Star energy abounds in school basketball this season. We have family names in spades led by vets RJ Davis at North Carolina and Hunter Dickinson at Kansas. We have younger abilities in Cooper Flagg at Duke and a stellar duo within the Massive Ten with Rutgers freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. And we have large names in new and large locations through the portal — Nice Osobor at Washington, Oumar Ballo at Indiana amongst them — to prime them off.
None, although, shine fairly as vibrant as Alabama’s Mark Sears.
Sears is the No. 1 participant in our annual High 100 and 1 participant rankings for the 2024-25 season as voted on by our CBS Sports activities panel of specialists. The CBS Sports activities Preseason Participant of the Yr is the face of a No. 2-ranked Alabama crew that charged to the primary Ultimate 4 in class historical past final season. And now he is earned the respect, because the SEC’s main returning scorer to be voted as the most effective participant within the sport getting into the season.
Is Flagg, the CBS Sports activities Preseason Freshman of the Yr, a greater NBA prospect than Sears? Unequivocally, sure. May RJ Davis or Hunter Dickinson put up higher counting stats? It is attainable! However NBA potential or earlier accomplishments weren’t taken under consideration when compiling our rankings. Our checklist relies merely on who we predict would be the finest gamers in school basketball this upcoming season.
That is it.
In recent times, our checklist has been dominated by large males who’ve accrued All-American stats however have not fairly had a surefire path to first-round NBA decide potential. That was evident final yr with Purdue’s Zach Edey and 4 different large males making up the highest 5 in our 2023-24 High 100 And 1 rankings.
READ: Norlander’s High 100 And 1 groups for 2024-25
This yr, as you may see beneath, the economic system has modified. Sears, a diminutive guard listed at 6-foot-1, is consultant of a shift in stardom within the sport. Davis — listed at 6-foot — is No. 2. And guards like Braden Smith — additionally a 6-footer — assist make the highest 10.
Bigs are ever-present and scattered all through the rankings. So are forwards. However in a sport more and more targeted round guard play and outdoors scoring, they make up a number of the largest and finest names we foresee serving because the face of faculty basketball this season and maybe past.
2024-25 CBS Sports activities Preseason All-America crew: SEC, Massive East lead means amongst school basketball’s finest gamers
Gary Parrish
Let’s get to our rankings as voted on by our panel of CBS Sports activities specialists made up of Gary Parrish, Matt Norlander, Kyle Boone, David Cobb, Cameron Salerno, Adam Finkelstein and Isaac Trotter.
Guard | Graduate
Sears was terrific just about all of final season whereas averaging 21.5 factors, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists — however he actually took off within the NCAA Event and helped Alabama make the Ultimate 4 for the primary time in class historical past. In that 68-team occasion, the 6-1 guard averaged 24.2 factors whereas capturing 45.5% from past the arc and emerged as a respectable NBA prospect, which is among the many causes Sears initially made himself out there for the 2024 NBA Draft.
He ultimately withdrew, although, and returned to Alabama, the place the Crimson Tide are actually the preseason favorites within the SEC and ranked second within the Related Press High 25 ballot. Sears shall be surrounded this season by some new items after Aaron Estrada, Rylan Griffen and Nick Pringle left this system. However there’s nonetheless loads of expertise in place to make back-to-back journeys to the Ultimate 4 an affordable aim for Nate Oats’ program. — Gary Parrish
2024-25 CBS Sports activities Preseason Participant of the Yr: Alabama’s Mark Sears beats out the bigs as hoops’ prime participant
Matt Norlander
2. RJ Davis | North Carolina
Guard | Graduate
The one returning CBS Sports activities First Workforce All-American, Davis was extremely regarded a yr in the past — he ranked No. 19 on final yr’s checklist — then proceeded to outshine all expectations by placing up 21.2 factors, sinking 39.8% of his 3-point makes an attempt, grabbing 3.6 rebounds and dishing 3.5 assists. He’s North Carolina‘s engine and the Tar Heels have Ultimate 4 hopes as a result of he opted to come back again. Davis has 2,088 factors to his identify, rating fifth in North Carolina historical past. Tyler Hansbrough holds the all-time file at 2,872.
Davis would wish to log 35 video games and averaged 22.4 to catch him. He is acquired a shot. Davis can be this system’s all-time free-throw proportion chief (85.8%) and is the one participant in program historical past to notch 2,000 factors, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 three-pointers and 100 steals. His 113 treys final season set the Tar Heel file. Will he break it in 2025? A quintessentially nice school basketball participant. Massive buckets, large confidence, large program, carried out all of it at one faculty. Simple to root for. — Matt Norlander
Guard/Ahead | Freshman
Any time the consensus top-ranked highschool participant within the nation, who additionally doubles because the projected No. 1 general decide within the subsequent NBA Draft, enrolls at Duke, the eyes of the game will deal with Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is strictly what’s occurred this preseason. Will Flagg reside as much as expectations and change into the youngest Wood Award winner in school basketball historical past whereas serving to Jon Scheyer advance to his first Ultimate 4 as a coach?
