Florida makes massive transfer in Method-Too-Early High 25 for 2019-20
We’re beginning to get a really clear image of what the 2019-20 faculty basketball season goes to appear to be — at the least heading into the marketing campaign. Many of the offseason personnel drama is over. Almost each related graduate switch has already made his choice, and there are zero remaining uncommitted ESPN 100 prospects.
So the Method-Too-Early Preseason High 25 you see immediately is more likely to look pretty just like the one come hoops season. But it surely’s not set in stone simply but. UNLV graduate switch Shakur Juiston remains to be ready to choose a faculty — and Oregon and Seton Corridor are on his record. Houston is hoping to get a waiver for Kansas switch Quentin Grimes. Then there are the potential reclassifiers from 2020 to 2019, together with five-star massive man N’Faly Dante and fellow top-35 prospects Kyree Walker and Addison Patterson, amongst others.
As we look forward to these last dominoes to fall — and we would not discover out about all of them for a few months — here is the up to date Method-Too-Early Preseason High 25.
1. Michigan State Spartans
Earlier: 1
Michigan State has remained within the No. 1 spot because the season ended and Cassius Winston introduced he can be returning to East Lansing. Whereas seemingly each different staff has been present process roster modifications, the Spartans are basically the identical staff they had been in mid-April. Together with Winston — arguably the Preseason Picket Award favourite — Tom Izzo additionally brings again a wholesome Joshua Langford and potential breakout candidate Xavier Tillman. A variety of function gamers ought to see expanded roles subsequent season, and Michigan State additionally brings in a proficient recruiting class led by top-50 recruit Rocket Watts. Watts may add a little bit of explosiveness to the perimeter group.
2 Associated
2. Kansas Jayhawks
Earlier: Three
After a spring full of comings and goings, it appears like Kansas’ roster is lastly settled. And it is a good one. Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike each determined to return to Lawrence as an alternative of protecting their names within the NBA draft, whereas the NCAA clearing Silvio De Sousa to play subsequent season was a giant enhance. The Jayhawks then went out and landed ESPN 100 frontcourt gamers Tristan Enaruna and Jalen Wilson, in addition to Iowa graduate switch Isaiah Moss, who initially dedicated to Arkansas. Moss brings much-needed perimeter taking pictures. It is a different-looking roster from final season, however there’s a whole lot of depth and flexibility on this roster.
Three. Kentucky Wildcats
Earlier: 2
Kentucky missed on Virginia Tech graduate switch Kerry Blackshear Jr., however the Wildcats are nonetheless within the combine for potential reclass candidate N’Faly Dante. John Calipari is clearly seeking to shore up the frontcourt, however even when Kentucky’s roster stays the identical from now till apply begins, it is a potential Ultimate 4 group. Ashton Hagans is likely one of the greatest defensive level guards within the nation, and the return of EJ Montgomery and Nick Richards down low is a plus. As at all times, the Wildcats have loads of newcomers: 5-stars Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney may begin, whereas Bucknell graduate switch Nate Sestina brings a distinct dimension to the frontcourt.
four. Florida Gators
Earlier: 18
Florida sees the largest soar from the final time we up to date the rankings, and that is fully as a result of addition of Virginia Tech graduate switch Kerry Blackshear Jr. Blackshear is straight away an all-conference frontcourt participant and probably the greatest massive males within the nation after averaging 14.9 factors and seven.5 rebounds for the Hokies final season. He’ll staff with sophomore level guard Andrew Nembhard to type a high-level inside-outside duo. Mike White additionally welcomes probably the greatest recruiting lessons within the nation, led by McDonald’s All-People Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann, together with top-50 massive man Omar Payne. This staff has a really excessive ceiling.
5. Louisville Cardinals
Earlier: 5
Whereas Duke welcomes one other extremely ranked recruiting class and North Carolina drew headlines all spring, Louisville may very well be the sneaky decide to win the ACC. The Cardinals answered their greatest personnel query coming into the offseason after they landed Saint Joseph’s Lamarr “Recent” Kimble on the level guard spot. Then Jordan Nwora and Steven Enoch withdrew their names from the NBA draft. Chris Mack will want his elite recruiting class to make an influence instantly, particularly McDonald’s All-American Samuell Williamson. One other identify to look at among the many newcomers is native product David Johnson.
6. Duke Blue Devils
Earlier: four
Whereas Mike Krzyzewski brings in one more loaded recruiting class, there are some questions in regards to the roster that might spell hassle subsequent season. Clearly there isn’t any extra Zion Williamson, no extra RJ Barrett, no extra Cam Reddish. However Tre Jones is again as one of many higher level guards within the nation, and three five-stars enter the fold in Vernon Carey Jr., Matthew Damage and Wendell Moore. Capturing may nonetheless be a problem, nonetheless, and the offense should rely far much less on particular person skills than final season. If the newcomers hit the bottom operating and Alex O’Connell can take a step ahead on the wing, Duke will not fall too far.
7. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Earlier: 7
Mark Few is going through a real rebuilding — or reloading, fairly — season in Spokane, after bidding farewell to a few gamers who left early for the NBA draft in first-rounders Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke, and beginning taking pictures guard Zach Norvell. Senior level guard Josh Perkins additionally departed. So what’s subsequent? The Bulldogs went out and landed graduate transfers Admon Gilder (Texas A&M) and Ryan Woolridge (North Texas) to shore up the backcourt, and a recruiting class that features three ESPN 100 frontcourt gamers will assist. Corey Kispert, Killian Tillie and Filip Petrusev additionally return up entrance. Thirty wins are nonetheless coming Gonzaga’s method this season.
Eight. North Carolina Tar Heels
Earlier: 6
On condition that Roy Williams misplaced his high 5 gamers from final season, Carolina being ranked inside the highest 10 is a powerful feat for the Tar Heels. But it surely’s indicative of how environment friendly they had been revamping their roster within the spring. The largest piece was No. 1 guard Cole Anthony, however ESPN 100 guard Anthony Harris additionally got here aboard. Graduate transfers Justin Pierce (William & Mary) and Christian Keeling (Charleston Southern) may additionally push for beginning roles. Williams will want productiveness from his bigs subsequent season, however he does have five-star freshman Armando Bacot and returning starter Garrison Brooks to depend on.
9. Villanova Wildcats
Earlier: Eight
If there was a yr for Huge East groups to decelerate Villanova, final season was the one — and the Wildcats nonetheless received an outright Huge East regular-season title. And now, regardless of shedding seniors Phil Sales space and Eric Paschall, Villanova must be higher than final season and again within the nationwide dialogue. One of many greatest keys would be the well being of five-star taking pictures guard Bryan Antoine, who suffered a shoulder harm that might influence the beginning of his faculty profession. Fellow five-star freshman Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will probably be probably the greatest gamers within the Huge East. Collin Gillespie, Jermaine Samuels and Saddiq Bey are returning as starters.
10. Maryland Terrapins
Earlier: 9
On paper, the Terrapins have the second-best staff within the Huge Ten and a transparent top-10 staff within the nation. However that they had the same group final season, and regardless of ending with 23 wins, they went simply 7-Eight of their last 15 video games. So Mark Turgeon should work out what ailed them down the stretch with a view to attain their potential. A number of the optimism revolves across the anticipated enchancment of Jalen Smith, who may very well be a first-round decide subsequent spring. He groups with Anthony Cowan to type probably the greatest inside-outside tandems within the nation. Aaron Wiggins is a possible breakout man to look at.
11. Texas Tech Crimson Raiders
Earlier: 10
One other reloading process for Chris Beard and the Crimson Raiders, however after a run to the nationwide championship recreation, it may be troublesome to underestimate them this time round. 4 starters, together with top-10 decide Jarrett Culver and sixth man Brandone Francis, are gone. Davide Moretti is the highest returnee, and he stepped up his recreation significantly late within the season. Graduate transfers Chris Clarke (Virginia Tech) and TJ Holyfield (Stephen F. Austin) may each begin up entrance immediately. A deep freshman class additionally heads to Lubbock, led by ESPN 100 guard Jahmius Ramsey. If the newcomers purchase into Beard’s system, the Crimson Raiders will not miss a beat.
12. Ohio State Buckeyes
Earlier: 11
Chris Holtmann has a younger group on his arms in Columbus, but it surely’s a staff with a whole lot of expertise and numerous totally different choices. In different phrases, do not be shocked if it takes just a few weeks for the Buckeyes to hit their stride. They went simply Eight-14 after the calendar turned to 2019 final season, so having constant success late this season can be a welcome change for Ohio State followers. Kaleb Wesson will present an anchor down low as soon as once more, and ESPN 100 freshmen Alonzo Gaffney and E.J. Liddell are versatile forwards. The purpose guard state of affairs will probably be one thing to look at, however top-40 freshman DJ Carton will get a shot, and Holtmann additionally brings in Florida State switch CJ Walker.
