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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Workers Author
- Myron Medcalf covers faculty basketball for ESPN.com. He joined ESPN in 2011.
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Jeff Borzello
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Jeff Borzello
Basketball recruiting insider
- Jeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting insider. He has joined ESPN in 2014.
It has been greater than 100 days since Florida reduce down the nets in San Antonio. And in 100 extra days, the Gators will start their title protection when the 2025-26 males’s faculty basketball season begins.
Did the Gators do sufficient this offseason to bolster their probabilities of going back-to-back for the primary time since 2006 and 2007? How have Houston and Duke positioned themselves to make one other Last 4 run? And can Auburn and the SEC return to dominance?
With a brand new class of freshman stars — together with A.J. Dybantsa at BYU, Darryn Peterson at Kansas and Nate Ament at Tennessee — plus loads of expertise transferring to title contenders, it must be one other entertaining season of hoops as the game adapts to modifications.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf make 10 wild predictions, plus establish 90 extra issues to know in regards to the upcoming season, from the largest storylines to the highest gamers to new coaches and past.
Leap to:
Top storylines | Wild predictions
Contenders | Teams that could make a jump
Best nonconference matchups
Freshmen | Transfers | Breakouts
All-America candidates | New coaches
10 storylines that would form the season
Income sharing and potential NCAA event enlargement drive extra change. School basketball is present process a large face-lift. Committees for males’s and girls’s Division I basketball didn’t attain a call to increase the NCAA tournaments after they met in July, however they did state that the potential of growing the sector from 68 to 72 or 76 teams remains “viable.” A event enlargement can be the second important growth for 2025-26, with the House vs. NCAA settlement paving the way in which for the primary: a restructuring of the compensation mannequin. Colleges at the moment are capable of pay their athletes instantly via income sharing, nevertheless it stays unclear what number of identify, picture and likeness offers will in the end be permitted by the brand new clearinghouse to complement rev share earnings. — Medcalf
Florida has the expertise to make one other title run. Earlier than UConn received the nationwide championships in 2023 and 2024, males’s faculty basketball hadn’t seen a repeat title winner since Florida in 2006 and 2007 — however Todd Golden’s Gators have the gamers to make it a pattern. Alex Condon withdrew from the NBA draft to return to Florida; Rueben Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh are additionally again; and prime transfers Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee had been added within the portal. — Borzello
Braden Smith might be Purdue’s subsequent Picket Award winner. The Boilermakers got here near championship glory in 2024, when Zach Edey captured his second Picket Award and led them to the nationwide title sport. Smith’s return might assist Purdue match historical past: Solely Duke has ever produced three Picket Award winners in a four-year span — Elton Model (1999), Shane Battier (2001) and Jay Williams (2002). Smith, the reigning Large Ten Participant of the 12 months, will enter the season as the favourite to win the Picket Award. He and coach Matt Painter are additionally pushed to chop down the nets; each appear potential for a program that would begin the season because the No. 1 staff in America. — Medcalf
Duke has positioned its Last 4 hopes on freshmen — once more. Jon Scheyer & Co. defied modern-day tendencies when freshmen led the Blue Devils to a No. 1 rating and a Last 4 look final season — an anomaly within the period of more and more transfer-heavy, experience-focused roster development. Now, these freshmen had been three top-10 picks: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach. However can Duke replicate that success? Scheyer once more brings within the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, headlined by projected lottery picks Cameron Boozer, Dame Sarr and Nikolas Khamenia, plus Cameron’s five-star twin brother, Cayden. — Borzello
It is a new period for BYU with No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa. The Cougars had the very best offensive output in America for the final two months of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, which ended with a visit to the Candy 16 — their first second-weekend look since Jimmer Fredette starred for them in 2011. Now, Kevin Younger’s staff provides Dybantsa: a flexible, highly effective, explosive 6-foot-10 athlete who might be the No. 1 choose in subsequent summer season’s NBA draft. A Last 4 run by a staff that wasn’t traditionally a candidate for gamers of Dybantsa’s caliber might ship extra elite expertise to Provo, Utah, within the years forward. The thrill has generated a lot curiosity {that a} Hollywood producer has pitched a documentary in regards to the 2025-26 season to Younger’s employees. — Medcalf