As all the time, we’ll see. However there is not any doubting that the 6-9 ahead from Maine is a generational expertise who can and does affect successful in quite a lot of methods — from scoring to rebounding to passing and guarding. There’s actual substance behind the hype. His first high-profile recreation shall be Nov. 12 in opposition to Kentucky within the Champions Basic in Atlanta. — GP
2024-25 CBS Sports activities Preseason Freshman of the Yr: Duke’s Cooper Flagg leads frosh All-America crew
Cameron Salerno
Heart | Senior
We had Massive Kalk No. 5 a yr in the past on our preseason High 100 And 1 checklist. I count on him to be within the combine for nationwide participant of the yr, partly as a result of he is the almost definitely participant in our prime 10 to even be within the combine for nationwide defensive participant of the yr. The three-time defensive POY within the Massive East is the overwhelming favourite to try this once more, becoming a member of Patrick Ewing as the one man to ever do it. Kalkbrenner’s offense is alleged to have taken a soar this offseason, which shall be key to Creighton’s possibilities at preserving on within the prime 20 of the rankings. After averaging 17.3 factors, 7.6 rebounds and three.1 blocks, the most effective large within the Massive East (and possibly, in the end, within the nation) is prepared for his biggest season in a school uniform. A separator: Kalkbrenner’s protection is so unbelievable as a result of he’s by no means in foul hassle. Onerous to be that good and reliably be on the ground for practically 35 minutes per evening, however that is precisely what he does. — MN
Heart | Graduate
Dickinson has already scored 2,208 factors in his school profession and has an opportunity to change into simply the twenty second participant in Division I males’s historical past to achieve 2,800 profession factors. Sure, if he will get there, it is going to have been carried out over the span of 5 seasons; most gamers, traditionally, solely get 4. However information are nonetheless information. And it is a incontrovertible fact that — barring harm, after all 00 Dickinson will probably go away Kansas with extra factors than all however about 20 or 30 males who’ve ever performed at this degree — and he might additionally go away with a nationwide championship if the Jayhawks reside as much as their preseason No. 1 rating within the AP ballot. To no matter diploma the 7-2 heart could be a legal responsibility on the defensive finish, he offset it final season by averaging 17.9 factors and 10.9 rebounds in 32.2 minutes. Related numbers are anticipated once more this season. — GP
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Ahead/Heart | Senior
We had been large on Broome 12 months in the past (he was twenty ninth on our 2023 checklist) and determine he is a near-lock to wind up as a First-, Second- or Third-Workforce All-American come March. He started his profession at Morehead State and spent the final two seasons adapting properly within the SEC. Broome ranked third in KenPom’s participant of the yr algorithm on an Auburn crew that completed No. 4 in that metric regardless of its first spherical NCAA loss to Yale. Now Broome (16.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.2 bpg) will shoulder a heavy load because the go-to choice for Bruce Pearl. Auburn’s groups have been extra guard-reliant lately. Broome’s elevated function as a mid-range and deeper-range shooter ought to see him at his most dynamic. A 6-10, it would not be a shock if he averaged three 3-point makes an attempt per recreation and shot higher than 30% consequently. — MN
Ahead | Redshirt junior
Karaban would’ve probably given UConn 5 picks within the 2024 NBA Draft had he remained in it — however the 6-8 ahead in the end determined to withdraw and return to highschool, the place he’ll play a serious function in attempting to assist the Huskies change into the primary males’s school basketball crew to three-peat since UCLA did it in 1971, 1972 and 1973. Whereas Tristen Newton, Donovan Clingan and Stephon Fortress acquired a lot of the consideration final season at UConn, it was Karaban who was probably the most environment friendly rotation participant, capturing 49.5% from the sector and 88.5% from the free-throw line. Thanks partly to a 14-point, eight-rebound effort in UConn’s 86-72 victory over Alabama within the Ultimate 4, Karaban averaged 13.3 factors and 5.1 rebounds in 31.4 minutes as a sophomore. All-America honors could possibly be in his future. — GP
Guard | Senior
Karaban and Sallis are the 2 highest-ranked gamers on our 2024 checklist who didn’t crack our 2023 rankings. We must always have seen it coming with Sallis, who’s the newest Wake Forest switch to endure an enormous fame shift due to Steve Forbes. Sallis was a five-star prospect who initially dedicated to Gonzaga. He was possibly probably the most proficient participant in school basketball final season who opted to come back again as a substitute of staying within the NBA Draft.
Sallis (18.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 40.5 3-pt%) was a breakout participant in 2023-24. In 2024-25, he is a tempting darkish horse to be NPOY on account of his insatiable work ethic and unwavering management. Sallis’ progress is an inspiring story for former blue-chip recruits who’ve discovered the school transition tougher than anticipated. The Demon Deacons have quite a lot of promising items round Sallis, however all indicators level to him being a stat monster on the primary Wake crew to make the primary spherical of the NCAA Event since 2010. — MN
Guard | Junior
Smith is about to change into Purdue’s newest All-American and face of the crew now that two-time Wood Award winner Zach Edey is off to the NBA and beginning for the Grizzlies. A 6-foot level guard, Smith has been named the Massive Ten Preseason Participant of the Yr after averaging 12.0 factors, 7.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 34 minutes per recreation final season. He additionally shot 43.1% from past the arc whereas enjoying off of Edey and helped the Boilermakers win their second straight Massive Ten title and make the Ultimate 4 for the primary time since 1980. A 3rd straight Massive Ten championship could possibly be on faucet. If it occurs, Smith would enter his senior yr with an opportunity to go away Purdue as one of many winningest gamers in program historical past. — GP
Place: Guard | Yr: Senior
If Marquette’s going to maintain its top-15 standing, this is the man who shall be accountable for avoiding any discernible drop-off in Milwaukee. And when you assume this rating is simply too excessive, you are outing your self as a school hoops informal as a result of Jones is actually a recognized amount and has been a confirmed bucket-getter for a few years now. We had him fortieth in 2023, however now he is climbed excessive sufficient to get top-10 respect after a powerful junior-year marketing campaign. He led Marquette in scoring (17.2 ppg) and shot 40.6% from past the arc on 6.3 makes an attempt per recreation.
