The Next 25: 26-50 Rankings & Previews

Let’s dig into the statistical resumes and projected rotations as we know them currently, this time. This will be updated moving forward as any new information comes in with player movement or unexpected progress over the summer practices. These rankings and rotational battles will be revisited multiple times as more information comes in leading into the season.

(Last year’s NET, Seed, and Tournament Finish on the top header line for reference. Deep bench players are not listed, only those in the projected rotation or to contend. I also included player ADJ eff rankings. ADJ eff Rankings and qualifying explanation here)

1-25 (click here)

26. St Louis

St Louis	66 NET	NIT	PER	1R
Francis Okoro	6-9, 235	10.8ppg, 8.1rpg	25.4	Sr
Javon Pickett	6-5, 220	11.1ppg, 3.1rpg (@Mizz)	12.2	Gr
Javonte Perkins	6-6, 215	17.1ppg 3.9rpg (2021)	21.4	Gr
Gibson Jimerson	6-5, 200	16.3ppg, 2.3rpg	16.8	So
Yuri Collins	6-0, 185	11.1ppg, 7.9apg	17.3	Jr
Fred Thatch Jr.	6-3, 215	9.3ppg, 5.5rpg	17.6	Sr
Terrence Hargrove Jr	6-4, 215	6.7ppg, 4.2rpg	11.5	Jr
Jake Forrester	6-8, 220	5.5ppg, 3.9rpg (@Temple)	17
Sincere Parker	6-3, 180	21.9ppg, 6.2rpg		Jr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
17	Francis Okoro
96	Javonte Perkins
221	Fred Thatch Jr.
231	Yuri Collins
251	Gibson Jimerson

This is some really nice depth. Adding Javon Picket from Missouri and getting back a 17ppg guy in Perkins to add to an already solid 66 NET team is big time. They were nearly top 50 NET two years ago with Perkins. I don’t trust Travis Ford, unfortunately, but I do like the roster to make a big step up. There is enough continuity and experience here with so many other teams in flux with all the portal movement and working players in I expect St. Louis to get off to a good start and make the jump to this range.

27. Texas A&M

Texas A&M	36 NET	NIT		CG
Julius Marble II	6-8, 225	6.4ppg, 3.3rpg (@Mich St)	18.2	Jr
Henry Coleman	6-7, 229	11.0ppg, 6.2rpg	22.4	Jr
Tyrece Radford	6-2, 200	10.9ppg, 6.2rpg	18.8	Sr
Andre Gordon	6-2, 188	5.4ppg, 2.2rpg	13.4	Sr
Wade Taylor	6-0, 186	8.2ppg, 2.2apg	14.6	So
Andersson Garcia	6-7, 205	4.3ppg, 4.2rpg (@Miss St)	20.5	Jr
Denis Dexter	6-5, 210	8.4ppg, 5.0rpg(@WSU)	12.3	Sr
Manny Obaseki	6-4, 189	3.6ppg, 1.8rpg	9.8	So
Hayden Hefner	6-6, 182	3.5ppg, 1.0rpg	11.7	Jr
Javonte Brown	7-0, 250	1.5ppg, 1.6rpg	13.3	So
Erik Pratt	6-5, 180	18.1ppg 4.1rpg (JUCO)		Jr
Solomon Washington	6-6, 190	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
29	Tyrece Radford
74	Henry Coleman

Jackson is a massive loss because he was superb, yet they only played him 26 minutes a game. It’s not like they are replacing a guy playing 35 minutes like most stars making his impact are. If they played the good players like him and Coleman that are really impacting the game positively more minutes, and you probably make the NCAA’s instead of the NIT last year.

That’s not really their style though. This team is extremely deep again, that’s why I posted 11 deep because they went about that deep last year. I don’t know why players with options really want to come here and play these suppressed minutes, but they do. They added some nice players and have existing continuity.

As a general philosophy, I’d much rather have a guy like Quenton Jackson last year playing 10 more minutes than the 10th or 11th man even if he’s not as fresh. This is college with a 30 second shot clock and 40 minute game with really young guys. This is not the NBA with 30 something year olds playing 82 games. I’ve never really seen the value in suppressing star’s minutes and having rotations this deep. Those minutes essentially go to 10th men.

Radford had a down year, but I do think he can step it up and play more like he did at Virginia Tech under Buzz and help make up some of the Jackson loss. There is still a lot of returning continuity and good players, from a team playing well late in the year too. I just question the style lending itself to a high ceiling with exceptions like Rick Pitino type talent and depth at Kentucky or Louisville.

28. Memphis

Memphis	31 NET	9 seed		2R
Malcolm Dandridge	6-9, 232	4.4ppg, 2.6rpg	15.8	Sr
Deandre Williams	6-9, 205	11.1ppg, 5.8rpg	21.7	Gr
Damaria Franklin	6-4, 210	17.8ppg, 6.9rpg (@UIC)	20.8	Sr
Keonte Kennedy	6-5 180	14.1ppg, 6.1rpg(@UTEP)	18.8	Sr
Kendric Davis	5-11, 190	19.4ppg, 4.4apg(@SMU)	23.8	Sr
Elijah McCadden	6-4, 210	11.7ppg, 4.6rpg(@GSU)	14.7	Gr
Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu	6-9, 200	4.7ppg, 4.8rpg(@UTA)	18.5	So
Jayden Hardaway	6-5, 195	2.9ppg, 1.0rpg	13.1	Sr
Chandler Lawson	6-8, 205	1.6ppg, 2.2rpg	14.2	Sr
Johnaton Lawson	6-6, 185	redshirt		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
11	Kendric Davis
41	Deandre Williams
263	Keonte Kennedy

(Edit: Reports are Akot didn’t show and Alex Lomax came back for year 5. In Damaria Franklin out Akot which is equivalent or better for Memphis IMO. )

This team really only had Kendric Davis committed in late May. Getting Deandre Williams to pull his name from the draft was crucial and I believe, helped eventually land Akot and Kennedy. Williams was never going to get drafted by the NBA, and there isn’t much of a chance at 26 years old with his build that he even will have much interest invested in him. He should make more money at Memphis with their FedEx money as desperate as they were for players than he could anywhere else in pro basketball around the world. This man does have to be somewhat sick of sitting in a classroom at his age, so I couldn’t have blamed him if he left.

It did however seem to be a harder process to get players than in recent years when the NCAA tournament isn’t assured with potential probation hanging over them. They probably saved disaster by landing Kendric Davis somehow. That was a huge get and I think Davis has the potential to be the best non-post player in the entire nation. He’s proven he can pretty much carry a team to the top 50.

