The return of the AP High 25 is a sort reminder that basketball season is right here. Clearly, the highest goal for school basketball scribes all through the nation is to outperform the soccer projections that look awfully dire previous the halfway level of the season.
On paper, the preliminary AP High 25 is tame. There weren’t any egregious additions or omissions.
Let’s dive into the projected beginning lineups and the largest strengths and weaknesses for every membership.
AP High 25 ballot reactions: North Carolina overrated, Kansas underrated in preseason school basketball rankings
Cameron Salerno
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Daniel Jacobsen, G Omer Mayer, G Gicarri Harris, F Liam Murphy, G Antione West Jr.
Greatest strengths: Purdue’s personnel is totally different. Smith is the very best level guard in America, and Kaufman-Renn is an issue within the paint. A Smith pocket cross to Kaufman-Renn was some of the unguardable actions within the sport. Smith fed Kaufman-Renn for a whopping 236 factors final yr, per CBB Analytics, and it ought to be a go-to characteristic of a Purdue offense that could possibly be the very best in America in 2025-26. Purdue all the time has a great deal of taking pictures, and this yr is not any totally different with Loyer, Cox, Mayer, Murphy and Harris. A contemporary invoice of well being for 7-foot-4 heart Jacobsen and the addition of South Dakota State switch Cluff ought to buff up the Boilermakers’ inside protection and rebounding, which have been two main obstacles a yr in the past.
Potential weaknesses: This roster just isn’t abounding with tip-top athleticism, and that could possibly be exacerbated by the departures of high-flying wings, particularly Myles Colvin (to Wake Forest) and Camden Heide (to Texas). Functionally, it would present up essentially the most on protection. Can Purdue discover somebody to deal with these robust assignments towards huge wings? Is the mixture of Cluff and Kaufman-Renn cell sufficient defensively? Can Purdue’s protection be disruptive? Or is that this only a protection pressured to play a barrage of drop protection and hope to win the shot-quality recreation?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Kingston Flemings, F Kalifa Sakho, G Mercy Miller, G Ramon Walker, G Chase McCarty, F Jacob McFarland
Greatest strengths: Houston’s protection mustn’t miss a beat due to the return of Uzan (a twitchy level of assault defender), Sharp (a burly, bodily wing defender) and Tugler (a menace each on the rim and blitzing ball screens). That is three plus defenders at three ranges of the ground. Add in five-star freshman like Harwell plus a program staple in Walker, and Houston has 4 huge guards to sic towards any opposing backcourt. Oh, and Houston has an inflow of NBA expertise with Harwell, Cenac and Flemings headlining this system’s greatest recruiting haul of the trendy period.
A talent-maximizing coach like Kelvin Sampson, armed with next-level prospects, is a scary proposition for the Kings of the Massive 12.
Potential weaknesses: I am curious how this halfcourt offense coalesces with some younger guys thrust into huge roles. When Houston wanted a bucket, grizzled veterans like LJ Cryer or J’Wan Roberts usually earned the decision. Houston will miss Roberts’ mid-post backdowns and Cryer’s dynamic shot-making. Can Cenac substitute a few of Roberts’ isolation brilliance? Harwell just isn’t fairly a burner like Cryer, so it will be as much as Sharp and Uzan to develop their offensive roles to new heights.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G CJ Ingram, C Micah Handlogten, G City Klavzar, G AJ Brown, G Isaiah Brown
Greatest strengths: Todd Golden could have the very best frontcourt in America with Haugh, Condon, Chinyelu and Handlogten within the fold. That fearsome foursome ought to assist Florida dominate the glass, management the paint and kickstart a smashmouth transition assault. It retains the ground extremely excessive for the Gators, despite the fact that the good Walter Clayton Jr. is off to the NBA. The Gators ought to have the ability to substitute Clayton’s manufacturing within the mixture. Haugh will earn extra burn and is a future NBA participant. Condon will get a bit higher in Yr 3. Fland, an Arkansas switch, goes to be terrific on this guard-friendly scheme, and Florida is ready to trot out some double-barreled, two-point guard appears with Lee subsequent to Fland. Each are tried-and-true shot creators who posted low turnover charges final yr. That is important for the mathematics to tilt in Florida’s favor.