With Tyler Kolek now within the NBA, Jones’ outlook is spectacular for the season forward. The 6-5 capturing guard goes to have a inexperienced gentle on most nights. He is succesful as an off-the-ball distributor and is not allergic to chasing after a rebound both. It actually would not shock me if he had a few volcanic outputs this season and flirted with 40 factors. — MN
He is again for his fourth season at A&M after taking notable steps ahead in every of the earlier three. Final yr Taylor stuffed the stat sheet like few others in school basketball, however wasn’t all the time environment friendly doing it. The 2-time All-SEC guard will get the final word inexperienced gentle from Buzz Williams, however for A&M to enhance this yr he wants to take care of his manufacturing whereas bettering his 36% capturing from the ground and 32% from behind the arc. After all, surrounding him with extra floor-spacing, like CJ Wilcher, might assist. However it’s additionally value noting that A&M was the most effective offensive rebounding crew within the nation final yr, so generally Taylor’s pictures are nearly as good as further passes. — Finkelstein
As soon as a former five-star recruit, Love enters 2024-25 as a fifth-year senior and stabilizing power for an Arizona crew transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Massive 12. He is coming off an All-American season with the Wildcats the place he averaged a career-high 18.0 factors and 4.8 rebounds, and may instantly be one of the prolific producers within the Massive 12. With each different top-five scorer other than him on final yr’s roster not on this yr’s roster, he stands to be one of many highest-usage gamers in school hoops. — Boone
Lipsey has was the quintessential Iowa State star as he enters his junior season following a first-team All-Massive 12 marketing campaign. The previous three-star prospect was an missed native highschool expertise who jumped on the alternative to remain dwelling and swimsuit up for the Cyclones. He led the Massive 12 in steals final season and was tops on the crew in assists per recreation at 4.9. The 6-1 combo guard additionally established himself as a 3-point menace throughout his sophomore marketing campaign as he helped information Iowa State to the Candy 16. — Cobb
The No. 2-ranked participant within the CBS Sports activities switch portal rankings departed Seton Corridor after three seasons to play for Rick Pitino at St. John’s. Richmond averaged a career-high 15.7 factors final season however shot a career-low 27% from the 3-point line on 1.8 makes an attempt per evening. Richmond would be the point of interest of St. John’s offense and an anchor on protection, as he was Seton Corridor’s highest-rated defender per evanmiya.com. Richmond’s addition raises the ground and ceiling of St. John’s roster. — Salerno
Danny Sprinkle is bringing Osobor with him once more to a brand new job. This time, with far more fanfare and a complete lot extra NIL cash. Osobor was probably the greatest small-ball facilities within the portal who places a great deal of stress on the rim and rated eighth nationally with a Zach Edey-like, 77.3 free-throw charge, per KenPom. Osobor was one of many prime post-up scorers within the nation final yr, however his fluid deal with and picturesque playmaking is so very important. His rise from Montana State to Utah State to the Massive Ten is already unbelievable, but when he shoots it higher from downtown, Osobor’s ceiling is even greater. — Trotter
Cryer started his school profession at Baylor, the place he performed a small function on Scott Drew’s nationwide championship-winning crew in 2021 earlier than growing right into a double-digit scorer the next season. As a junior, he averaged 15.0 factors for Baylor after which transferred to Houston and emerged because the main scorer on a squad that gained the Massive 12 by two video games and secured a No. 1 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Now, Cryer is again for a fifth season of faculty basketball after averaging 15.5 factors as a senior. He additionally shot 38.8% from 3-point vary final season. And his return — together with the persevering with presence of future Corridor of Fame coach Kelvin Sampson, after all — is the primary cause Houston is ranked within the prime 5 of the preseason AP High 25 ballot for the third straight October. — GP
Ron Harper Jr. graduated in 2022 as probably the greatest gamers in Rutgers historical past. His youthful brother has an opportunity to affix him on the desk in one-fourth the time if all goes properly. Dylan Harper shall be working level for RU in probably the most anticipated season of Rutgers basketball … ever? Yeah, let’s go along with ever. Whereas Rutgers is not anticipated to be top-five within the Massive Ten, it’s anticipated to be adequate to make the NCAA Event and to be as watchable as ever. That begins with Harper and extends to Ace Bailey (you will not must scroll far to get to him). NBA sources who’ve seen Harper within the preseason are raving about his physique and quick adaptability to the school recreation. Our expectation is he winds up as a top-three freshman within the nation. — MN
A two-time All-Pac-12 First Workforce choice, Ballo was one of many largest prizes available out of the switch portal final spring. He’s basically a strolling double-double, who averaged 13 factors and 10 rebounds final yr, all whereas ending with the very best subject aim proportion in Arizona program historical past. A serious bodily presence on each ends of the ground, he is an emphatic finisher offensively who thrives when he can get deep post-ups or roll to the entrance of the rim. The most important query at Indiana, is what kind of spacing they will be capable of encompass him with alongside Malik Reneau and for a program with a notable historical past of not taking many threes below Mike Woodson. — AF
From unheralded recruit to SEC All-Freshman performer to family identify very quickly. Murray-Boyles was a revelation for South Carolina final season the place he averaged 10.4 factors and 5.7 rebounds. He needs to be a recognized commodity now on the prime of scouting studies after his surprising star flip in yr one with the Gamecocks. With a strong physique and candy toes, his scoring contained in the paint ought to assist open teammates up round him and make him the centrifugal power round which South Carolina’s offense operates. — KB
Avila turned a school basketball cult hero final season whereas main Indiana State to a 32-7 file and look within the NIT title recreation. The bespectacled surprise averaged 17.4 factors and 6.6 rebounds whereas stretching the ground with 39.4% 3-point capturing. However the 6-10 junior does most of his injury on the inside as a profession 63.4% shooter contained in the arc. Now he follows coach Josh Schertz from the Missouri Valley to the Atlantic 10 with hopes of revitalizing a program that completed 13-20 final season. — DC