13. Memphis Tigers
Earlier: 12
Regardless of not being No. 1 within the rankings — and even within the high 10 — the Tigers are going to be the headliners in faculty basketball subsequent season. A part of that is because of Penny Hardaway being on the helm, however now he is bringing within the No. 1 recruiting class within the nation, led by No. 1 total prospect James Wiseman. There’s a ton of hype surrounding the Tigers, however they’ve dropped just a few spots after the preliminary excessive wore off from their spring dedication run. All 5 starters may very well be freshmen, with Wiseman flanked by five-star forwards Valuable Achiuwa and D.J. Jeffries, and ESPN 100 guards Boogie Ellis and Lester Quinones within the backcourt. Some potential issues embody a extreme lack of expertise and the way Hardaway matches all of the items collectively.
14. Seton Corridor Pirates
Earlier: 13
After ending the common season with wins over Marquette and Villanova, after which making a run to the Huge East title recreation, Seton Corridor brings again everybody of observe moreover Michael Nzei. Myles Powell is likely one of the greatest scorers within the nation, and he is able to carrying the Pirates on the offensive finish. Anticipate Seton Corridor to be a high-level defensive group. Quincy McKnight emerged as a lockdown defender late within the season, and Seton Corridor brings in Florida State switch Ike Obiagu, who averaged an outrageous 2.1 blocks in simply 10.7 minutes per recreation in 2017-18. Powell will need assistance on the offensive finish if the Pirates are going to push Villanova within the Huge East.
15. Virginia Cavaliers
Earlier: 14
After shedding Ty Jerome, Kyle Man and De’Andre Hunter to the NBA draft, Virginia faces extra questions coming into the season than ever earlier than below Tony Bennett. However Bennett deserves the advantage of the doubt after profitable 29-plus video games 5 of the previous six years — together with final season’s nationwide championship. Mamadi Diakite, Braxton Key and Jay Huff type an intriguing frontcourt trio, and Kihei Clark returns within the backcourt. ESPN 100 guard Casey Morsell may begin immediately subsequent to Clark. However Bennett will want somebody to shock and step up as a possible star. Late signee Tomas Woldetensae is an intriguing junior faculty prospect, and Argentina native Francisco Caffaro gives inside depth after a stable displaying within the FIBA U-19 World Cup not too long ago.
16. Arizona Wildcats
Earlier: 15
Whereas different rosters settled down over the previous month, Arizona had loads of motion. Devonaire Doutrive entered the switch portal, then determined to return to the Wildcats. Level guard Alex Barcello additionally introduced he was transferring. ESPN 100 prospect Terry Armstrong elected to pursue skilled choices — as he was in peril of not qualifying. There are additionally questions on Brandon Williams’ well being shifting ahead. So the Wildcats are nonetheless in some flux coming into the summer season. However what’s not in query is the expertise. High-10 prospect Nico Mannion and Josh Inexperienced enter the fold, whereas UC Irvine grad switch Max Hazzard brings taking pictures. High-50 recruit Zeke Nnaji may shock some individuals, and Chase Jeter was productive final season.
17. Baylor Bears
Earlier: 17
A lot of the optimism surrounding Baylor comes because of the way in which the Bears performed in January and February final season. They had been 11-5 of their first 15 video games of the 2019 calendar yr however completed the season shedding 5 of their final six. However Scott Drew nonetheless overachieved given the accidents and attrition his staff confronted. And now he will get Tristan Clark again wholesome after lacking the final 20 video games of the season. Clark was the staff’s second-leading scorer and high rebounder earlier than taking place. Jared Butler, Mark Important and Mario Kegler had been all key items final season, and Drew additionally provides transfers Davion Mitchell (Auburn) and Macio Teague (UNC Asheville).
18. Utah State Aggies
Earlier: 16
Coming off one of the shocking seasons in faculty basketball in 2018-19, Utah State is hoping its 17-2 end to the marketing campaign carries over to the brand new season. The important thing cogs in final yr’s machine are all again: head coach Craig Smith, who did probably the greatest teaching jobs within the nation; middle Neemias Queta, who broke out as a freshman after which determined to return to highschool as an alternative of protecting his identify within the NBA draft; and guard Sam Merrill, who averaged 20.9 factors and is the very best participant within the Mountain West. Mix these three with an assortment of returning function gamers, and the Aggies may push for the subsequent step into the second weekend.
19. Saint Mary’s Gaels
Earlier: 19
The Gaels had been barely within the NCAA match dialogue coming into the West Coast Convention match, however a win over Gonzaga within the title recreation put them within the dance — and now Randy Bennett’s staff hopes to get again to the match in a extra comfy vogue. Jordan Ford is likely one of the nation’s elite scoring guards regardless of struggling towards Villanova within the first spherical. Malik Fitts is an inside-outside risk up entrance, and the Gaels return two different starters from final season’s staff. Saint Mary’s marketing campaign may come down as to if Aaron Menzies will get a redshirt to play subsequent season — and whether or not Cincinnati switch Logan Johnson can play instantly.