Penny Hardaway certainly isn’t known as a micromanager so Davis will have all the freedom he wants to do whatever he wants. In this case, I don’t think it’s even that terrible because they should want the ball in Davis’s hands with him carrying the team. He’s almost all they have, but with Williams back, that’s at least a partnership and has the makings of a top 35 type team even with little else around them which is the case. The late additions of Akot and Kennedy cement that in my opinion.

I don’t think Akot or Kennedy are either amazing but they can be solid role players around Davis and Williams, Akot has proven that on a good team. He just doesn’t do a lot of stuff other than being a big wing that can get a hand up and make a few three’s. McCadden doesn’t seem like a Memphis level guy, but he’s needed at this point just as a warm body, I do however like the Akobundu-Ehiogu addition. He’s young and blocks shots at one of the highest rates in the nation. It took a while but they now have an experienced team with decent depth. Davis gives them a chance at the NCAA’s if the NCAA’s allow that.

29. Iowa

Iowa	14 NET	5 seed		1R
Filip Rebraca	6-9, 222	5.8ppg, 5.6rpg	15	Gr
Kris Murray	6-8, 215	9.7ppg, 4.3rpg	26.1	Jr
Patrick McCaffery	6-9, 200	10.5ppg, 3.6rpg	18	Jr
Tony Perkins	6-4, 210	7.4ppg, 2.4rpg	17.6	Jr
Ahron Ulis	6-3, 190	3.1ppg,2.1apg	11.5	Jr
Payton Sandfort	6-7, 215	5.0ppg, 1.9rpg	18.8	So
Connor McCaffery	6-5, 205	2.5ppg, 1.9apg	10.5	Gr
Josh Dix	6-4, 180	4*		Fr
Dasonte Bowen	6-3, 180	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
180	Patrick McCaffery

Originally I was going to say this…….”Iowa, sorry, you don’t just lose a player who had one of the greatest statistically efficient seasons ever and just replace him with his twin brother and the coach’s son and call it the same. He may look the same, but he wasn’t statistically anymore the same as Robin Lopez is the same as Brook. ” After digging in I am thinking about it more, I believe this is still a good team snarkiness aside. Continuity is still there and there are also guys with the talent to explore bigger roles, like Sandfort and the other Murray. Kris Murray is still pretty good even if he’s not his brother, his Peak Adjusted Efficiency if he qualified would have put him 16th and I do think he will have at least as high a quality efficient season as he did last year in extended minutes even if he doesn’t have a season like his brothers. No one can be expected to have that level of the season. There is enough experience returning they are still a team to respect and I give them and their system the benefit of the doubt even with the major loss of Keegan Murray.

30. Missouri

Missouri	151 NET	None
Mohamed Diarra	6-10,215	17.8ppg, 12.6rpg (JUCO)		Jr
Kobe Brown	6-7, 240	12.5ppg, 7.6rpg	21.2	Sr
DeAndre Gholston	6-5, 215	16.8ppg, 5.2rpg (2021@Mil)	19.2	Sr
Isiaih Mosley	6-5, 201	20.4ppg, 6.4rpg	27.7	Sr
Sean East	6-3, 170	20.9ppg 5.7apg (JUCO)		Jr
Nick Honor	5-10, 205	7.7ppg, 2.4apg(@Clemson)	12.9	Sr
Noah Carter	6-6, 229	15.0ppg, 4.1rpg(@NIU)	23.7	Jr
D’Moi Hodge	6-4, 180	15.4ppg, 3.1rpg (@Clev St)	23.8	Gr
Tre Gomillion	6-4, 215	10.5ppg, 4.7rpg (@Clev St)	17.1	Gr
Ronnie DeGray III	6-7, 220	8.3ppg, 4.6rpg	16.8	Jr
Aidan Shaw	6-8, 190	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
32	Isiaih Mosley
50	Kobe Brown
58	Noah Carter
178	Ronnie DeGray III

I loved what they had done even before they added Mosley. Obviously, this is a completely different team with a new coach. I think people could really be sleeping on the work Dennis Gates has put in on one spring. It’s great stuff including bringing over 2 core Cleveland State players to help him set the tone and vouch for him. Sean East even has solid D1 experience as well at Bradley and UMass and I choose to ignore how bad Gholston played last year. That was a weird year IMO with a highly inefficient, overhyped coach’s son altering his role and spots on the court. I expect him to bounce back closer to his 2021 season. This is a team that if they look good early will move up quickly in my rankings. Right now just the unknown of how they all work together seems to be the only hold-up and I doubt I’m sleeping on them more than most will. They could be a top 15 talented team, but who knows how it comes together.

31. UAB

UAB	49 NET	12 seed		1R
Trey Jemison	7-0, 260	7.0ppg, 7.4rpg	18.9	Sr
KJ Buffin	6-7, 230	10.0ppg, 6.8rpg	19.3	Sr
Ledarrius Brewer	6-5, 195	14.6ppg, 5.3rpg(@ETSU)	17.1	Gr
Jordan Walker	6-3, 185	20.3ppg, 4.9apg	22.8	Sr
Eric Gaines	6-2, 155	9.0ppg, 2.9apg(@LSU)	14.4	So
Tavin Lovan	6-4, 210	8.2ppg, 3.5rpg	18.3	Sr
Ty Brewer	6-9, 210	10.7ppg, 6.7rpg (@ETSU)	16.3	Gr
Javian Davis	6-9, 242	3.5ppg, 2.3rpg (@Miss St)	12.1	Sr
Tyler Bertram	6-3, 185	9.0ppg, 1.8rpg(@Bingington)	11.4	Jr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
75	Jordan Walker
198	Ladarius Brewer
236	KJ Buffen
253	Trey Jemison
283	Tavin Lovan
297	Eric Gaines

Returning 4 key players and a 20ppg scorer is pretty big to go with what they added. Adding a couple of brothers / teammates should help with the chemistry as well. Walker and Gaines are a big time backcourt in the making. This should be the year they take a big step, it’s just too good deep team top to bottom with lots of versatility that will have lots of winnable games.

Andy Kennedy has proven he is one of the portal whisperers, and UAB is lucky to have this alum probably for years to come. With the level he’s already recruiting at in the portal I’m really excited to see the kind of transfers Kennedy can pull off when they upgrade conferences to the American. They already are on the cusp of the top 25 as it is.