The previous Iona standout will play his second season at Florida after averaging a team-high 17.6 ppg final season. Clayton’s most notable efficiency got here within the NCAA Event, the place he dropped 33 factors in a loss to Colorado. With fellow guard Zyon Pullin off to the NBA, he ought to as soon as once more end as Florida’s main scorer and problem for a spot on the All-America crew. — CS
No 5-man is a greater shooter than Dixon. The Villanova staple splashed 55 treys final season at a 35% clip, and he is a menace in pick-and-pop eventualities. However Dixon is the full bundle offensively. He is an elite post-up weapon who additionally makes his free throws (86% final season). Dixon has scored no less than 11 factors in 16 video games in a row. That streak goes to maintain buzzing for some time. — IT
Windfall was 11-2 when Hopkins suffered a torn ACL final January. Identical to that, his season was over. Identical to that, the Friars’ season acquired troublesome. They went 10-12 the remainder of the best way, missed the NCAA Event and misplaced within the first spherical of the NIT. Hopkins is predicted to return to the courtroom this season — however precisely when stays unclear. He nonetheless is not going full-speed after averaging greater than 15 factors in every of the previous two seasons. Backside line, Hopkins’ absence will once more be felt till he is wholesome sufficient to play and contribute. However it needs to be famous that Windfall will not play a ranked crew till no less than Nov. 28, when the Friars might meet Arizona on the second day of the Battle 4 Atlantis. — GP
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24. Ace Bailey | Rutgers
The highlights already popping out of Piscataway point out Bailey is all the things he is been hyped as much as be from an athleticism standpoint. You can also make a case for Bailey (the No. 2 participant within the 2024 class) to be higher than Harper (No. 3) if all the things comes collectively and he’s environment friendly as a three-level scorer. Both means, the projected top-five decide has helped energize a program that has been sorely missing on offense. Rutgers was 298 (!) in adjusted offensive effectivity final season. This system hasn’t ranked top-60 at KenPom since 2006. Bailey enjoying an influence wing function goes to make the Scarlet Knights must-watch. — MN
Edgecombe was probably the greatest highschool basketball gamers within the nation this yr, and tasks as each one among school basketball’s prime freshmen and a really probably one-and-done candidate. He’s a very elite athlete who can stand up with explosiveness and energy alike. He is at his finest when he can assault downhill, but additionally a recognized competitor on the defensive finish of the ground. His guard expertise are nonetheless a little bit of a piece in progress, however they’ve made regular strides lately. He is additionally in a really perfect scenario the place he is surrounded by veterans on all sides who will simplify the video games for him. — AF
Nembhard put up profession numbers as a creator and scorer final season in his first with Gonzaga. He quarterbacked a top-five offense that propelled the Bulldogs to 27 wins and within the course of was top-20 in turnover charge and top-10 in efficient subject aim proportion. He’ll once more be a constructing block for the Zags as they enter the season as the most effective crew on the west coast and the heavy favourite within the WCC. — KB
After being solid as a small-ball heart throughout the last two seasons of his four-year run at Illinois, Hawkins is in line to play as a wing for Kansas State in his last season of eligibility. That may give the 6-10 California native a chance to flash extra versatility on each ends after he earned second-team All-Massive Ten honors for the Illini final season. Hawkins upped his 3-point capturing mark to 36.9% within the 2023-24 marketing campaign and shall be a pivotal a part of Kansas State’s effort to return to the NCAA Event. — DC
Grant-Foster is without doubt one of the finest mid-major gamers within the sport. He bypassed the 2024 NBA Draft to return to highschool and can have a chance to boost his draft inventory after averaging 20.1 factors and 6.1 rebounds in his first season with the Lopes. GCU is in search of its fourth NCAA Event look within the final 5 seasons and Grant-Foster’s return to highschool ought to bolster these possibilities. ” — CS
There is a world the place Thornton is the most effective guard within the Massive Ten this season. The junior level guard is hard, bodily, dependable and sturdy. He flirted with a four-to-one, assist-to-turnover ratio final season whereas doubling as probably the greatest midrange shooters within the nation. Oh, and he splashed 38% of his 87 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and transformed 65% of his pictures on the rim. Jake Diebler’s insistence on enjoying quicker and prioritizing transition ought to unlock extra possibilities for Thornton to shine. — IT
Sandfort spent final season enjoying for a crew that solely went 10-10 within the Massive Ten earlier than failing to advance to the NCAA Event. So his breakthrough season was slightly off of the radar. However the 6-8 senior did common 16.4 factors, 6.6 rebounds and a pair of.7 assists final season whereas making practically 38% of the 7.3 3-pointers he tried per contest. CBS Sports activities Bracketology Skilled Jerry Palm doesn’t at the moment have Iowa projected to make the 2025 NCAA Event. If the Hawkeyes are to show him unsuitable, Sandfort will probably must carry out at an All-American degree. — GP
Previous to his last season at Duke, we slotted Roach thirty third. He is now at 31. Is he being underrated? We’re of the assumption he has a shot to be one of many 10 finest gamers within the Massive 12 and can show important to Baylor’s hopes to vie for the league title. Roach was good for 14.0 factors, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and shot 42.9% from 3-point vary. All of these marked career-bests. Stories out of Waco, Texas, point out he can up these numbers in his last tour of faculty hoops. Scott Drew will want him to constantly exhibit veteran experience to maintain up within the ultra-difficult Massive 12. — MN
32. Dajuan Harris Jr. | Kansas
Harris is a throwback fashion pure level guard who’s now again in Lawrence for his fifth straight season, giving Invoice Self one of the dependable choice makers and ground generals in all of faculty basketball. He isn’t going to wow you along with his particular person offense, however he frequently hovers round a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and has blossomed right into a dependable, albeit selective, spot-up shooter. Together with being one of many premier distributors within the nation, Harris can be the tip of the spear on the defensive finish along with his capacity to generate steals and power turnovers, all throughout the context of executing the scouts report. The underside line is that he is arguably probably the most dependable, team-first level guard within the nation. — AF