The race to be the No. 1 choose within the 2026 NBA draft is on. Cooper Flagg was the odds-on favourite to be the No. 1 choose within the 2025 NBA draft because the day he reclassified into the 2024 highschool class, however there will not be the identical lack of drama within the 2026 draft. There are a number of official contenders for the highest choose: BYU’s Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Tennessee’s Nate Ament — and do not rely out Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. — Borzello
Hubert Davis’ future at North Carolina. It was solely three years in the past that Davis’ staff had a 15-point halftime lead towards Kansas within the nationwide title sport. However a yr after that, the Tar Heels missed the NCAA event altogether. And final season, they squeezed into the sector as a polarizing pick earlier than shedding within the first spherical. Davis has reloaded after shedding R.J. Davis and different standouts by including five-star prospect Caleb Wilson and key transfers similar to former Arizona massive man Henri Veesaar. But, though Davis inked a contract extension via 2029-30 over the winter, North Carolina nonetheless expects to compete for nationwide titles. If he cannot discover a manner to try this this season, chatter about his future will improve. — Medcalf
The way forward for the outdated teaching guard. Three ACC coaches stepped down final season: Virginia’s Tony Bennett, Miami’s Jim Larranaga and Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton. Bennett cited the altering panorama of faculty sports activities, whereas Larranaga and Hamilton had reached the pure finish of their careers. It is robust to foretell who the subsequent Bennett might be, however retirement might be on the horizon for a bunch of coaches at or close to the highest of the game: Houston’s Kelvin Sampson will likely be 70 within the fall, Tennessee’s Rick Barnes is 71, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo is 70 and St. John’s coach Rick Pitino is 72. It additionally would not be a shock to see Gonzaga’s Mark Few or Kansas’ Invoice Self name it quits within the not-so-distant future. — Borzello
Gonzaga‘s closing season within the West Coast Convention. The Bulldogs’ postseason success — together with two nationwide title sport appearances since 2017 — has modified the nationwide notion of mid-majors. They’ve been considered one of America’s prime packages for years, however this would be the closing chapter of a wedding that has boosted the complete WCC as Gonzaga prepares to hitch the brand new Pac-12. The WCC’s efficiency within the collegiate panorama will shift considerably, whereas the Bulldogs might turn into the face of the brand new Pac-12’s basketball lineup. — Medcalf
The subsequent chapter of the St. John’s vs. UConn rivalry. Whereas Louisville-Kentucky and Duke-North Carolina will all the time have deep historical past, the St. John’s-UConn rivalry is shortly gaining nationwide relevance. Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley are two of the very best — and most headline-grabbing — coaches within the nation, and each groups ought to open the season ranked within the prime 5 nationally. — Borzello
10 title contenders
Groups listed so as of Borzello and Medcalf’s consensus prime 10
Purdue Boilermakers: Matt Painter’s staff is poised for its third 1-seed prior to now 4 years, led by All-America level guard Braden Smith, All-America candidate Trey Kaufman-Renn and three-year starter Fletcher Loyer. South Dakota State switch Oscar Cluff provides a distinct dimension down low. — Borzello
Florida Gators: Connecticut received back-to-back nationwide titles in 2023 and 2024 after retaining key gamers from that first run. Todd Golden’s staff might mimic that feat — with new stars within the combine, too. Boogie Fland, a former five-star prospect who performed at Arkansas final season, will step into Walter Clayton Jr.’s function and play subsequent to Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon — each prime contributors from final season’s title staff — on a roster constructed to win all of it once more. — Medcalf
Houston Cougars: After final season’s heartbreaking title-game loss to Florida, Houston must be proper again within the combine for a nationwide championship. Kelvin Sampson has three starters again from that group, led by guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp. The Cougars additionally welcome the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class, one which options three top-25 prospects. — Borzello
UConn Huskies: Dan Hurley has set the bar so excessive in Storrs that final season’s 24-win marketing campaign and NCAA event look constituted a “down yr” for this system. Alex Karaban and Solo Ball are again for a staff that, on paper, seems like a contender once more. However the viability of this system profitable its third title in 4 years will rely on Silas Demary Jr., the 6-5 former Georgia guard who will run UConn’s offense this season. — Medcalf