32. Wyoming

Wyoming	58 NET	12 seed		1R
Graham Ike	6-9, 245	19.5ppg, 9.6rpg	25.1	Jr
Hunter Maldonado	6-7, 200	18.5ppg, 5.7rpg	22.9	Gr
Max Agbonkpolo	6-8, 190	7.7ppg, 3.5rpg(@USC)	13.9	Sr
Xavier DuSell	6-4, 190	7.5ppg	8	Jr
Ethan Anderson	6-1, 210	4.4ppg, 2.2apg(@USC)	9.4	Sr
Jeremiah Oden	6-8, 180	7.8ppg, 4.5rpg	15	Jr
Brendan Wenzel	6-7, 212	5.2ppg 2.9rpg	9.8	Jr
Jake Kyman	6-6, 220	2.4ppg, 1.0rpg(@UCLA)	12.7	Sr
Noah Reynolds	6-3, 195	2.9ppg, 0.7apg	7.5	So
Hunter Thompson	6-10, 235	2.7ppg, 1.5rpg	8	Gr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
25	Graham Ike
62	Hunter Maldonado

I’m not as high on their transfer haul as most people, they are fine but not really difference makers in my opinion. The difference maker here is Maldonado pulling his name out of the draft last minute. Getting him back with solid upgraded role players and the continuity they had from the returners here makes this a much more interesting team. With Roddy staying in the draft the MWC championship now seems to be a 2 team race with San Diego State and Ike and Maldonado are a great 1-2 punch to have.

33. LSU

LSU	20 NET	6seed		1R
KJ Williams	6-10, 245	18.0ppg, 8.4rpg (@Murray St)	30.3	Gr
Kendal Coleman	6-8,230	15.4ppg, 10.1rpg (@Northwestern St	24.4	So
Trae Hannibal	6-2, 210	9.2ppg, 5.1rpg(@ Murray St)	21.7	Jr
Cam Hayes	6-3,175	7.8ppg, 3.1apg (@NC St 2021)	14.1	So
Justice Hill	6-0, 170	13.4ppg, 5.1apg(@Murray St)	19.2	Jr
Derek Fountain	6-9, 210	5.4ppg, 3.0rpg(2021@ Miss St)	12.4	Jr
Adam Miller	6-3, 180	8.3ppg, 2.8rpg (2021@Illinois)	9.5	So
Mwani Wilkinson	6-5, 215	4.0ppg, 3.0rpg	9.9	So
Jalen Reed	6-9, 230	4*		Fr
Shawn Phillips	6-10, 250	4*		Fr
Tyrell Ward	6-7, 180	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
49	KJ Williams
165	Kendal Coleman
248	Trae Hannibal

I really like what McMahon has done since his arrival, even losing most of his team. They probably won’t be able to play in the NCAA, unfortunately for things he didn’t do. I guess no one told the new players this. Either way, I really like what he did around the new guys retaining Miller and Wilkerson even if I wasn’t as high on them as others. Off the bench, they are completely solid.

Either way, when you can essentially reconstitute 3/4’s of the impactful core of a top 30 NET team at Murray State that went to the 2nd round, I think that will go a long way in the rebuild. Those three carry-over players can help set the tone and culture for what McMahon wants and drive some continuity and get the rest of the players in place. This is something the other portal-heavy type teams probably won’t have early.

I doubt anyone else will rank them anywhere nearly as high but I guess it comes down to how real you think a top 30 NET/2nd round Murray State was. I think they were legit and this is almost like transporting their team to the P6 and adding Colman and some LSU depth I think this could even be a little disrespectful. We’ll see how well it works in the SEC.

34. Virginia

Virginia	68 NET	NIT		3R
Kadin Shedrick	6-11, 216	6.9ppg, 5.1rpg	23.7	Jr
Jayden Gardner	6-6, 235	15.3ppg, 6.4rpg	22	Gr
Armaan Franklin	6-4, 194	11.1ppg, 2.8rpg	13.9	Sr
Reece Beekman	6-3, 174	8.2pg 5.2apg	18.2	Jr
Kihei Clark	5-9, 160	10.0ppg, 4.4apg	13	Gr
Ben Vander Plas	6-8, 223	14.3ppg, 6.8rpg(@Ohio)	20.6	Gr
Francisco Caffaro	7-0, 250	4.3ppg, 4.6rpg	13	Sr
Taine Murray	6-5, 205	2.0ppg, 0.9rpg	9.5	So
Isaac Traudt	6-8, 205	4*		Fr
Isaac McKneely	6-3, 180	4*		Fr
Leon Bond	6-6, 190	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
20	Jayden Gardner
192	Reece Beekman
300	Ben Vander Plas

Yeah, these are mostly the same guys that went nowhere last year. Yeah, they can’t throw it in the ocean from outside. That said I’m still a sucker for regular-season Tony Bennett. Yes, I say regular season even with a national championship in his pocket. I think they make the move back towards the top 30. K. Clark is a game manager low upside solid floor guy, but at this point, he’s got to be like an extension of Bennett.

The biggest add this spring is the desperately needed floor spacer Vander Plas. He’s not even a great 3 point shooter at 33% but with the futility and volume UVA shoots them at, that’s even an improvement. Especially coming from a stretch big and hopefully drawing out an opposing big to give Beekman and Gardner more of a path to the basket. Having a year in the system for starters like Gardner and Franklin should help. In this system I think matters more than most.

I just need to see how they deploy Vander Plas. Does he take more of Gardner’s minutes, or Shedrick, that will be the most interesting part. I don’t think Gardner is capable of playing SF but that’s the other option Bennett could try. Vander Plas being on the court to provide some shooting and space is highly needed regardless of how they go about it.

The question that most likely needs to be answered will be can how he and Gardner could hold up together in the post. Gardner still needs to be on the court a lot for this team to have a chance IMO, and he could some space Vander Plas can help with to maximize his game which I believe has another level if he could get any spacing help. Gardner previously held up pretty well playing a lot of center in the AAC, so I could see them working defensively together in the post with another year of Gardner in this system.

35. Texas Tech

Texas Tech	8 NET	3 seed		S16
Fardaws Aimaq	6-11, 245	18.9ppg, 13.6 (@UVSU)	25	Sr
Kevin Obanor	6-8, 225	10.0ppg, 5.5rpg	16.8	Gr
Kerwin Walton	6-5, 205	8.2ppg, 1.7rpg(@UNC 2021)	12.9	Fr-r
D’Maurian Williams	6-5, 195	14.5ppg, 4.6rpg(@Gardner Webb)	17.5	So
De’Vion Harmon	6-2, 198	10.8ppg, 2.1apg(@Oregon)	13.7	Sr
Jaylon Tyson	6-7, 210	1.8ppg, 1.1rpg (@Texas)	12.9	Fr-r
Rickie Isaacs	6-2, 190	4*		Fr
Clarence Nadolny	6-3, 190	3.5ppg, 1.2rpg	10.4
Daniel Batcho	6-11, 245	2.2ppg, 2.7rpg	16.2	So
Lamar Washington	6-4, 210	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
63	Kevin Obanor
77	Fardaws Aimaq

It’s a completely new team and I think the biggest task will be getting so many new key parts playing together early. I do however like the roster makeup and how Adams has rebuilt for the most part. Fardaws was one of the best transfers in the nation that should be able to anchor a solid defense around. Harmon is a pretty experienced PG to help bring it together and Williams has some size and shooting ability to space it out. There is a little question about how good a facilitator Harmon can actually be though.