Mark Pope introduced with him a flamethrower from BYU to Kentucky in his soar from the Cougars to the ‘Cats in Robinson, who final season gained Massive 12 Sixth Man of the Yr after capturing 35.4% from 3-point vary and averaging 14.2 factors. He steps into a brand new scenario in Lexington the place he’ll be referred to as upon as a go-to scoring choice in an offensive system that performs to his strengths emphasizing his expertise as a shooter and spacer. There shall be loads of co-stars in UK’s system this season given the prioritization of spacing and sharing however he needs to be the main candidate to profit most. — KB
Storr blossomed right into a productive bucket-getter for Wisconsin in 2023-24, averaging a team-high 16.8 factors for the Badgers after spending his freshman season at St. John’s. Now on his third faculty, the 6-7 wing will probably play the same function for the Jayhawks, who misplaced second-round NBA Draft picks Kevin McCullar and Johnny Furphy on the wing. Storr’s measurement and ball-handling make him a three-level scorer and a possible all-conference performer. — DC
35. Cliff Omuruyi | Alabama
Omoruyi is without doubt one of the best-shot blockers in school basketball. After averaging 2.9 blocks final season at Rutgers, he hit the switch portal and joined an Alabama crew with nationwide championship aspirations. Omoruyi ought to elevate the ceiling and ground of Alabama’s protection, which ranked close to the underside amongst all Division l groups in scoring protection — CS
36. Vlad Goldin | Michigan
Dusty Could didn’t get his whole Florida Atlantic band to observe him to Michigan, however he did get possibly a very powerful one. Goldin is usually a double-double machine. He is a whole monster within the paint who tries to dunk all the things in sight, however his improved mobility and contact across the basket has helped him change into a a lot better goal within the ball-screen recreation. Goldin just isn’t some Nikola Jokic-like distributor, however he is a keen passer. Oh, and he anchored a FAU protection that was elite with him on the ground on its technique to the 2022 Ultimate 4. It is exhausting to examine Goldin not being extremely productive in Ann Arbor. — IT
Nelson just isn’t the CBS Sports activities Preseason Participant of the Yr. That is his teammate, Sears. But when Alabama makes back-to-back Ultimate Fours, and even wins this system’s first nationwide championship, Nelson figures to be an enormous a part of it after averaging 11.9 factors and 5.9 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per recreation. An space of concern for Nelson, particularly in Alabama’s offense, is the truth that the 6-11 ahead solely shot 27.3% from 3-point vary final season. That is not nice. However the guess right here is that he improves on that this time round. — GP
The sophomore wing was a dynamic presence on a New Mexico crew that gained 26 video games for the primary time in a decade. Toppin opted to go to the high-major ranks, the place he is anticipated to be probably the greatest energy wings within the Massive 12. He averaged 12.4 factors, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks as a Lobo. His shot choice contained in the arc is commonly opportunistic. We love his prospects enjoying for Grant McCasland in Lubbock. — MN
A former three-star recruit, Hubbard exceeded all expectations for Mississippi State final yr as a freshman and led them again to the NCAA Event within the course of. This yr, he is acquired much more assist round him as Chris Jans and his employees welcome eight new gamers, together with 5 out of the portal – all of whom are anticipated to make quick contributions. Hubbard remains to be anticipated to be the face of this system although and with numerous speak about opening the ground on the offensive finish, this undersized lead guard with a bulldog construct and deep capturing vary is once more anticipated to be probably the greatest guards, and gamers, within the SEC. — AF
A uncommon five-year participant who began and can end his profession on the similar faculty, Murrell has made incremental enhancements every year at Ole Miss and has blossomed right into a star below coach Chris Beard. He is coming off a career-best season the place he averaged 16.2 factors and earned All-SEC honors, and he’ll be the rationale the Rebels are again within the NCAA Event for the primary time since 2019. E-book it. — KB
Degenhart is the Mountain West’s main returning scorer after averaging 16.7 factors on 50.3% capturing for a Boise State crew that reached the NCAA Event. The 6-8 ahead is a troublesome matchup for opponents as he is each bodily and perimeter-savvy. He additionally rated because the crew’s prime defender final season, per evanmiya.com, and is poised to contend for Mountain West Participant of the Yr honors. — DC
The previous VCU star is in his second season with the Nittany Lions. Baldwin averaged a career-high 14.2 factors and 6.0 assists final season. Penn State has solely been to the NCAA Event 3 times this century, and getting again to the Massive Dance shall be predicated on Baldwin taking one other leap. — CS
Rice beat most cancers and he beats nearly each defender off the bounce, too. The Washington State switch is a jitterbug with the ball in his palms. His explosive first step needs to be the life raft that Indiana’s pitiful pick-and-roll offense desperately wanted. Rice is a strolling paint contact who shot over 61% on the rim whereas bringing it on the defensive finish. Rice, merely, refuses to get screened. That is a talent. Oumar Ballo is ranked greater, however Rice is Indiana’s most essential addition. — IT
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After touchdown at No. 14 on this checklist a yr in the past, Proctor has fallen into the 40s following a disappointing sophomore season through which he did not make the statistical soar most anticipated. The 6-6 guard ended up averaging 10.5 factors whereas capturing simply 35.2% from 3 on 5.2 makes an attempt per contest. And, sadly for the Blue Devils, his final efficiency of the season was his worst — particularly a 0-for-9 effort from the sector in Duke’s 76-64 loss to North Carolina State within the Elite Eight. That was tough stuff, particularly contemplating it helped raise an in-state rival to its first Ultimate 4 since 1983. However Proctor was sensible sufficient to return to highschool to additional develop, and the hope across the Duke program is that the breakthrough yr many predicted final season will merely be one yr late. — GP
45. Dawson Garcia | Minnesota