St. John’s Red Storm: Rick Pitino has utterly remodeled St. John’s since arriving two years in the past, guiding the Pink Storm to their first Large East regular-season and event championships since 1992 and 2000, respectively. Now, they’re going to look to advance to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 1999. Star massive man Zuby Ejiofor returns, whereas Pitino went heavy within the switch portal to fill out the remainder of his roster. — Borzello
BYU Cougars: Kevin Younger’s squad made 37% of its 3-point makes an attempt and 59% of its pictures contained in the arc final season because the Cougars performed offense at a stage no staff might match within the closing eight weeks. Now, they add A.J. Dybantsa, the recipient of a extremely publicized seven-figure NIL deal. Joined by three returning standouts from a Candy 16 squad, Dybantsa might take BYU to unprecedented heights. — Medcalf
Louisville Cardinals: After main Louisville to a exceptional 19-win turnaround in his first season with the Cardinals — together with a 15-win enchancment within the ACC — Pat Kelsey has set his sights increased in 12 months 2. They need to have considered one of faculty basketball’s elite backcourts, led by top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. and three proficient transfers. — Borzello
Michigan Wolverines: One other second-year head coach coming off a formidable turnaround in 12 months 1, Dusty Might guided the Wolverines to a 19-win enchancment and a run to the Candy 16. Two starters are again, and Michigan was aggressive within the portal, securing a category headlined by Yaxel Lendeborg — arguably the very best switch within the nation and a projected first-round choose. — Borzello
Kentucky Wildcats: Mark Pope’s staff caught the damage bug late final season and can begin this season with a significant damage query. Jayden Quaintance, a former five-star recruit and switch from Arizona State, had surgical procedure in March to restore a torn ACL. He must be prepared sooner or later this season — it is only a query of when. All-America candidate Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen (Florida), Jaland Lowe (Pitt) and Quaintance ought to type the nucleus of a staff with critical Last 4 aspirations as soon as everyone seems to be wholesome. — Medcalf
Duke Blue Devils: A staff that misplaced the Picket Award winner and 4 extra NBA draft picks wouldn’t normally be anticipated to compete for a nationwide title a yr after a Last 4 run, however that is the usual in Durham. The arrival of Cameron Boozer — the five-star prospect and son of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer — and his five-star prospect twin brother, Cayden Boozer, will hold the bar excessive for a Duke staff that can chase Jon Scheyer’s first nationwide title. — Medcalf
10 groups that would make a leap
“A leap” that means into the nationwide highlight, into the highest tier of their convention or onto the NCAA event bubble. Listed in alphabetical order.
Arkansas Razorbacks: The Razorbacks picked up steam late within the season and made a surprising run to the Candy 16 that capped a turbulent yr in John Calipari’s first season with this system. This season’s group, nevertheless, might be a sleeper to make a run on the nationwide title. Darius Acuff is a projected lottery choose within the 2026 NBA draft and will likely be surrounded by veteran expertise in D.J. Wagner, Karter Knox and Trevon Brazile. If the Razorbacks can keep wholesome — a problem for them a yr in the past — Calipari might contend for his seventh journey to the Last 4. — Medcalf
Iowa Hawkeyes: All Ben McCollum does is win — and there is no purpose to suppose that can change at Iowa. The important thing piece of the Hawkeyes’ roster is Bennett Stirtz, an All-America level guard who performed for McCollum at Northwest Missouri State and Drake. Alvaro Folgueiras and Brendan Hausen are two extra shotmaking transfers. — Borzello
Kansas State Wildcats: The Wildcats spent thousands and thousands on expertise final offseason however by no means had sufficient chemistry to keep away from a 16-17 marketing campaign. This season’s roster will likely be led by PJ Haggerty, the identical PJ Haggerty who earned AP second-team All-America honors final season and led Memphis to the very best season of the Penny Hardaway period. If Jerome Tang can get this proficient group — which additionally options Serbian standout Andrej Kostić — on the identical web page, Okay-State ought to get again into the NCAA event. — Medcalf
Miami Hurricanes: Throughout stints as an assistant with Texas, Kentucky and Duke, Jai Lucas was generally known as a prime recruiter who helped all three packages land McDonald’s All People and high-level transfers. In his first head teaching function, at Miami, he has sufficient to assist the Hurricanes attain the NCAA event for the primary time since 2023. Former Indiana standout Malik Reneau and Large Ten event hero Tre Donaldson — his buzzer-beater despatched Michigan to the title sport — will hyperlink up with a robust recruiting class to attempt to finish that drought. — Medcalf