It’s all solid, the hope is just Tyson can live up to the hype. He didn’t get much chance at Texas to discredit the rankings in a small sample, but I do think you have to worry some about why he wasn’t playing more. Texas was loaded sure, but guys with his hype typically find their way into the rotation especially early and he did not.

I thought their season kind of hinged on if Tyson was overrated or not, and can play the role they need him to. The other 4 projected starters seem experienced and solid enough to keep them competitive. Adding Kerwin Walton from UNC changed that calculus. I think that solidly put them in the top 40 if they can get him to play any level of defense at all.

Fortunately, that is what this team was known for last year. We know Walton is a solid shooter who could average 8ppg on a pretty good UNC team. He was all but forgotten last year but he’s the kind of proven wing Tech needs. The post players between Fardaws and Obanor should be among the best in the nation, it’s just what’s around them coming together now.

36. Illinois

Illinois	15 NET	4 seed		2R
Coleman Hawkins	6-10, 200	5.9ppg, 4.3rpg	16.1	Jr
Matthew Mayer	6-9, 225	9.8ppg, 5.0rpg	19	Gr
RJ Melendez	6-7, 205	3.8ppg, 1.7rpg	24.2	So
Terrance Shannon	6-6, 210	12.9ppg, 4.0rpg(2021@ Texas Tech)	21.1	Sr
Skyy Clark	6-2, 200	4*		Fr
Jayden Epps	6-1, 175	4*		Fr
Dain Dainja	6-9, 270	2.0ppg, 1.rpg(@Baylor)	23.4	So
Ty Rodgers	6-6, 210	4*		Fr
Luke Goode	6-7, 200	2.0ppg, 1.8rpg	9.8	So
Austin Hutcherson	6-6, 180	2.8ppg, 2.0rpg	5	Gr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
106	Matthew Mayer
109	Terrance Shannon

This team seemed to be going nowhere until they landed Mayer, but with him, they now have a good chance to crack the top 40. Underwood is a good coach and Shannon has demonstrated he could play a bigger role in 2021 and still be efficient. Last year was a little down for Shannon dealing with an injury but it wasn’t bad enough to miss significant time so well assume he’s more healthy and the version he was 2 seasons ago. When you have peaked out at a higher level I’ll believe that is at least the ceiling until there are multiple down years or a good reason not to, like a major injury.

There are still some questions but Mayer answered a lot of the bigger ones. The only question now is how he will hold up in extended minutes and even more usage. Illinois will certainly need him to be one of the two main offensive cogs. There was a respectable baseline still from Mayer last season, but we did see a noticeable drop in the efficiency already as the minutes and role got bigger. He will need to maintain at least the efficiency he had last year in an even higher usage role this year for this team to get into the top 40, but I do think that is achievable.

At this moment they will still have to depend on some freshman point guards to get Shannon and Mayer the ball which remains some concern. After I ran my model it liked them overall more than my eye test did with both Shannon and Mayer barely missing the top 100. I think any further upside lies with Melendez and how good he can be in a bigger role. He’s not a great fit as a non shooter, but having a bigger stretch 4 like Mayer beside him allows for another nonshooter to be playable in the line up. He should be able to play in the dunker role around the basket on offense with Mayer stretching the floor. If Melendez can maintain 3/4’s of his efficiency last year in starter minutes they probably have a chance to be a top 30 team.

37. Ohio State

Ohio State	23 NET	7 seed		2R
Zed Key	6-8, 245	7.8ppg, 5.6rpg	20.4	Jr
Justice Sueing	6-7, 215	10.7ppg 5.5rpg(2021)	18.2	Gr
Tanner Holden	6-6, 185	20.1ppg, 7.1rpg(@Wright St)	24.8	Sr
Sean McNeil	6-3, 210	12.2ppg, 2.5rpg(@WVU)	13.7	Sr
Isaac Likekele	6-5, 215	7.1ppg, 3.5apg(@OK St)	12.3	Sr
Eugene Brown	6-6 195	3.5ppg, 2.4rpg	9.1	Jr
Brice Sensabaugh	6-6. 240	4*		Fr
Seth Towns	6-8, 230	3.8ppg, 2.2rpg(2021)	15.5	Jr
Bruce Thornton	6-1, 190	4*		Fr
Felix Okpara	6-10, 210	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
131	Justice Sueing
156	Tanner Holden

I’m not the biggest fan of Holtmann, but this is a pretty nicely rebuilt roster. It’s a little short in the post but the pieces are solid. I would rather have a 6-8 guy that can play than a 7 footer that can’t and both have played well. Sueing only played 2 games last year, but he’s been very good previously. Towns didn’t play last year as well but he was solid in limited minutes and previously at Harvard. Getting these two players back with experience will be helpful if they can remain healthy.

I really like the transfer haul too. Wright State wasn’t that good this year but I don’t think you can blame Holden as productive as he was individually. They were however top 75 NET the year prior with him leading the way. He’s a very productive player who can get to the line at an elite level, and I believe that’s still going to translate.

Holden’s three point shooting was average on dare you to shoot low volume. Still, he made enough that the hope is the volume can be expanded and the percentage hold up enough to be passable. There at least seems to be a path to improve and keep up with the step up in competition. McNeil however played against the 7th strongest SOS last year at WVU so he’s very tested. The unfortunate news is there might still be an injury with Sueing so that has to be part of this.

38. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State	45 NET	on probation last year
Moussa Cisse	6-10, 220	7.2ppg, 6.5rpg	21.9	Jr
Kalib Boone	6-9, 220	9.4ppg, 5.4rpg(2021)	23.9	Sr
Caleb Asberry	6-3, 170	13.6ppg, 4.5rpg(@Texas St)	20.4	So
Avery Anderson	6-3, 170	12.1ppg, 3.2rpg	13.9	Sr
John-Michael Wright	6-1, 185	20.7ppg, 5.2rpg (2021@HighPoiint)	25.9	Sr
Russell Harrison	6-7, 200	13.1ppg, 5.5rpg(@ULM)	17	Gr
Bryce Thompson	6-5, 188	10.6ppg, 2.3rpg	11.8	Jr
Tyreek Smith	6-7, 220	3.5ppg, 2.8rpg	18.6	Jr
Woody Newton	6-8, 200	2.1ppg, 0.9rpg	10.7	So
Chris Harris	6-2, 200	3.4ppg, 1.1rpg(2021)	4.1	So-r

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
136	John-Michael Wright

This was a great defensive team last year and returning Cisse, I don’t see that changing. This is a team that could easily move into the top 25 if Wright and Asberry can transition to a P5 conference and just be solid enough. Not even great, just help the terrible offense out of the gutter. Wright was incredible individually 2 seasons ago at High Point, but down a little last year. I think he has the better chance, and they really need the offensive help. This is a nice, deep team with upside tied mostly to how Wright transitions up several levels and if Boynton will actually play Boone more than 11 minutes a game. He was awesome last year when he did play. If I knew for a fact he would play 25 to 30 minutes I would have them top 30.

39. Villanova

Villanova	6 NET	2 seed		F4
Eric Dixon	6-8, 260	9.1ppg, 6.4rpg	21.9	Sr
Cameron Whitmore	6-7, 220	5*		Fr
Brandon Slater	6-6, 211	8.3ppg, 3.7rpg	15,1	Gr
Caleb Daniels	6-4, 210	10.2ppg,3.8rpg	15.3	Sr
Mark Armstrong	6-2, 185	4*		Fr
Chris Arcidiacono	6-5, 196	1.6ppg, 1.0rpg	9.3	So
Jordan Longino	6-5, 220	1.8ppg, 0.8rpg	7.3	So
Branden Hausen	6-4, 180	4*		Fr
Justin Moore*	6-4, 210	14.8ppg, 4.8rpg(torn Achiles)	18.1	Sr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
39	Eric Dixon
139	Justin Moore*
242	Caleb Daniels
258	Brandon Slater

This one isn’t fun, it’s mostly because of injury but also Jay Wright. Most previews seem to gloss over the fact Moore tore his Achilles on April 2nd. Is he really to be depended on starting 8 months from now? I don’t think so.

Neptune showed some positive aspects in a mild turnaround at Fordham and at least kicked off the training wheels, unlike Scheyer. Still, there is a big difference between Jay Wright and Kyle Neptune, even before injuries and attrition.

Dixon, Slater, and Daniels can keep them afloat enough to around bubble level if one of the freshmen can step up. Whitmore seems like the best bet, and they will need him to be big time and live up to the top 15 billing unless Moore comes back strong way earlier. I wouldn’t expect that given the severity of his injury if he comes back at all to be the same player at that stage of recovery. There are far to many question marks around this team for me to put them any higher.

40. Providence

Providence	24 NET	4 seed		S16
Clifton Moore	6-10, 220	12.9ppg, 6.1rpg(@La Salle)	21.2	Gr
Ed Croswell	6-8, 245	5.3ppg, 4.7rpg	22.9	Gr
Devin Carter	6-3, 188	9.8ppg, 3.8rpg(@S. Carolina)	17.7	So
Noah Locke	6-3, 203	9.6ppg,2.3rpg(@Louisville)	10.5	Sr
Jared Bynum	5-10, 180	12.2ppg, 4.0apg	19.1	Sr
Bryce Hopkins	6-6, 220	2.1ppg, 1.4rpg(@Kentucky)	12.1	So
Alyn Breed	6-3, 180	3.2ppg, 1.2rpg	6.4	Jr
Corey Floyd	6-4, 205	UConn didn’t play		Fr
Jayden Pierre	6-2, 165	4*		Fr
Quant’e Berry	6-5, 175	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
104	Clifton Moore
128	Jared Bynum

It helps a lot to have a returning senior PG as good as they do in Bynum with so many new parts. It’s going to be an asset to have him directing these new guys. I expect Locke to get his shooting stroke back he had at Florida, and the post projects as strong just not deep. Carter is young and has room to grow a lot between years 1 and 2. Add another solid post option and I’d feel much better about the depth with covid and injury always lurking.

41. Wisconsin

Wisconsin	25 NET	3 seed		2R
Steven Crowl	7-0, 217	8.8ppg,4.4rpg	16.5	Jr
Tyler Wahl	6-9, 220	11.4ppg, 5.9rpg	19	Sr
Jahcobi Neath	6-3, 200	1.6ppg, 1.5rpg	6	Sr
Max Klesmit	6-3, 180	14.9ppg, 2.9rpg(@Wofford)	18.6	So
Chucky Hepburn	6-2, 211	7.2ppg, 2.3apg	10.6	So
Jordan Davis	6-4, 200	1.3ppg, 0.9rpg	6.7	So
Kamari McGhee	6-0, 185	11.6ppg, 2.8rpg(@Green Bay)	11	So
Connor Essegian	6-4, 190	3*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS
107	Tyler Wahl
195	Steven Crowl
275	Max Klesmit

This isn’t your normal Wisconsin team. They have enough in the post that they aren’t going to get trucked there and can probably inflict some damage, but this guard play is sketchy. When you will have to depend on inefficient mid-major guys like McGhee I’d be concerned. Neath has had a little better caliber of seasons at Wake Forest previously, so I give him the starting nod, but it doesn’t inspire much confidence either. I don’t really like this team and I don’t like the depth at all, but they do have continuity and a style of play that seems to work in their favor. The post is solid and they have an experienced point guard. Klesmit should add enough shooting and additional help to put them here.

42. Purdue

Purdue	12 NET	3 seed		S16
Zach Edey	7-4, 285	14.4ppg, 7.7rpg	40.9	Jr
Caleb Furst	6-10, 215	4.1ppg, 3.2rpg	15.8	So
Mason Gillis	6-6, 230	6.4ppg, 4.8rpg	15.3	Jr
David Jenkins	6-2, 195	14.8ppg, 2.4rpg(@UNLV 2021)	15.9	Sr
Fletcher Loyer	6-3, 185	4*		Fr
Brandon Newman	6-5, 195	4.6ppg	11.8	Jr
Ethan Morton	6-6, 215	2.4ppg, 1.4apg	11.9	Jr
Braden Smith	5-10, 180	4*		Fr
Camden Heide	6-5, 180	4*		Fr
Trey Kaufman	6-9, 225	4* Redshirt		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
1	Zach Edey

This is the season Zach Edey actually has to finally get unleashed, hallelujah. They have little else. It was so frustrating Painter couldn’t figure out a way to get Edey and Williams on the court together at all last year instead of wasting both away on the bench for half the game. Sure, it wouldn’t have been an ideal fit but when you have two of the best players in the nation they got to be on the court, fit or not. Especially the way Williams moved and passed and could handle the ball, and how they already worked in completely different areas of the court. That was a big miss, not constructing a way to play both together.