Credit score to Garcia, who opted to stay with Minnesota even after watching quite a lot of his teammates hit the portal for large pay days. Now, Garcia is actually getting some well-deserved NIL advantages, however he will be the primary present on a crew projected properly into the underside half of the Massive Ten. After averaging 17.6 factors and 6.7 rebounds a season in the past, Garcia ought to have his best yr on this his fifth and last season that included earlier stops at Marquette and North Carolina. — MN
There are few extra naturally proficient freshmen within the nation. There are even fewer who discovered a greater match than McNeeley did with the Huskies. A extremely expert, and equally cerebral, large wing, McNeeley is predicted to start out on the wing and be an offensive point of interest from Day 1 for UConn. He’ll observe within the footsteps of Jordan Hawkins and Cam Spencer along with his shot-making from lengthy vary, however he is removed from one-dimensional and in a position to be a scoring menace at a number of ranges due to his really feel for the sport. The important thing shall be assembly Dan Hurley’s excessive requirements on the defensive finish of the ground. — AF
Watkins is a late bloomer who started his profession at VCU as a rotation piece and developed right into a beginning star at Florida State final season upon transferring. He is now in his second yr with the Seminoles and not an unknown, as he returns as one of many main returning scorers and rebounders within the ACC from final season. There’s quite a lot of new items round him after Leonard Hamilton rebuilt the roster within the offseason, however he stays in place – and he is the rationale for optimism FSU can rebound after a 17-16 marketing campaign. — KB
Stories on Knueppel out of Duke’s preseason apply point out the 6-7 wing is in for a powerful freshman marketing campaign; he is firmly on the radar of NBA scouts. The Wisconsin native was a five-star prospect lauded for his robust offensive recreation, and his talent ought to translate rapidly. Whereas his exterior capturing is the headline attraction, Knueppel’s measurement, protection and ball-handling capacity guarantee he will not be pigeon-holed as a only a shooter. — DC
The headliner of John Calipari’s switch portal class was Davis. The previous FAU star ranked because the No. 1 participant within the CBS Sports activities rransfer rankings and was the 2023-24 AAC co-Participant of the Yr. He ought to present Calipari’s new-look roster with loads of scoring after averaging 18.2 factors final season. — CS
The DeVries Household Enterprise has relocated from Drake to West Virginia, however the identical nice service is on faucet. DeVries is slated to be probably the greatest wings within the nation. He is 6-7 with a flamethrower for a jumper. DeVries is an all-around star who passes it properly, rebounds at a excessive degree, guards as much as the usual and will get to the charity stripe left and proper. If West Virginia wins sufficient video games, DeVries might make a run at Massive 12 Participant of the Yr. — IT
51. Zakai Zeigler | Tennessee
Zeigler is the main returning scorer for a Tennessee program that is made six straight NCAA Tournaments below Rick Barnes. He averaged 11.8 factors and 6.1 assists final season in his first yr after recovering from ACL surgical procedure. The 5-9 guard is among the many causes UT is not anticipated to slide a lot even with the departure of Dalton Knecht to the Lakers. — GP
We believed in Ike’s affect final season, after we put him eightieth. Now he is actually going to be a focus for Mark Few’s system as the person within the center. The 6-9 senior is coming off averages of 17.5 factors, 7.4 rebounds and 60.9% from the sector. When working at full capability, he is a load. This shall be his finest season as a school participant, and it is why we have bumped him up for 2024-25. — MN
Shelstad lived as much as his billing as one of many prime 30 prospects in final yr’s freshman class, beginning 30 of 32 video games for the Geese and being named to each the Pac-12 All-Freshman and All-Event groups. This season, he is broadly anticipated to take one other step ahead and be the tip of the spear for an Oregon crew that would very properly be among the many contenders within the new-look Massive Ten. What he could lack in sheer measurement he compensates for with talent, quickness and a aggressive edge that resonates to everybody within the gymnasium. — AF
Omier put up large numbers at Miami – after doing the identical at Arkansas State beforehand – and is getting into a brand new scenario at Baylor this season. He is averaged a double-double in scoring and rebounding yearly in his school profession and shall be wanted – and anticipated – to supply equally after the Bears misplaced Yves Missi and Jalen Bridges. — KB
55. J’Wan Roberts | Houston
Roberts is a rugged inside participant who embodies the toughness which has made Houston an elite program below Kelvin Sampson. The fifth-year ahead averaged 9.5 factors and 6.8 rebounds final season for the Massive 12 champions and shall be a tone-setter for a crew with national-title aspirations. — DC
Missouri’s 2023-24 season was a catastrophe, as this system completed 0-18 in SEC play. Mitchell is the headliner of Missouri’s new-look roster, and the previous Duke standout ought to do some little bit of all the things to assist the Tigers get again on monitor. — CS
Pack shot a career-worst 35% from 3-point vary final yr. Take into consideration how absurd that’s. Count on an enormous bounce-back for a much-improved Miami membership with Pack main the cost. The sharpshooting lead guard goes to get again to his 40% neighborhood in a rush, and you continue to have to protect him from the second he shimmies throughout halfcourt. — IT
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58. KJ Adams Jr. | Kansas
Adams is one among 4 Jayhawks on this checklist after averaging 12.6 factors and 4.6 rebounds in 33.4 minutes final season. He isn’t the stretch-4 many coaches choose as of late. However the 6-7 ahead has began 68 video games over the previous two seasons and is a dependable piece that has Kansas among the many favorites to win the 2025 NCAA Event. — GP
Aidoo spent his first three seasons rising into probably the greatest paint defenders and rim custodians whereas at Tennessee. Now Aidoo is prone to be the spine of Arkansas’ protection in its first yr below John Calipari. He averaged 11.4 factors, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a season in the past. These numbers, alongside along with his minutes common, ought to enhance with the Razorbacks. — MN
St. John’s shall be Smith’s fourth faculty in 5 years, however hopes are excessive within the Bronx as Rick Pitino has already in contrast him to each Terry Rozier and Peyton Siva. He is an electrical lead guard with a ton of tempo who was a triple-double menace final yr at Utah and may thrive when the Johnnies are in a position to push the tempo. — AF