NC State Wolfpack: When NC State employed Will Wade in March, the idea was that an inflow of expertise would observe him to Raleigh. That appears right up to now. The Wolfpack had been aggressive within the portal, touchdown a bunch led by All-America candidate Darrion Williams and bringing in top-25 recruit Matt Able. — Borzello
North Carolina Tar Heels: North Carolina’s admission to the final NCAA event created a lot controversy that the West Virginia governor held a news conference and blasted the choice committee for choosing the Tar Heels over the Mountaineers, who had an affordable case for inclusion. However this season’s staff might keep away from drama if Caleb Wilson — the No. 5 recruit of 2025 — lives as much as the hype. Arizona switch Henri Veesaar, returnee Seth Trimble and Wilson represent a trio that would place the Tar Heels solidly within the NCAA event subject. — Medcalf
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Final season was full of missteps, accidents and disappointments for a Notre Dame staff that completed beneath .500 in Micah Shrewsberry’s second marketing campaign with this system. If this season’s group stays wholesome, nevertheless, the Preventing Irish might contend for a spot on the bubble (or higher) after not reaching the NCAA event since 2022. The return of Markus Burton and Braeden Shrewsberry, who missed 15 mixed video games as a result of damage, plus the addition of Jalen Haralson (nineteenth in ESPN 100) make all of it appear potential. — Medcalf
Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes confirmed flashes of their potential final season however could not fairly string collectively a constant run of type. With a terrific trio again in Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal and John Mobley Jr. — plus the additions of Christoph Tilly and Brandon Noel up entrance — Jake Diebler’s staff ought to discover itself within the NCAA event. — Borzello
San Diego State Aztecs: The Aztecs made the NCAA event final season however misplaced by 27 to North Carolina within the First 4. We’re anticipating Brian Dutcher’s staff to stay round a bit of longer subsequent March. Miles Byrd is an NBA prospect; Reese Waters is again from damage; and Magoon Gwath is able to take the subsequent step. Switch Sean Newman Jr. will likely be given the keys to the offense. — Borzello
USC Trojans: Beating Michigan State on the primary day of February supplied some optimism getting into the stretch run final season, however the Trojans received simply two Large Ten video games the remainder of the way in which. They need to be proficient and extra constant this season. A fringe trio that includes confirmed high-major producers Rodney Rice and Chad Baker-Mazara cleared the path. — Borzello
10 wild predictions
The nationwide title winner would be the first in its program historical past. They’ve each fallen brief in recent times, however Houston and Purdue are outfitted to realize what their packages have but to do: win a nationwide title. St. John’s, Texas Tech and BYU will likely be contenders, too. Regardless, I am predicting a brand new identify will likely be entered into the boys’s faculty basketball championship report. — Medcalf
The SEC will not be as sturdy, however it’s going to repeat its 14 bids. It is almost inconceivable for the SEC to be as traditionally sturdy once more; it took an ideal storm for the league to supply what it did final season. We do not count on two 1-seeds and two 2-seeds from the convention once more, however I will not be stunned to see it run again its record-setting 14 bids — a minimum of 12 colleges already seem like comfy NCAA event groups on paper. — Borzello
John Calipari will face Kentucky within the Last 4. Darius Acuff is a prime newcomer for an Arkansas squad that made a run to the Candy 16 in March, giving the Razorbacks depth and expertise that final season’s group lacked. And whereas Kentucky would possibly want a while to get off the runway, it might have one of many nation’s most proficient rosters as March approaches if Jayden Quaintance is wholesome. — Medcalf
Pat Kelsey will win his first NCAA event sport — and get Louisville to the Last 4. Getting into final March, the one knock on Todd Golden was his lack of an NCAA event win. He erased any doubt in fairly emphatic vogue. Kelsey would be the subsequent coach to go from zero to a Last 4. Louisville’s backcourt is among the many finest within the nation, and the Cardinals have the proper mix of expertise, depth and star energy. — Borzello
Cameron Boozer would be the most efficient of the elite freshmen. A.J. Dybantsa is arguably essentially the most fascinating participant getting into the season, and Darryn Peterson is battling Dybantsa to be the No. 1 choose within the subsequent NBA draft. However Boozer is a menace to complete each sport with 20 factors and 10 rebounds. He has additionally been extra productive than Dybantsa and Peterson after they have suited up collectively for USA Basketball or in all-star video games. Boozer’s competitors additionally could be barely simpler within the ACC than the Large 12. — Borzello