Potential weaknesses: Haugh beginning on the 3 ought to be superb as a result of his deal with is so nifty, however Florida nonetheless wants a 3rd guard to emerge. Golden has a number of bites on the apple with Ingram, Klavzar and the Brown brothers (AJ and Isaiah), however the Gators received the Nationwide Championship as a result of they’d a number of secondary guards (Alijah Martin, Denzel Aberdeen and Will Richard) who have been enormous property on each ends of the ground. Does this roster have that behind Fland? We’re about to seek out out.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Jaylin Stewart, G Malachi Smith, F Eric Reibe, G/F Jayden Ross, G Jacob Furphy
Greatest strengths: A scheme like this with shooters of UConn’s ilk is utopia. The specter of the 3-ball from Demary, Ball, Mullins and Karaban (who may all shoot over 37% from downtown on excessive quantity) ought to gasoline a top-five offense, particularly paired with Reed, who’s a beast within the paint. Dan Hurley can go huge or small at a second’s discover, and that optionality is the whole lot within the chase for a championship.
UConn’s level guard play was dire for lengthy stretches final yr, however portal imports like Demary and Smith ought to rework it from a weak spot to a energy. Purdue enters 2025-26 as the favourite to be the No. 1 offense within the nation, however UConn is among the few that would realistically vault the Boilermakers.
Potential weaknesses: It is all concerning the protection if UConn needs to attain its lofty objectives. Can Reed defend the rim and anchor this protection with out fouling each different possession? Can Ball enhance as some extent of assault defender? What are UConn’s counters if it may’t defend the rim when Reed is not on the ground?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Dillon Mitchell, G Dylan Darling, F Ruben Prey, G Kelvin Odih
Greatest strengths: The relentless vitality and physicality from the Hopkins-Ejiofor frontcourt pairing makes St. John’s engaging. These two forwards are huge, sturdy and nasty. St. John’s also can throw Mitchell into the fray, and he is one of many elite athletes in all of faculty basketball. St. John’s is not simply athletic and powerful, it is also bought real-deal pace. Hopkins and Ejiofor are glass-cleaners, and that ought to enable the jet-quick Jackson to only obliterate defenders in transition.
The highest-four guards (Jackson, Sellers, Sanon and Darling) all shot over 35% on greater than 4.0 makes an attempt per recreation final season, and St. John’s goes to be a superb offensive rebounding staff. That is a splendid mixture for this offense to take a significant step in the best course, particularly after final yr when St. John’s rated exterior the top-200 nationally in offensive effectivity within the halfcourt, per Synergy.
Potential weaknesses: For all of the consternation about St. John’s level guard play (it will be superb), it is actually the opposite finish that issues far more to me. Rick Pitino has his work minimize out for him to mould this new-look group into the determined group of defensive hyenas that willed the 2024-25 Johnnies to a Massive East championship. RJ Luis, Deivon Smith, Aaron Scott and Kadary Richmond have been glorious particular person defenders. Jackson and Sanon, particularly, each struggled on protection final yr. St. John’s has two impeccable inside defenders in Mitchell and Ejiofor, however they will be requested to douse a ton of fires if the purpose of assault protection slips.
If Pitino builds one other top-five protection out of this personnel, simply give him Nationwide Coach of the Yr proper now.
6. Duke
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Cayden Boozer, F Maliq Brown, F Nikolas Khamenia, G Darren Harris, F Sebastian Wilkins
Greatest strengths: Jon Scheyer has a bit little bit of the whole lot on this frontcourt. Cameron Boozer is a future top-three choose, Ngongba is a critical candidate for a sophomore surge and Brown is among the particular defensive forwards within the sport. Duke’s offense has so many buttons it may press as a result of all three of its bigs have confirmed they will decipher defenses at a excessive degree.
Potential weaknesses: Duke has constructed one of many greatest rosters with nobody shorter than 6-5 within the rotation, however there are nonetheless defensive questions. Duke was good, not nice, at defending the rim at any time when Khaman Maluach was off the ground. With out Maluach and Cooper Flagg, can this staff be an elite shot-blocking staff? Additionally, Duke’s go-to closing lineup final yr had no dangerous defenders. Can Evans degree as much as ensure that Duke’s weak hyperlink is not a scorching spot?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Morez Johnson Jr., G Trey McKenney, F Will Tschetter, G LJ Cason, G Winters Grady
Greatest strengths: Michigan has the whole lot it must construct a dominant protection. Mara and Johnson present 40 minutes of rim safety. Lendeborg is a Swiss Military Knife defensively. Burnett and Gayle are huge, sturdy, veteran guards who convey it defensively. Cadeau will be an unscreenable pest when he needs to be. Michigan’s struggles to defensive rebound have been well-documented final yr and an enormous level of emphasis for Dusty Could’s workers. If this group struggles to rebound, Could will pop a gasket. There isn’t any excuse for Michigan to not be among the best rebounding groups within the nation.