Tennessee and Rick Barnes struck gold with a mid-major switch final yr in Dalton Knecht, who got here from the mid-major ranks at Northern Colorado and was the most effective participant within the SEC in his first and solely season with the Vols. Lanier is the subsequent mid-major acquisition for the Vols and a star-in-waiting after ending second amongst all ASUN gamers final season in factors. Subsequent to Zakai Zeigler, his job as a shot-maker shall be made simpler in Knoxville and he ought to flourish as a possible No. 1 choice. — KB
Gilbert led Iowa State in scoring at 13.7 factors final season in his first yr with this system after transferring in from UNLV. He averaged 16 factors, 5 assists and three.7 steals whereas capturing 50% from 3-point vary throughout the Cyclones’ run to the Massive 12 Event title. The 6-4 combo guard is a two-way terror. — DC
Reneau is Indiana’s returning main scorer from final season and may as soon as once more play a vital function within the frontcourt for coach Mike Woodson in Bloomington. Reneau averaged 15.4 factors, 6.0 rebounds and a pair of.7 assists on 55.8% capturing from the ground. — CS
Burton was the highest-scoring, true freshman final yr within the nation for an undermanned Notre Dame membership which requested him to do, properly, all the things. Notre Dame added reinforcements, crushed it with retention and plans to play means quicker. Burton’s buckets will nonetheless be there, however do not be shocked if he leads the ACC in assists. — IT
Perhaps the most effective participant within the A-10 this yr, Reynolds is a prolific shot-maker and scorer within the backcourt for Billy Lange. Reynolds has seen his supporting solid enhance with every passing yr within the Metropolis of Brotherly Love and groups with sophomore level guard Xzayvier Brown to make arguably the league’s finest backcourt this yr. — AF
The anchor of an Oakland crew that kicked Kentucky to the curb within the first spherical of the NCAA Event, Townsend is without doubt one of the new and vibrant faces of an Arizona crew remade through the switch portal by coach Tommy Lloyd this season. The 6-6 combo ahead has grown right into a star scorer and shall be relied upon as a key spacer and outdoors shooter with the Wildcats. — KB
Isaacs led Texas Tech in scoring as a sophomore with 15.8 factors and may have ample alternative to function a scoring engine for his new program. With expert perimeter stars Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman departed, Isaacs figures to have the ball in his palms usually. — DC
Reese practically averaged a double-double (13.7 factors and 9.5 rebounds) final season in School Park. With five-star heart Derik Queen getting into this system, these two ought to present a pleasant 1-2 punch within the frontcourt. — CS
As soon as he will get wholesome, Youngblood will get again to balling. The South Florida switch is an utter deadeye from downtown who additionally owns a silky-smooth pull-up jumper. Youngblood-to-Alabama was probably the greatest matches within the switch portal cycle. — IT
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He had such a breakout sophomore yr that he performed his means onto the NBA Draft radar. Following the season, he not solely mentioned no to the draft, but additionally to the switch portal. Now, he is as dynamic a participant as there’s within the Ivy League, with an exceptionally versatile ground recreation after placing up 17.1 factors, 5.7 boards, and three.7 assists as a sophomore. — AF
Mark started his profession at Houston and can finish it at Texas after a one-year pit-stop at Arkansas in between. He put up a career-high 16.2 factors per recreation final season with the Razorbacks and involves Rodney Terry’s Texas crew that should exchange outgoing manufacturing misplaced by Max Abmas and Tyrese Hunter within the backcourt. — KB
Claude gained the Massive East’s Most Improved Participant award as a sophomore at Xavier whereas averaging 16.6 factors for the Musketeers. The 6-6 guard performs with unconventional physicality, doing most of his work contained in the arc. He is anticipated to be one of many offensive hubs for USC because the Trojans reboot below Eric Musselman. — DC
Conwell averaged 16.6 factors, 5.8 rebounds and a pair of.5 assists for Josh Schertz at Indiana State final season. Conwell ought to have a chance to step right into a beginning function straight away at his new faculty. — CS
Mahaney shot 38% on his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers as a sophomore and 46% as a freshman. Per Synergy, no high-major crew generated a better proportion of open catch-and-shoot 3-pointers final season than … UConn. So yeah, this switch portal marriage might be going to work out actually, very well for each side. — IT
The 6-6 ahead performs a lot greater than his listed measurement. He is bodily robust, a double-double menace each time he steps on the ground, 46% 3-point shooter, and a excessive IQ participant on each ends of the ground. He could not essentially be an offensive alpha or dynamic athlete, however he is a job participant extraordinaire. — AF
A foot harm in March 2023 saved Freemantle – one of the productive bigs within the Massive East – out for all of final season. Now wholesome, his presence ought to raise the Musketeers again into NCAA Event high quality. He was prime 10 amongst all Massive East gamers in his last season previous to harm in each scoring and rebounding. — KB
After biding his time for 3 seasons in Storrs amid accidents and a logjam of expertise round him, Johnson is now poised to shine. The 6-10 senior is a superb shot blocker, an environment friendly scorer across the rim and a veteran chief for a UConn program that’s in search of a nationwide title three-peat. — DC
With Bub Carrington off to the NBA, Lowe will get his likelihood to run the present as Pitt’s place to begin guard. Lowe averaged 9.6 factors, 3.3 assists and a pair of.8 rebounds in 19 begins final season. All of these numbers will go up with him as a full-time starter. — CS
Momcilovic is Iowa State’s finest offensive participant. He is armed with a feathery, fadeaway jumper that’s computerized from the midrange, and he is a deadeye shooter each in catch-and-shoots and on the transfer. The 6-8 sophomore can develop his arsenal much more in Yr 2. — IT
He made a notable soar final yr as a sophomore, shifting into the beginning line-up, and doubling his level manufacturing as one of many crew’s prime 3-point shooters. With out Jamal Shead, he could possibly be requested to take one other step on each ends, diversifying his offensive recreation and being a lead playmaker in Houston’s stress protection. — AF
An enormous identify who might’ve transferred up however as a substitute remained loyal at New Mexico, Dent is without doubt one of the finest gamers within the Mountain West on a Lobos crew that would problem for the highest spot within the league. He averaged a career-best 14.1 factors and 5.4 assists as a sophomore final season. — KB