Nate Ament would be the prime freshman within the nation. When Rick Barnes tells you {that a} younger participant will likely be a star, it’s best to imagine him. From Kevin Durant to Dalton Knecht, Barnes has molded among the prime gamers within the nation over the previous 30 years. He not too long ago instructed ESPN that Ament, a potential top-five choose in subsequent yr’s NBA draft, might be a particular participant this season. The 6-9 ahead might be the subsequent star beneath Barnes. — Medcalf
Thomas Haugh will likely be Florida’s All-American. Haugh has began simply seven video games via two seasons in Gainesville, however he is poised to have a breakout junior marketing campaign as an every-game starter for the Gators. He is 6-9, can rating in numerous methods and is greater than able to hitting three or 4 3s in a sport. Florida’s switch backcourt is getting the hype, however Haugh is able to take a step ahead. — Borzello
Jalil Bethea would be the nation’s shock breakout switch. Bethea was one of many extra disappointing freshmen within the nation final season, barely carving out a job throughout the first half of the schedule at Miami earlier than seeing a rise in minutes down the stretch. However Bethea was a top-10 prospect within the 2024 class and is an elite shotmaker — he is precisely the kind of participant Nate Oats’ offense enhances. — Borzello
Two of the sport’s prime coaches will retire or resign, making a domino impact. Kelvin Sampson (69), Tom Izzo (70) and Rick Barnes (71) are nonetheless passionate, however few of their friends stay. Then there are coaches like Invoice Self and Mark Few, who might do that for a lot of extra years however won’t wish to navigate extra modifications to the sport. If any of the highest names make massive strikes, the complete collegiate panorama will shift. — Medcalf
A staff will make 85% of its free throws this season, shattering the report. That sounds ridiculous, however the prime free throw capturing groups within the nation are enhancing. Ten years in the past, solely two groups made a minimum of 78% of their makes an attempt from the charity stripe. Final season, 20 reached that mark, with 4 groups eclipsing 80%, led by Wisconsin’s 82.6% clip. We’re progressing towards unprecedented numbers in males’s faculty basketball. This would be the season when a staff beats Villanova’s record-setting 83% charge from 2021-22. — Medcalf
10 nonconference matchups to observe
Kentucky at Louisville, Nov. 11: This rivalry sport is all the time entertaining, however with Louisville’s offseason surge beneath Pat Kelsey, this matchup will regain the vitality it has lacked in recent times.
BYU at UConn in Boston, Nov. 15: A.J. Dybantsa will head again to his residence state of Massachusetts to face UConn, a nationwide title contender. The environment at TD Backyard must be electrical.
Duke at Kansas, Nov. 18: The results of this sport will matter come Choice Sunday, nevertheless it’s additionally a chance for Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson to strengthen their respective circumstances to be the No. 1 choose in subsequent yr’s NBA draft.
St. John’s at Iowa State, Nov. 24: Rick Pitino has a brand new roster led by transfers Ian Jackson (North Carolina) and Bryce Hopkins (Windfall), so this early-season check towards a robust Iowa State staff might shed extra mild on the Pink Storm’s ceiling.
Gonzaga at Alabama, Nov. 24: Gonzaga’s Tyon Grant-Foster, who had an up-and-down season at Grand Canyon final yr, and Alabama’s Jalil Bethea, a former five-star prospect, could have an early likelihood to show they are often the sparks their groups want this season.
Houston at Tennessee, Nov. 25: You may seemingly see a fleet of NBA scouts and executives within the stands at this matchup with Tennessee’s Nate Ament, a projected top-five choose in subsequent summer season’s draft, and Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. and Joseph Tugler, a pair of projected first-round picks, all on the court docket on this showcase.
North Carolina at Kentucky, Dec. 2: A win over a top-10 Kentucky staff with nationwide title aspirations can be sufficient to quiet any early chatter about Hubert Davis’ future in what must be a pivotal season for the Tar Heels’ coach.
UConn at Florida in NYC, Dec. 9: These two groups staged a thriller within the second spherical of final season’s NCAA event, tied with 2:12 to play earlier than Florida rallied to win. This rematch might be a preview of the nationwide championship.
Purdue vs. Auburn in Indianapolis, Dec. 20: This matchup will inform how a lot work Bruce Pearl’s new-look staff might want to compete within the SEC whereas Matt Painter will get one other shot at a signature win on a nonconference slate that would embody matchups towards Alabama, Texas Tech and Iowa State, too.
Michigan at Duke, Feb. 21: It is the timing of this matchup, coming simply weeks earlier than Choice Sunday, that issues. It might settle any potential debates inside the committee if each groups are vying for a prime seed by then.