Potential weaknesses: There have been a ton of notable struggling offenses final yr that shared an identical roster-construction blueprint. Mixing a low-volume shooter at level guard with a non-shooting heart created too many points. Could has to work round that with Cadeau and the Johnson/Mara platoon this yr. There’s sufficient pathways for Michigan to keep away from too many hiccups (like transition, offensive rebounding and a pointy scheme), however the historic traits aren’t fairly.
Projected beginning lineup
- G Rob Wright
- G Kennard Davis
- G Richie Saunders
- G/F AJ Dybantsa
- F Keba Keita
High reserves: G Dawson Baker, F Dominique Diomande, F Mihailo Boskovic, F Xavion Staton, F Tyler Mrus
Greatest strengths: BYU’s offense can press so many alternative buttons. The pick-and-roll recreation with Wright ought to be electrical. Richie Saunders’ off-ball slicing makes him a tough cowl. Dybantsa’s barrage of free throws and transition provides a brand new layer. There’s spot-up choices galore to drill 3-pointers. Kevin Younger’s offensive personnel is a lot extra athletic this yr.
Potential weaknesses: High-100 groups averaged 116.0 factors per 100 possessions towards BYU when Keita was not on the ground. BYU has to seek out defensive solutions when the large fella wants a blow or will get in foul bother.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Jayden Quaintance (if wholesome), G Jasper Johnson, F Kam Williams, G Collin Chandler, F Malachi Moreno
Greatest strengths: Kentucky has far more choices to go create a bucket out of nothing. Mark Pope’s system ought to weaponize dribble-drive slashers like Lowe, Oweh, Aberdeen and Dioubate. As soon as the ball will get popping, Kentucky is usually a brutal staff to defend with this degree of athlete in a system this intricate.
Potential weaknesses: Can Pope discover a huge man who could make reads? Garrison is the grownup within the room, however his decision-making left loads to be desired final yr. Freshman huge man Moreno has impressed and will garner extra minutes if he can decipher defenses shortly. How a lot has Quaintance been capable of choose up within the movie room whereas being sidelined with a knee harm? That is the largest concern for this offense proper now.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Donovan Atwell, F Josiah Moseley, G Jaylen Petty
Greatest strengths: Texas Tech’s offensive items match almost flawlessly collectively. Toppin is the fulcrum, and the pick-and-roll recreation with Anderson ought to hum with snipers like Bryan or Atwell spacing the ground. Watts is slated to undertake the Darrion Williams function as a bootyball risk who can create benefits in backdowns. Texas Tech may even get some vertical spacing with Bamgboye or some prompt offense from freshman guard Petty. Elijah Hawkins’ pocket passes might be missed, however Texas Tech is an exceptionally constructed staff with an opportunity to hum offensively.
Potential weaknesses: Who’s the defensive stopper on the perimeter? Texas Tech’s greatest protection could also be an offense that forces you to take it out of the online repeatedly, however somebody must develop into that go-to plus defender who can flip the water off. Watts’ defensive chops are underrated, so perhaps he turns into that man, however none of those Texas Tech guards have established themselves as lockdown defenders but.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Adrian Wooley, F Kasean Pryor, C Aly Khalifa, F Khani Rooths, F Vangelis Zougris, G Kobe Rodgers
Greatest strengths: Capturing, taking pictures, taking pictures. Only a few groups can offset the snipers Louisville has at its disposal. Conwell was among the best 5 shooters within the Massive East. McKneely was among the best 5 shooters within the ACC. Brown Jr. is among the high shooters within the freshman class. They’re all on the identical staff. Pat Kelsey may have a number of guys crack 100 3-pointers subsequent yr, which is outrageous.
Potential weaknesses: Louisville’s inside protection doesn’t challenge to be an actual energy when Fru just isn’t on the ground. There’s an actual probability it is a layup line for Louisville opponents when Khalifa is on the ground on the 5-spot.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Trent Perry, F Steven Jamerson II, F Brandon Williams
Greatest strengths: UCLA’s greatest 4 gamers are so regular. Dent is among the high flooring generals. Clark has develop into an excellent two-way guard. Dailey Jr. and Bilodeau present two extra expert forwards who can rating inside and outside. When your greatest 4 gamers have this a lot recreation, you will have an opportunity at a particular yr.