20. Xavier Musketeers
Earlier: 20
It is onerous to not really feel optimistic about this Xavier staff. The Musketeers deliver again 4 starters from final yr’s group, together with Naji Marshall — one of the underrated gamers within the nation. Quentin Goodin, Paul Scruggs and Tyrique Jones are additionally again. Travis Steele welcomes two key transfers in Jason Carter (Ohio) and Bryce Moore (Western Michigan). Carter averaged 16.5 factors and 6.7 rebounds and may begin instantly. And we’ve not even hit on Xavier’s proficient recruiting class that features 5 four-star prospects, led by guard KyKy Tandy. The Musketeers received six of seven to finish the Huge East season after beginning 11-13 — we’re betting the February model of Xavier will present up subsequent season.
21. Marquette Golden Eagles
Earlier: 23
After coming into the offseason No. 2 in these rankings, Marquette plummeted following the shock departures of Sam Hauser and Joey Hauser — falling fully out of the rankings. The Golden Eagles then slid again into the rankings after touchdown Utah graduate switch Jayce Johnson and the reclassification of ESPN 100 guard Symir Torrence. A better have a look at the roster strikes them a few spots larger. Markus Howard goes to be a preseason All-American, however the arrival of Utah State switch Koby McEwen ought to ease a few of the duty Howard has within the backcourt. Sacar Anim and Theo John additionally return as starters, and so they lead Marquette’s protection.
22. Washington Huskies
Earlier: 21
Mike Hopkins loses his high 5 scorers from final season, however Washington has extra hype coming into 2019-20 than it has had at any time in current reminiscence. The Huskies herald two top-10 prospects in Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels, each one-and-done candidates, in addition to Kentucky switch Quade Inexperienced. Stewart is maybe probably the most college-ready of the elite 2019 recruits, whereas McDaniels’ ceiling is thru the roof. Inexperienced was a stable participant at Kentucky however wanted a change of surroundings. Is the arrival of these three gamers sufficient to offset the departures of men like Jaylen Nowell and Matisse Thybulle?
23. Colorado Buffaloes
Earlier: 22
Arizona and Washington have extra hype than Colorado resulting from their elite high-end expertise, whereas USC and Oregon have extra intrigue as a result of arrival of deep lessons of newcomers. However the Buffaloes have a legit likelihood to push for a Pac-12 title subsequent season. They completed robust, profitable 12 of their last 15 video games, and now they return all 5 starters and each rotation piece from a yr in the past. McKinley Wright is likely one of the greatest level guards within the league, if not the nation, whereas Tyler Bey is an underrated identify nationally. One problem for Tad Boyle may very well be outdoors taking pictures; Colorado was one of many worst Three-point-shooting groups within the Pac-12 final season. That should change if the Buffs are to get again to the NCAA match for the primary time since 2016.
24. LSU Tigers
Earlier: 24
When it seemed like LSU’s head coach and whole beginning 5 may very well be gone, the Tigers gave the impression to be headed for a tricky season. However Will Wade was reinstated after a suspension in March, and Javonte Sensible, Skylar Mays and Emmitt Williams all eliminated their names from the NBA draft. The losses of Tremont Waters and Nazreon Reid undoubtedly harm; Waters was probably the greatest level guards within the nation, and Reid had lottery expertise when targeted. However with the aforementioned trio going again to Baton Rouge, in addition to the return of rotation guard Marlon Taylor and the addition of five-star ahead Trendon Watford, Wade has sufficient expertise on the roster to remain within the combine on the high of the SEC.
25. USC Trojans
Earlier: 25
USC has struggled to stay as much as expectations the previous couple of years, lacking the NCAA match in every of the previous two seasons regardless of having loads of expertise on the roster. Andy Enfield will probably be hoping this season is totally different, as he has a loaded staff — particularly within the frontcourt. 5-star freshmen Isaiah Mobley and Onyeka Okongwu enter the fold, becoming a member of double-double machine Nick Rakocevic. 4-star Max Agbonkpolo has a really excessive ceiling. Jonah Mathews is a returning starter, and Akron graduate switch Daniel Utomi can actually shoot it. The important thing will probably be level guard play. Derryck Thornton transferred, leaving returnee Elijah Weaver, Columbia grad switch Quinton Adlesh and freshman Ethan Anderson to vie for minutes.
Subsequent in line:
Harvard (earlier: unranked)
VCU (earlier: subsequent in line)
Auburn (earlier: subsequent in line)
Oregon (earlier: unranked)
Cincinnati (earlier: unranked)
Dropped out:
Creighton (earlier: subsequent in line)
Georgetown (earlier: subsequent in line)
Davidson (earlier: subsequent in line)