10 freshmen to observe
Listed so as of their ESPN 100 ranking.
A.J. Dybantsa, SF, BYU (No. 1 in ESPN 100): The No. 1 prospect within the ESPN 100, Dybantsa is blazing his personal path by eschewing the blue bloods to hitch a BYU program producing headlines over the previous yr. He is essentially the most anticipated participant heading into this season.
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas (No. 2): Ranked simply behind Dybantsa within the recruiting rankings, Peterson is ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA draft. He is an elite scorer, as evidenced by his 61-point efficiency towards Dybantsa’s Utah Prep in February.
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke (No. 3): Boozer is without doubt one of the most adorned highschool prospects in current historical past, profitable two gold medals with USA Basketball, 4 state titles and three straight Peach Jam championships on the Nike circuit. He must be a double-double menace from day one.
Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee (No. 4): In what must be a loaded 2026 NBA draft class, there’s an argument to be made that Ament has the very best ceiling of the group. He is 6-11 with high-level shotmaking means.
Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina (No. 5): He won’t emerge as the best freshman this season, however Wilson has big long-term upside, and Hubert Davis will want him to make an impression instantly. He is 6-9 with a flexible ability set.
Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas (No. 7): If John Calipari is teaching a staff with Last 4 aspirations, chances are high he has an elite level guard working the present — and that must be Acuff this season. He is a terrific offensive participant who will get others concerned.
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville (No. 8): The hype for Brown’s debut is at an all-time excessive after he had arguably the very best efficiency for the USA Basketball under-19 World Cup staff, main the squad in factors (14.9) and assists (6.1) en path to the gold medal this summer season.
Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor (No. 9): The profession scoring chief within the state of California, Yessoufou is pretty much as good a pure bucket-getter as you may discover within the 2025 class. He is a bodily wing who can get factors in any respect three ranges.
Koa Peat, PF, Arizona (No. 10): One other extremely adorned highschool prospect, Peat has received three gold medals with USA Basketball and 4 state championships at the highschool stage. Constantly productive, he led the U19 World Cup staff in rebounding (6.9).
Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn (No. 17): Mullins was arguably the very best perimeter shooter within the 2025 class, making higher than 47% of his 3-pointers final spring and summer season on the Adidas circuit, then repeating that feat as a highschool senior. — Borzello
10 transfers to observe
Listed so as of ESPN’s pre-commitment transfer rankings.
PJ Haggerty, PG, Kansas State (No. 1 in ESPN’s switch rankings): Haggerty was probably the most confirmed producers within the portal, coming off a season wherein he earned second-team All-America honors and was named AAC Participant of the 12 months. He has an opportunity to place up massive numbers for Jerome Tang.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa (No. 2): Stirtz is following Ben McCollum to his third college after beginning for Iowa’s new head coach at Northwest Missouri State and Drake. The Missouri Valley Participant of the 12 months is a possible first-round choose if he can proceed his development within the Large Ten.
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan (No. 3): Lendeborg was a possible first-round choose within the NBA draft, however he withdrew his identify and headed to Ann Arbor. He was probably the most productive gamers within the nation over the previous two seasons with UAB.
Darrion Williams, SF, NC State (No. 4): Williams withdrew from the NBA draft late within the course of earlier than changing into the centerpiece of Will Wade’s first recruiting class in Raleigh. The Texas Tech switch is a flexible playmaking ahead who would be the fulcrum of the Wolfpack offense.
Donovan Dent, PG, UCLA (No. 5): Dent was the most effective level guards within the nation final season, rating within the prime 15 nationally in factors and assists. UCLA returns loads of contributors, however the New Mexico switch must be the star of the present.
Boogie Fland, PG, Florida (No. 6): Florida’s quest to go back-to-back actually ramped up when Fland withdrew from the NBA draft and dedicated to the Gators. The previous five-star prospect whose freshman season at Arkansas was reduce brief by a hand damage will staff up with Princeton switch Xaivian Lee in Todd Golden’s new backcourt.
Jayden Quaintance, PF, Kentucky (No. 7): Arguably the very best NBA prospect within the portal, Quaintance is a projected top-10 choose in subsequent yr’s draft. He is an elite defensive participant who put up spectacular shot-blocking numbers as a freshman at Arizona State earlier than tearing his ACL late final season.