Potential weaknesses: Will Michigan State switch Booker and San Diego switch Jamerson II repair UCLA’s inside defensive points. In 19 Quad 1 video games, opponents shot 72% on the rim towards UCLA when huge man Aday Mara was not on the ground, per CBB Analytics. That ranked within the second (!) percentile nationally.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Motiejus Krivas, F Ivan Kharchenkov, G/F Dwayne Aristode, C Sidi Gueye, G Evan Nelson
Greatest strengths: Arizona’s paint-dominance recipe just isn’t going anyplace with Peat, Awaka and Krivas main the cost. Arizona might be one of many superior rebounding groups within the nation, and it has the athletes to crush opponents in transition.
Potential weaknesses: Arizona was enjoying its greatest basketball final yr when it had a middle on the ground who may hit 3-pointers. On paper, that does not appear to be within the playing cards with Awaka and Krivas splitting time on the 5. What counters does Tommy Lloyd have in his bag?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Malique Ewin, G/F Billy Richmond III, G Meleek Thomas, G/F Isaiah Sealy
Greatest strengths: Arkansas’ uncooked athleticism jumps off the tape. Knox, Brazile and Richmond are ridiculous athletes who breathe totally different air than the remainder of us. Pringle is so huge and powerful inside. Acuff and Wagner are twitchy, chiseled lead guards. The Hogs can overwhelm you in a rush.
Potential weaknesses: Function allocation is one thing this staff has to determine. Is Acuff the alpha? Is it Knox? Ewin will need his touches. Thomas is wired to attain when he checks in. Wagner nonetheless has these moments the place he needs to go make a play. The gathering of expertise is clear, however Arkansas’ pecking order is much from settled.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Jalil Bethea (when wholesome), G Houston Mallette, C Noah Williamson, F London Jemison, G Davion Hannah, F Amari Allen
Greatest strengths: Alabama was 20-3 when it scored not less than 15 transition factors final yr, and the Crimson Tide have the personnel to repeat that blueprint once more. Each Philon and Holloway can go within the open flooring, and Nate Oats might be winding his arm like a third-base coach on the sideline. Do not overlook the addition of Bol Bowen, who also can take it off the glass and push the break.
When Wrightsell and Bethea get again to 100%, Alabama’s going to unleash an avalanche of these ultra-valuable transition 3-pointers.
Potential weaknesses: Alabama had a cavalry of switchable frontcourt wings and forwards that it is advisable survive within the SEC, however Grant Nelson exhausted his eligibility and Mouhamed Dioubate, Derrion Reid and Jarin Stevenson transferred. Oats wants defensive stoppers to emerge on the wing. Bol Bowen will get the primary crack, however control Jemsion and Allen. Each four-star freshmen have glorious positional measurement and will use protection to crack this rotation. Alabama wants not less than certainly one of them to hit in a giant means.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Nate Heise, G Dominick Nelson, F Eric Mulder, F Dominykas Pleta, G Killyan Toure, G Cade Kelderman
Greatest strengths: There’s consolation in consistency, and Iowa State has it with Lipsey, Momcilovic and Jefferson returning. Lipsey and Jefferson are two of the very best defenders within the nation at their respective positions, and Momcilovic is a complete bucket who is aware of the defensive scheme just like the again of his hand. A cell huge man like Buchanan ought to be a nifty match for an Iowa State protection that ought to be a top-five unit in America.
Potential weaknesses: Does this backcourt have sufficient on-ball juice? Iowa State is banking on Lipsey staying wholesome and returning to his All-American type, however freshman Batemon may must be a dude instantly. Iowa State is so clearly a very good staff, but it surely appears one guard wanting the highest tier of nationwide title contenders. The dynamic transition assaults from Keshon Gilbert and the Curtis Jones heaters might be sorely missed.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Mihailo Petrovic, C Zvonimir Ivisic, F David Mirkovic, G Brandon Lee, F Jake Davis, F Ty Rodgers (when wholesome)
Greatest strengths: Brad Underwood’s offense is about to sizzle. 7-foot heart Tomislav Ivisic is the last word lid-lifter together with his bathe of 3-pointers and lovely over-the-top dimes. Illinois shot a scalding 70% on the rim when Ivisic was on the ground final yr, and the paint might be vast open for bodily drivers like Boswell and Stojakovic to eat. Illinois’ transition offense ought to bounce again in a significant means with speedy guards like Petrovic and Boswell pushing the tempo, and control freshman Keaton Wagler, who has impressed together with his shot-making, poise and really feel. I’ve Illinois rated as the sixth-best offense within the nation (KenPom echoed that projection a number of months later!). That will find yourself being too low for the Balkan Boys. This offense has so many outs to create beauty.