I think Edey could be the best statistical player in the nation if any of these guards can actually get him the ball. Unfortunately, I think he will need to be to drag this team anywhere near the NCAA’s. 23ppg 12rpg? I believe a line like that is possible with 30 minutes of run but would that even be enough?

They are going to be dependent on a freshman PG at this point. Right now, Loyer seems to be the most likely. He averaged 27ppg, 3.6apg in high school as a senior and shot 37% from three. If he can’t do it the task will likely fall to 5-10 Braden Smith averaged 18ppg 6apg and shot 42% from distance. If they had a more proven PG option at least, I would feel much better about this team. With hundreds of them out there how did they not land one.

Late in June, they tried, landing David Jenkins from Utah who is an accomplished undersized SG but not a player that has ever shown any ability to facilitate. I guess they offered him a chance to try to be the PG. I do not think it will work but he will still be a valuable addition having his proven 3-point shooting will help a lot and gives them an experienced starter and guard that they really needed. They just need a couple more in my opinion. Edey should still be good enough to get them here if he plays anywhere close to what he did per minute last year and adds 10 minutes of court time or more. I believe he will.

43. Michigan

Michigan	27 NET	11 seed		S16
Hunter Dickinson	7-1, 255	18.6ppg, 8.6rpg	28.8	Jr
Terrance Williams	6-7, 240	4.7ppg, 2.4rpg	12.9	Jr
Jett Howard	6-7, 185	4*		Fr
Kobe Bufkin	6-4, 175	3.0ppg, 1.1rpg	9.4	So
Jaelin Llewellyn	6-2, 175	15.7ppg, 2.5apg (@Princeton)	18.3	Jr
Joey Baker	6-6, 201	4.5ppg, 1.2rpg (@Duke)	13.6	Gr
Tarris Reed	6-9, 230	4*		Fr
Dug McDaniel	5-9, 150	4*		Fr
Gregg Glenn	6-6, 220	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
7	Hunter Dickinson

I guess we are in the Big 10 portion of the rankings, it’s another team driven primarily by one post player. When I first started working on this team, I dropped them into the 30s because I wasn’t a believer in Llewellyn as a facilitator. After the draft deadline to stay in this team developed bigger issues when Houstan and Diabate somewhat unexpectedly stayed in the draft. I didn’t like the guard play before that but now there are more question marks.

Whether on purpose or not Howard had set the team up where his son needed to play a large role. Now there is really no other option. Dickinson is a beast but someone has to get him the ball. I still believe Llewellyn is more of an off the ball guy, and he didn’t even facilitate in the Ivy League. The only other option is a 5-9, 150lb freshman. It was a tough draft deadline for sure but this team had to guard issues brewing even before that. Losing Houstan and Diabate didn’t cripple their team entirely with a great player like Dickinson, but it does hurt the defense and depth. It also puts more pressure on younger players immediately. They were able to added Joey Baker from Duke since my initial previews to at least solidify the wings a little if Howard isn’t up for the task. Obviously, he projects more as a role player but he will be valuable experienced depth for sure and may be depended on for more given the question.

44. Iowa State

Iowa State	41 NET	11 seed		S16
Osun Osunniyi	6-10, 220	11.3, 7.5rpg(@St Bonny)	24.5	Sr
Alijaz Kunc	6-8, 212	6.0ppg, 4.1rpg	15	Gr
Jaren Holmes	6-4, 215	13.5ppg, 5.0rpg(@St Bonny)	15.1	Sr
Gabe Kalscheur	6-4, 200	9.6ppg, 2.4rpg	6	Sr
Jeremiah Williams	6-5, 185	9.5ppg, 4.3apg(@Temple)	15.1	So
Hason Ward	6-9, 200	6.5ppg, 4.8rpg(@VCU	17.8	Sr
Tre King	6-9, 225	14.9ppg, 6.2rpg(@EKU 2020)	20.9	Jr
Caleb Grill	6-3, 196	6.4ppg, 2.6rpg	12.2	Sr
Tamin Lipsey	6-0, 170	4*		Fr
Eli King	6-3, 185	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
35	Osun Osunniyi
282	Jaren Holmes

One of the biggest turnarounds you will ever see last year for 1st year coach T.J. Otzelberger. I like the rebuilt roster again. Osunniyi with his 7’8″ wingspan should help anchor another solid defense. Having his teammate from St Bonaventure who he’s played so many minutes together should help with some continuity earlier than most transfer-heavy classes.

I believe the key is getting more from Kalscheur. His shooting has left him in a big way, but if he can revert to Minnesota-Kalscheur then this team has upside. It’s harder to believe in a guy who hasn’t done it at a high level since the 20teens, but generally, when you show me the ceiling as a player I’m going to believe he can get back if there was no major injury.

Unfortunately, here there is a finger surgery that seems to have done that. He was trending down even prior to the injury, still I find it hard to believe a broke finger is all of the problems here now. I think he can get back to at least a passable average level (34%) shooter. He doesn’t have to be 41% from three like in 2019 on high volume, just don’t be 23% would help a lot.

45. West Virginia

West Virginia	73 NET
Mohamed Wague	6-9, 200	14.8ppg, 11.9rpg (JUCO)		Jr
Tre Mitchell	6-9, 240	18.8ppg, 8.2rpg(2021@UMass)	26.9	Sr
Emmitt Matthews Jr.	6-7, 215	11.7ppg, 4.7rpg(@Washington)	14.4	Gr
Erik Stevenson	6-3, 198	11.6ppg, 4.7rpg(@S. Carolina)	16.1	Sr
Joe Toussaint	6-0, 190	4.3ppg, 3.2apg(@Iowa)	14.9	Sr
Kedrian Johnson	6-3, 180	5.3ppg, 1.7apg	12.2	Gr
Patrick Suemnick	6-8, 220	12.0ppg, 6.1rpg (JUCO)		Jr
Jimmy Bell	6-10, 270	9.3ppg, 9.1rpg (JUCO)		Jr
Kobe Johnson	6-3, 210	1.5ppg, 0.7rpg	7.6

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
15	Tre Mitchell
270	Erik Stevenson

This is really just a ranking for Tre Mitchell and Bob Huggins. It’s a weird partnership but I am a lot higher on Mitchell than most. I think he’s one of the best transfers even though he didn’t play much at Texas. I don’t think he did anything there to discredit his resume from UMass while there. He was still highly productive when he played.