Robert Wright III, PG, BYU (No. 8): BYU went into the spring understanding it wanted a sport changer at level guard to play alongside Dybantsa and Richie Saunders. Wright is as dynamic as they arrive, with a number of breakout performances as a freshman at Baylor final season.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, PG, Tennessee (No. 9): Gillespie loved his nationwide breakout final season after transferring from Belmont to Maryland, the place he was an All-Large Ten performer. In Knoxville, he will likely be changing Zakai Zeigler as Rick Barnes’ level guard.
Bryce Hopkins, F, St. John’s (No. 12): Rick Pitino is (unsurprisingly) once more going transfer-heavy, however Hopkins was the important thing addition. He has a first-team All-Large East marketing campaign on his résumé from 2022-23 however has performed solely 17 video games the previous two seasons as a result of damage. — Borzello
10 gamers with breakout potential
Seth Trimble, G, North Carolina: The 6-3 senior misplaced his beginning function after sitting out a number of video games due to damage, then by no means discovered a constant rhythm upon returning. He was a 42% 3-point shooter in 2023-24 and can get loads of open seems with all the eye opponents will placed on five-star prospect Caleb Wilson.
Isaiah Evans, G, Duke: It wasn’t simple for Evans to discover a spot in a rotation that featured the Picket Award winner and 4 different 2025 NBA draft picks. However this season, Duke will ask the projected 2026 first-rounder to be a playmaker and a extra dependable defender. He appears able to each.
Thomas Haugh, F, Florida: The 6-9 junior made 60% of his pictures contained in the arc for the nationwide champions final season. He averaged 12.2 factors and 5.8 rebounds throughout the Gators’ 12-game profitable streak on the finish of the season — as a reserve. Haugh will now transfer into the beginning rotation as arguably crucial participant for his staff’s Last 4 ambitions.
Fletcher Loyer, G, Purdue: Positive, the sharpshooting wing averaged a career-high 13.8 factors for the Boilermakers in 2024-25, and linked on 44% of his 3-point makes an attempt for the second yr in a row. However he took fewer pictures from past the arc as a sophomore — he tried three or fewer 3-pointers in 13 video games final season — than he did as a freshman two years in the past, so he has the potential for larger output in 2025-26.
Joseph Tugler, F, Houston: The Cougars’ longtime centerpiece, J’Wan Roberts, is gone. That function of gritty, robust chief within the paint now belongs to Tugler, who received Large 12 Defensive Participant of the 12 months final season. He reached double figures in solely seven video games in 2024-25, so if he can turn into a extra dependable scorer, Tugler might safe first-team All-Large 12 honors.
Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn: Reed will once more play a key defensive function for UConn after averaging 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks final season. He additionally made 67% of his pictures contained in the arc and had six video games with 15 or extra factors, so with extra consistency, he might turn into a two-way pressure for the Huskies.
Kasean Pryor, F, Louisville: Pat Kelsey not too long ago stated Pryor, who tore his ACL in November, must be able to go for the approaching season — a optimistic growth for a Louisville squad with nationwide title aspirations. Pryor performed solely seven video games earlier than the damage, however he averaged 12.0 factors and recorded eight blocks and 11 steals.
Roddy Gayle Jr., G, Michigan: Although he by no means fairly regained the capturing stroke he had as a freshman at Ohio State, Gayle confirmed flashes of his potential throughout final season’s NCAA event. His 26-point effort, together with a 4-for-6 efficiency from past the arc, in Michigan’s second-round win over Texas A&M might be an indication of what is forward in his senior season.
Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn: If he can transfer previous his July 12 arrest on a DUI charge, Pettiford must be the subsequent chief of an Auburn squad that is successfully ranging from scratch after spending a lot of final season because the No. 1 staff within the nation. He’s essentially the most impactful returner for the Tigers and maybe within the SEC. After enjoying a backup function for Johni Broome & Co. final season, Pettiford will get his likelihood within the highlight.
Aden Holloway, G, Alabama: The combo guard is again for the Crimson Tide, who reached final season’s Elite Eight behind AP first-team All-American Mark Sears. Holloway, who was Sears’ backup for a number of stretches in 2024-25, now steps into that function for an Alabama roster that is proficient sufficient to compete for the SEC crown. — Medcalf
10 All-America candidates
Braden Smith, G, Purdue: The reigning Large Ten Participant of the 12 months might turn into Purdue’s third Picket Award winner prior to now 4 years. He additionally faces the strain of serving to Matt Painter win his first nationwide title because the chief of a roster that seems constructed for a run.