Potential weaknesses: Illinois has a ton of measurement up entrance, and Boswell is among the greatest 5 level of assault defenders within the nation. However this isn’t essentially the most athletic roster, and the Illini have been a bit snakebitten with minor accidents within the preseason to their high dawgs. Tomislav Ivisic (tonsillectomy), Stojakovic (knee sprain) and Petrovic (eligibility crimson tape) have all missed chunks of time, and that does not even consider Rodgers’ critical knee harm. Illinois is making an attempt to implement a brand new defensive scheme beneath new assistant Camryn Crocker with out main items on the ground. There could possibly be some rising pains as a result of the defensive chemistry has not been established but.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Jaylen Carey, F JP Estrella, G Ethan Burg, G Bishop Boswell, F DeWayne Brown, G/F Amari Evans
Greatest strengths: Tennessee has some ludicrous defensive lineups that it may trot out. Gillespie is a strong defender, Ament has glorious defensive instruments, Phillips is an excellent inside defender that nobody is aware of about but and Okpara is among the greatest shot-blockers within the SEC. Even with out Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee’s protection might be vicious. Good luck scoring in. the paint towards that front-line trio of Ament, Phillips and Zeigler.
Potential weaknesses: There might be a heavy load on Gillespie and Ament to run the present offensively. Can a 3rd man emerge? Regulate Estrella, who is likely to be Tennessee’s most gifted offensive huge man. He simply missed an enormous chunk of final yr with a foot harm and he is already missed time this preseason with a nasty ankle sprain. If he can get on the ground, Estrella’s gentle contact within the paint may also help this Vols’ offense immensely.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Elmarko Jackson, F Bryson Tiller, C Paul Mbiya, G Kohl Rosario, G Jamari McDowell
Greatest strengths: Kansas desperately wanted extra pep from the lead guard spot. Insert Peterson, who may very properly cement himself as the very best participant within the Massive 12, a First Group All-American and the unquestioned No. 1 choose within the NBA Draft. Kansas’ playbook can develop with Peterson on the helm, and his flurry of stutter-step drives, in-your-eyehole treys and unselfish playmaking will give Invoice Self the engine it must go. Peterson goes to publish ludicrous counting stats in 2025-26.
Oh, and Kansas can pair a future lottery choose with the bones of a powerful protection that may grind groups right into a pulp. It has huge, bodily guards. It has a terrifying rim protector in Bidunga, and the specter of a double-big lineup if Self chooses to toss Mbiya into the fray. Even with none continuity, Kansas will be one of many Massive 12’s greatest defenses.
Potential weaknesses: This can be some of the unproven bench teams that Self has ever had. Kansas does not have that second-unit dude who can change the sport in a flash. Can Jackson get wholesome after lacking all of final yr? Is Tiller able to be a chunk and dwell as much as the early recruiting hype? Can Rosario, a reclassified freshman from OTE, settle in as a 3-and-D function participant? Can Mbiya play subsequent to Bidunga or is he strictly going to be a backup 5-man? Kansas has numerous roles to determine within the preseason.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Filip Jovic, G Kaden Magwood, C Emeka Opurum, G Abdul Bashir, F Sebastian Williams-Adams
Greatest strengths: Auburn could very properly be the very best isolation scoring staff in America. Pettiford, Corridor, Murphy and Magwood can all create one thing for themselves in a jiffy. Auburn ought to have the ability to construct its total offense off the bucket-getting brilliance.
Potential weaknesses: The Tigers’ rim safety appears destined to take a big step again with out Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell patrolling the paint. I am curious the way it adjustments the construction of this protection, and the way lengthy it takes for this new-look staff to seek out consistency and synergy on that finish.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Mario Saint-Supery, G Emmanuel Innocenti, F Steele Venters, C Ismaila Diagne, G/F Jalen Warley, G/F Davis Fogle
Greatest strengths: Gonzaga is on the verge of unleashing a harmful double-big lineup of Ike and Huff, and the ripple results are apparent. Gonzaga’s transition ethos is not going anyplace. It can get you within the bonus. It can generate a paint contact and play off it. The Zags shot 69% on the rim final season — which ranked within the 96th percentile nationally — and the Ike-Huff duo ought to maintain the practice rolling.