Huggins is still one of the best coaches, so I think he’s going to figure this out. They played such a brutal SOS last year, but he should be on the other end of the wins more this season. If they could shoot 3’s at all I would consider moving them higher.

Maybe this is the year Stevenson makes some outside shots. That’s what he’s supposed to be good at in theory you would think even though he’s a career 30% three point shooter. He somehow made 61-62 FT’s last year so maybe he can have some anomaly year from three. I do worry about the 3 point shooting overall.

46. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech	22 NET
Grant Basile	6-9	18.4 Pts, 8.5 Reb(@Wright St)	25.1	Sr
Justyn Mutts	6-7	10.1 Pts, 7.4 Reb	20.9	Sr
Darius Maddox	6-5	6.4 Pts, 1.9 Reb	17.6	Jr
Hunter Cattoor	6-3	10.0 Pts, 4.0 Reb	15.1	Sr
Sean Pedulla	6-1	5.4 Pts, 1.3 Ast	17.9	So
Sean Pedulla	6-1	5.4 Pts, 1.3 Ast	17.9	So
Mylyjael Poteat	6-9	7.7 Pts, 4.2 Reb(@Rice)	24.4	So

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
55	Justyn Mutts
149	Grant Basile
259	Hunter Cattoor

Virginia Tech got a raw deal last year with an 11 seed. This is a team that deserved much better with a 22 NET ranking and having just won the ACC tournament the day before. They got an unexpected, nice surprise when Justyn Mutts withdrew his name from the NBA draft. They do still have big shoes to fill with Keve Aluma. They did very well for themselves, adding a couple of other ground bound productive centers in Grant Basile and Mylyjael Poteat. The real question will be how well they hold up on defense, I expect them to still remain quite productive on offense. Basile is the most likely starter, and he did anchor a top 75 NET Wright State team 2 seasons ago. Wright State had a very good 22nd ranked defense with him playing 27 minutes a game albeit vs a low major schedule. Things didn’t go as well last year 241st defense. I do not think the losses of Alleyne and Murphy are all that major. They should be able to replace them internally. This is a team should still have a lot of bite.

47. Arizona State

Arizona State	100 NET
Warren Washington	7-1, 215	10.5ppg, 6.6rpg(@Nevada)	22.9	Sr
Devan Cambridge	6-6, 215	8.9ppg, 3.6rpg(2021)	11.3	Sr
Desmond Cambridge	6-4, 180	16.2ppg, 5.1rpg(@Nevada)	20.2	Gr
DJ Horne	6-0, 175	12.5ppg, 2.9rpg	13.1	Jr
Marcus Bagley	6-1, 200	10.4ppg, 4.0apg	15.6	Gr
Frankie Collins	6-1, 185	2.8ppg, 1.4apg(@ Mich)	8.7	So
Luther Muhammad	6-3, 185	5.2ppg, 2.3rpg	7.8	Gr
Alonzo Gaffney	6-9, 200	4.2ppg, 3.6rpg	11.1	Sr
Enoch Boakye	6-10, 240	2.0ppg, 3.5rpg	9.8	So

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
60	Warren Washington
133	Desmond Cambridge

This team was not very inspiring at first glance, but when I looked at what else was left at the bottom of the Pac 12 I concluded someone has to win games. I generally wouldn’t have thought some parts off a #125 NET Nevada would make them this level of team, but they were some of the few good parts. They also get a little bonus for bringing in teammates and brothers which should help them get off to a little better start with early season chemistry that most teams with new pieces won’t have.

The roster just seems a lot better and there will still be enough strength at the top in the Pac 12 someone has to fall in this range. I would say having an experienced backcourt and continuity helps, but this offense was atrocious 328th last year. Washington and Desmond Cambridge should help at least help it run more efficiently. This team probably needs to get to an NCAA to save Hurley’s job and I think they are capable.

48. Michigan State

Michigan State	38 NET	7 seed		2R
Joey Hauser	6-9, 220	7.3ppg, 5.3rpg	15.9	Gr
Malik Hall	6-7, 215	8.9ppg, 4.6rpg	17.9	Sr
A.J. Hoggard	6-3, 220	7.0ppg, 4.8apg	17	Jr
Jaden Akins	6-4 180	3.4ppg, 2.4rpg	10.8	So
Tyson Walker	6-0, 162	8.2ppg, 4.3apg	16.2	Sr
Mady Sissoko	6-9, 230	1.1ppg, 1.0rpg	10.9	So
Jaxon Kohler	6-9, 250	4*		Fr
Tre Holloman	6-2, 175	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
209	Tyson Walker
219	Joey Hauser

There isn’t much popping on this roster. Izzo is complaining about the NIL and talking about retiring so he must know how bad this team could be. Continuity seems to be about the only selling point here and a great coach that hopefully can work some magic.

This pick is more of a respectful nod to Izzo than the roster at this point because this seems like a team of solid role players. I do not expect anything more than to be on the NCAA bubble. This might be the year they could even miss out after 25 straight years. At the end of the day, there is probably enough to get them on them in but a double-digit seed seems like the ceiling unless they added someone else and they never did.

49. Cincinnati

Cincinnati	96 NET
Kalu Ezikpe	6-8, 235	11.3ppg, 7.1rpg(@ODU)	22.7
Landers Nolley	6-7, 220	13.1ppg, 4.1rpg(2021@Memphis)	16.2
Jeremiah Davenport	6-7, 205	13.4ppg, 5.5rpg	18.1	Sr
Rob Phinisee	6-1, 187	7.1ppg, 2.9apg(2021@Indiana)	9.3
David DeJulius	6-0, 195	14.5ppg, 2.6apg	17.5	Gr
Mika Adams-Woods	6-3, 185	8.6ppg, 3.1apg	12.2	Sr
John Newman	6-5, 207	6.9ppg, 4.2rpg	12.3	Gr
Viktor Lakhin	6-11, 228	4.2ppg, 3.5rpg	19.5	Jr
Ody Oguama	6-9, 225	4.2ppg, 4.2rpg	16.4	Sr
Sage Tolentino	7-0, 215	4*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
134	Kalu Ezikpe
225	Jeremiah Davenport
226	David DeJulius
288	Landers Nolley

Last season wasn’t good, but it was Wes Miller’s first. I really like this roster both with quality and depth. The transfer adds were strong, and he returns a nice core with Davenport, DeJulius, and Adam’s-Woods. It took Miller a few years at the start to get some on the job training at UNCG, but by the end of his tenure there he had really figured the job out.