Pierce is the reigning Ivy League Participant of the Yr after averaging 16.6 factors, 9.2 rebounds and three.2 assists for Princeton. Although he is simply 6-7, Pierce operates successfully out of the submit whereas additionally bringing loads of perimeter pop to an Ivy League energy. — DC
Foster has an opportunity to change into a breakout star for Duke. Foster performed a key reserve function final season for the Blue Devils and needs to be in rivalry alongside Tulane switch Sion James to start out at SG subsequent to Tyrese Proctor. — CS
Miami’s backcourt has main juice if Bethea, arguably one of many prime shooters within the 2024 recruiting class, is an enormous hit. The five-star freshman needs to take 1,000,000 treys and Miami’s system will let him cook dinner. — IT
85. Elliot Cadeau | North Carolina
Whereas his freshman season did not essentially reside as much as expectations, North Carolina was a greater crew when he was on the ground, and his presence undoubtedly made the sport simpler for RJ Davis. This yr, it feels like Hubert Davis is anticipating a big bounce-back from what was beforehand one of highschool basketball’s finest level guards. — AF
There is a situation through which we wind up having this potential NBA Draft lottery decide 50 spots too low. Whispers out of Champaign point out that Jackucionis could also be an immediate hit for the Illini in his first season. Brad Underwood and his employees want to interchange what they misplaced on offense in Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask, which will not be straightforward, however Jackucionis’ capacity to create and rating might assist reduce the blow of their losses. — KB
Mgbako gained Massive Ten Rookie of the Yr honors after averaging 12.2 factors and 4.1 rebounds. The previous five-star prospect nonetheless has loads of room to extend his effectivity and will blossom into one of many Massive Ten’s prime gamers. — DC
Andrews completed as UCLA’s main scorer (12.9 ppg) final season and is again for extra. With the Bruins getting into a brand new period as a member of the Massive Ten, this system shall be counting on one other soar from Andrews to remain in rivalry for a convention title. — CS
Shulga is the headliner of a VCU backcourt that’s means higher than loads of Energy 5 groups. The 6-5 guard splashed 41% of his 3-pointers final yr, and he’ll flirt with triple-doubles. Shulga is a baller. — IT
Expectations had been sky excessive for Boswell going into final season at Arizona. He delivered a stable sophomore marketing campaign, however not fairly what he or this system was anticipating. This yr, the facility guard can have an opportunity at a recent begin for an Illinois program that wants him to be the most effective model of himself. — AF
Hunter is a sixth-year senior and returning star of a Clemson crew that made simply its second-ever Elite Eight journey in program historical past final season. He averaged a team-high 17.8 factors and 5.8 assists per recreation throughout March Insanity, and was probably the greatest gamers within the ACC down the stretch run of the season. — KB
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No single participant can fill the sneakers of Zach Edey. However Kaufman-Renn ought to see a big uptick in offensive alternatives amid Edey’s departure. The 6-9 junior began all 39 video games final season and can slide right into a higher function because the Boilermakers start a brand new period. — DC
Loyer has performed (and began) all 74 video games in his Purdue profession. With Zach Edey off to the NBA, the scoring burden will fall on him and his backcourt teammate Braden Smith. Loyer could possibly be Purdue’s X-Think about making one other deep run within the NCAA Event. — CS
94. Jaden Akins | Michigan State
Akins performed a secondary function as a 3-and-D menace for the previous three seasons, but it surely’s time for him to change into a go-to participant. Tom Izzo has raved about Akins’ preparation, mentality and make-up. The explosive lefty’s time is now. — IT
95. Tyrese Hunter | Memphis
Hunter averaged double figures throughout all three of his seasons within the Massive 12, first with Iowa State after which with Texas for the previous two years. He is an amazing athlete and potential lockdown defender who needs to be one of many prime abilities within the AAC. — DC
96. Dedan Thomas | UNLV
Thomas can rating from all three ranges, however the 6-1 level guard is a stunning playmaker who fully orchestrates all the things and has the ball on a string. Thomas tallied a terrific 2.5-to-1, assist-to-turnover ratio and will flirt with 30-pieces. It will not shock anybody if Thomas is the Mountain West Participant of the Yr. — IT
97. Sean Pedulla | Ole Miss
Pedulla is a switch from Virginia Tech who averaged 16.4 factors, 4.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds final season. The 6-1 guard solely shot 32.5% from 3-point vary in his last season with the Hokies, which is not nice. However that quantity is deceptive relative to his profession common. — GP
The ultimate spots on this checklist are all the time reserved for every of us to submit our write-in selection. Mine is all too straightforward; I had Bradley within the prime 40 of my rankings. The 2023-24 stat line was pedestrian (7.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg), however I’m right here to vow you that this Arizona junior guard goes to be one among THE breakout gamers within the sport. Bradley has solely taken 50 3-pointers in his profession however is a 40% shooter from deep. He’ll be probably the greatest on-ball defenders within the nation and complement Caleb Love‘s offensive output fantastically. Arizona is usually pretty stacked once more; Bradley is the man who may be the linchpin to a Ultimate 4 push. — MN
Schieffelin performed a vital function in Clemson’s Elite Eight run, averaging 14.8 factors and 9 rebounds throughout the Tigers’ 4 NCAA Event video games. Search for the 6-8 senior to play a fair greater function this season amid the departure of star ahead PJ Corridor. — DC
On my poll, I had Johnson ranked in my prime 30. Johnson was so good defensively final season at USC and is the precise sort of participant each crew covets on the school degree. Do not be shocked if Johnson wins Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr. — CS
Mayo is one among my flag crops for the 2024-25 season. I feel he’ll be probably the greatest gamers on a Kansas crew that wins the nationwide championship. The Lawrence, Kansas, native has spent the previous couple of seasons dominating the Summit League at South Dakota State, and whereas he enters the season a comparatively unknown commodity within the shadows of star Hunter Dickinson, I think his scoring shall be what ultimately adjustments the dynamics of KU’s offense. He is a weapon on offense who in Invoice Self’s system could possibly be a load to sluggish. — KB
School basketball rankings: CBS Sports activities High 100 And 1 finest groups for the 2024-25 season
Matt Norlander
