match. The Boilermakers noticed their area open up with the highest two seeds shedding within the first weekend, however they then misplaced to Saint Peter’s within the Candy 16. And now Matt Painter has to interchange All-American Jaden Ivey and 4 gamers who began a minimum of 19 video games — together with Trevion Williams, probably the greatest massive males within the sport the previous few years. The frontcourt needs to be OK with Mason Gillis, Caleb Furst and Zach Edey, however the backcourt has main questions. Ethan Morton and Brandon Newman have seen minutes on the perimeter, however is Fletcher Loyer prepared for a serious function?

Projected beginning lineup:

Ethan Morton (2.Four PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (No. 94 in ESPN 100)
Mason Gillis (6.Four PPG)
Caleb Furst (4.1 PPG)
Zach Edey (14.Four PPG)

Does Mark Adams get the “advantage of the doubt” remedy already? At this level final season, we had no clue what the Purple Raiders’ roster was going to appear to be — and all Adams did was construct a group that ultimately took Duke to the wire within the Candy 16. And it is extra of the identical this spring. Kevin McCullar is the one returning starter, though three rotation items are additionally again within the fold, in addition to former top-50 recruit Jaylon Tyson, who left Texas after eight video games. However we all know Tech goes to hit the portal for gamers, and we all know it’ll be probably the greatest defensive groups within the nation. That is sufficient for me to place the Purple Raiders within the high 25 for now.

Projected beginning lineup:

Mylik Wilson (2.5 PPG)
Clarence Nadolny (3.5 PPG)
Jaylon Tyson (1.Eight PPG at Texas)
Kevin McCullar (10.1 PPG)
Daniel Batcho (2.2 PPG)

This may be my out-on-a-limb choose for the Method-Too-Early Preseason Prime 25. Final yr I began out with Virginia Tech within the high 10, and I had Creighton at No. 2 in 2020, so it would not at all times work out. During which case — sorry, Saint Louis. However I am an enormous fan of the Billikens’ roster for subsequent season. Travis Ford’s high seven scorers are again from this previous season, together with Yuri Collins, the nation’s help chief, and elite 3-point shooter Gibson Jimerson. Saint Louis can be getting again Javonte Perkins, a second-team All-Atlantic 10 choice in 2021 who missed all of final season with a torn ACL. They’re going to must make strides defensively, however they’ve the firepower to compete with anybody.

Projected beginning lineup:

Yuri Collins (11.1 PPG)
Javonte Perkins (17.1 PPG in 2020-21)
Gibson Jimerson (16.1 PPG)
Jordan Nesbitt (8.2 PPG)
Francis Okoro (10.Eight PPG)

Subsequent in line:

Virginia Cavaliers
Ohio State Buckeyes
USC Trojans
Texas A&M Aggies
Michigan State Spartans