UNCG had several teams in the 50-80 range by the end. He did more at UNCG with a lot fewer resources than he has at Cincinnati. I think we’ll see them start to trend up, it just feels natural with the experience and reinforcements. After a year of adjustment to the American Conference and the level Miller needs to recruit at and just more familiarity with what it takes. All the first year stress of going to new places and settling in that can derail some starts are at least behind Miller now.

50. Maryland

Maryland	90 NET
Julian Reese	6-9, 230	5.7ppg, 4.4rpg	15.8	So
Donta Scott	6-7,220	12.6ppg, 6.2rpg	16.4	Sr
Hakim Hart	6-6, 200	9.9ppg, 3.6rpg	18.7	Sr
Donald Carey	6-5, 187	13.5ppg, 4.4rpg(@Georgetown)	17.3	Gr
Jahmir Young	6-2, 185	19.6ppg, 5.9rpg(@UNCC)	25.1	Jr
Ian Martinez	6-3, 185	5.2ppg, 1.9rpg (@Utah 2021)	15.3	Jr
Jahari Long	6-5, 210	1.0ppg(@Seton Hall)		Jr
Noah Batchelor	6-7, 190	4*		Fr
Arnaud Revaz	6-10, 220	did not play		So

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
73	Jahmir Young
121	Hakim Hart
158	Donald Carey
201	Donta Scott

This isn’t a bad roster, I really like the additions of Carey and Young. Hart seems like he can expand his role as well. The post is where the question marks seem to be and overall depth, but I think there is enough to be passable. Martinez could be in for a bounce back season. I posted his 2021 stats at Utah as opposed to last year because he’s shown that sort of ceiling, so I will choose to believe he can be more than what he was last year with his pedigree. The coaching change should help, and this team needs him to play a positive role. Willard is more competent than Manning so the late 40s seems around the right spot and his typical level of water he treads at. He just seems like a younger version of Turgeon that will have them around the bubble, but at least it’s a fresh start which they clearly wanted.

Close

Clemson

Clemson	#81 NET
PJ Hall	6-10, 235	15.5ppg, 5.8rpg	24.4	Jr
Hunter Tyson	6-8, 215	10.0ppg, 5.5rpg	19.2	Gr
Brevin Galloway	6-2, 215	8.3ppg, 1.4apg(@ Boston College)	8.9	Gr
Alex Hemenway	6-3, 185	5.2ppg, 1.3rpg	12.7	Sr
Chase Hunter	6-3, 204	6.7ppg, 1.8apg	13	Sr
Dillon Hunter	6-3, 175	4*		Fr
R.J. Godfrey	6-4, 180	4*		Fr
Ian Schieffelin	6-8, 225	3.1ppg, 2.8rpg	12.1	So
Ben Middlebrooks	6-10, 225	1.2ppg, 1.1rpg	10.3	So

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
23	PJ Hall
148	Hunter Tyson

Brownell is competent enough, and he has a floor raiser big and enough experience and shooting around him to check in at this level. This is kind of where Brownell lives over time though and at some point, you would think the extended mediocrity might be enough for Clemson to move on. I think his seat is a little warm so he may need to get to the NCAA. On paper he probably has enough talent to but I think this is kind of where he ends up.

Butler

Butler	117 NET
Manny Bates	6-11, 230	9.8ppg, 5.9rpg (2021@ NC St)	22.8	Jr
Simas Lukosius	6-6, 230	6.8ppg, 3.3rpg	11.2	So
Ali Ali	6-8, 206	13.9ppg, 2.5apg(@Akron)	15.4	Jr
Chuck Harris	6-2, 190	11.4ppg, 2.7rpg	11	Jr
Eric Hunter	6-4, 170	6.2ppg, 2.0apg(@Purdue)	11	Gr
Jayden Taylor	6-4, 190	8.2ppg, 2.9rpg	11.9	So
Jalen Thomas	6-10, 230	7.9ppg, 6.2rpg(@GSU)	16.6	Sr
Myles Tate	6-0, 170	6.7ppg, 2.3apg(2021)	9.7	So
Conner Turnbull	6-10, 215	3*		Fr

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
64	Manny Bates
207	Chuck Harris

This roster isn’t the best, but Thad Matta has made progress in a short period of time. If Bates is healthy and can anchor the defense, there is a path for improvement with better coaching. Harris was also better 2 seasons ago. I would expect him to find that shooting stroke again and at least be above average shooting the ball closer to his career average numbers which will help. It’s really a close tie between Clemson and Butler. I think Clemson has the better roster, but Matta is one of the best coaches in the nation that helps split the difference.

Others that graded out highly by Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS

*Here is a little preview of where we are headed in the future. Looking over most of these teams they graded out highly, especially with star power but there were warts I didn’t like with the depth, coaching, or fit. We will dig into that in later previews.

St John’s

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
67	David Jones
69	Posh Alexander
137	Andre Curbelo

Drake

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
86	Garrett Sturtz
143	Tucker DeVries
153	Roman Penn

Furman

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
30	Jalen Slawson
127	Mike Bothwell

Tulane

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
37	Kevin Cross
97	Jalen Cook

North Texas

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
61	Tylor Perry
157	Abou Ousmane

Wake Forest

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
85	Jao Ituka
284	Andrew Carr
286	Tyree Appleby

Stanford

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
79	Spencer Jones
191	Mike Jones

Syracuse

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
9	Jesse Edwards
194	Joseph Girard

Utah

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
57	Branden Carlson
294	Marco Anthony

Notre Dame

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
172	Dane Goodwin
227	Cormic Ryan
246	Nate Laszewski

George Mason

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
18	Josh Oduro
293	Victor Bailey
295	Davonte Gaines

Mississippi State

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
16	Tolu Smith
214	DeShawn Davis

Davidson

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
46	Foster Loyer
271	Sam Mennenga

Florida State

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
87	Jaylan Gainey
125	Caleb Mills
218	Matthew Cleveland

NC State

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
71	DJ Burns
100	Terquavion Smith
230	Jarkel Joiner

Georgia

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
88	Braelen Bridges
108	Terry Roberts
173	Kario Oquendo

Loyola Chicago

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
216	Marquise Kennedy
228	Sheldon Edwards
289	Bryce Golden

Ole Miss

Peak Efficiency Adjusted by SOS	Returning Players in the Top 300
210	Daeshun Ruffin
239	Theo Akwuba
244	Josh Mballa

This is it for now, check back because we will continue to adjust these rotations, and expand this list to more teams if your team didn’t make it.