The frontcourt goes to hold this staff.
Potential weaknesses: Gonzaga has a lot depth on the wing, however can some two-way gamers emerge exterior of Adam Miller and Grant-Foster (if cleared). Innocenti is a whale of a defender, however the offense leaves room to be desired. Venters could make jumpers, however how’s the lateral motion defensively after two years of leg accidents? Can Warley (a non-shooter) play with Ike and Huff? Some tinkering appears imminent for this sharp Gonzaga teaching workers to determine the best combos to totally weaponize this deep membership.
22. Michigan State
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Kur Teng, F Cam Ward, G Divine Ugochukwu, F Jesse McCulloch, G/F Jordan Scott
Greatest strengths: Michigan State ought to smother groups defensively. Fears has clamps, Carr is essentially the most athletic participant within the nation and each Kohler and Cooper are immovable, stout inside defenders. That quartet additionally calls for defensive buy-in from the remainder of the roster, whereas overlaying up a few of their warts. Michigan State may actually have the highest defensive unit within the Massive Ten.
Potential weaknesses: Fears, Carr, Kohler and Cooper all want so as to add extra to their offensive portfolios for MSU to be allowed to play its greatest defensive lineup. Offseason buzz is what it’s. We’ll begin to see if the offensive good points are actual when Michigan State hosts Bowling Inexperienced for an exhibition in lower than 10 days. That Oct. 28 exhibition towards UConn might be illuminating, too.
23. Creighton
Projected beginning lineup
- G Nik Graves
- G Josh Dix
- G/F Blake Harper
- F Jackson McAndrew
- F Owen Freeman
High reserves: G Fedor Zugic, G Austin Swartz, F Jasen Inexperienced, F Isaac Traudt, G Hudson Greer, G Ty Davis
Greatest strengths: It is nearly a felony to play for Creighton and never have the ability to drain 3-pointers. Creighton’s barrage of snipers will come at you in waves. Each single man on this rotation could make a jumper when you depart him open. Only a few groups can say that. Dix, McAndrew and Freeman are the highest dawgs, although. Dix is among the most effective three-level scorers in America, and McAndrew can warmth up from properly past NBA vary in a New York second. All that area ought to assist Freeman pour in buckets within the paint at will. Creighton’s offense has such a excessive flooring beneath Greg McDermott.
Potential weaknesses: There are a great deal of defensive questions littered up and down the roster. Is Dix the very best perimeter defender on this staff? In that case, that is most likely not a super signal. Can Freeman get wholesome and execute Creighton’s drop coverage-happy scheme?
24. Wisconsin
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Braeden Carrington, G Jack Janicki, C Will Garlock, F Elijah Grey, G Hayden Jones, C Aleksas Bieliauskas, G Zach Kinziger
Greatest strengths: Even with out prized offensive coordinator Kirk Penney, Wisconsin nonetheless has the personnel to turbo-smash offensively. Boyd, Blackwell and Rohde are three guards who could make reads in ball screens or function as off-ball snipers. Wisconsin’s frontcourt duo of Rapp and Winter may have the liberty to go “bombs away” from downtown. The Badgers may actually get extra treys from their frontcourt than nearly another high-major staff.
Potential weaknesses: There’s a ton on Winter’s plate to anchor this protection successfully. He is packed on weight to his 7-foot body, and his mixture of size, athleticism and shot-blocking potential is intriguing. If he is a game-changer defensively, Wisconsin’s ceiling could be very excessive. However that is a giant if.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Jarin Stevenson, G Derek Dixon, G Jonathan Powell, G Jaydon Younger, F Zayden Excessive, F James Brown, G Isaiah Denis
Greatest strengths: UNC has a nasty level of assault defender in Trimble, a superb hybrid wing/ahead defender in Wilson and a cell shot-blocker inside with Veesaar. UNC has buffed up its athleticism in a critical means. If this protection just isn’t a lot improved, one thing severely went improper.
Potential weaknesses: This roster is jam-packed with combo guards. Evans, Dixon, Trimble, Bogavac and Younger can all play with the ball of their arms, however there is no true initiator level guard on the roster. Who emerges because the organizer and units the desk successfully?