JT Toppin, F, Texas Tech: An Related Press second-team All-American final season, Toppin had a breakout yr with the Pink Raiders however will enter 2025-26 as a nationwide participant of the yr contender. He averaged 19.2 factors and 11.0 rebounds, main his staff to the Elite Eight final season.
PJ Haggerty, G, Kansas State: Additionally an AP second-team All-American final season, Haggerty helped Memphis safe the very best season of Penny Hardaway’s tenure with 29 wins. At Kansas State, Haggerty will once more lead the staff with an abundance of alternatives to depart his mark.
Cameron Boozer, F, Duke: His father, Carlos Boozer, helped Duke win the nationwide title in 2001. Just lately named Gatorade Male Athlete of the 12 months, Cameron will look to construct on the household legacy alongside his twin brother and fellow five-star recruit, Cayden.
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas: With each starter from final season’s Kansas staff gone, the five-star freshman would be the chief of a program that is making an attempt to shake the stench from three disappointing seasons that every ended and not using a journey to the second weekend of the NCAA event.
A.J. Dybantsa, G, BYU: The Cougars are chasing their first nationwide title with Dybantsa, a contender for the No. 1 choose in subsequent summer season’s NBA draft. The 6-9 ahead is an assertive younger expertise who might assist Kevin Younger put collectively the best two-year stretch in program historical past if Dybantsa can lead BYU to the Last 4 a yr after its Candy 16 run.
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan: After averaging 17.7 factors at UAB final season, Lendeborg was a projected first-round choose within the 2025 NBA draft earlier than withdrawing to hitch a Michigan staff that could be a official nationwide title contender. Lendeborg, who racked up double-doubles at UAB, is poised to emerge as considered one of America’s highest-profile gamers.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, F, Purdue: The Boilermakers reached the Candy 16 a yr after shedding two-time Picket Award winner Zach Edey thanks, partially, to Kaufman-Renn incomes first-team All-Large Ten honors. He averaged 20.1 factors and 6.5 rebounds whereas connecting on 43% of his 3-point makes an attempt final season. This season, he might be part of teammate Braden Smith as a critical candidate for All-America honors.
Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa: If followers did not know Stirtz’s identify earlier than the NCAA event, they definitely knew it after he scored 21 factors in Drake’s first-round upset of Missouri. The Mountain Valley Convention Participant of the 12 months adopted coach Ben McCollum to Iowa, the place Stirtz will contend for Large Ten Participant of the 12 months and different honors.
Donovan Dent, G, UCLA: Earlier than Dent’s arrival, New Mexico had not been to the NCAA event in a decade. However the proficient guard, who averaged 20.4 factors en path to the Lobos’ Mountain West regular-season title final season, led his staff to back-to-back appearances in 2024 and 2025. Now, he’ll be a catalyst for Mick Cronin’s squad within the Large Ten. — Medcalf
10 coaches at new packages
Darian DeVries, Indiana: DeVries replaces Mike Woodson after main Drake to 3 NCAA event appearances in 4 years and simply lacking the tourney in his lone season at West Virginia. In Bloomington, the strain is extremely excessive from day one.
Buzz Williams, Maryland: Williams is not any stranger to bouncing from one high-major program to a different, with stops at Marquette, Virginia Tech and Texas A&M. He left A&M after six seasons to take over in School Park, the place he is changing Kevin Willard, who left for Villanova. With Williams bringing a number of gamers with him from A&M, Terps followers are hoping he’ll hit the bottom working.
Will Wade, NC State: Probably the most fascinating hires of the cycle, Wade is again on the power-conference stage after profitable 58 video games in two seasons at McNeese. He is an elite recruiter who has already raised the anticipation stage in Raleigh.
Sean Miller, Texas: Miller was a goal for Texas when the Longhorns employed Rodney Terry in 2023. Now after a second stint at Xavier, Miller is lastly in Austin. He has 13 profession NCAA event appearances and is predicted to deliver high-level success to the Longhorns.
Kevin Willard, Villanova: In maybe essentially the most awkward saga of the 2025 teaching carousel, Willard spoke publicly about changes he wanted to see at Maryland and emerged as Villanova’s clear best choice throughout the Terps’ Candy 16 run. The Wildcats must reenter the nationwide highlight.
Ryan Odom, Virginia: Simply seven years after main UMBC to an NCAA event win over Virginia within the first 16-over-1 males’s upset, Odom is taking on in Charlottesville. He is ostensibly changing Tony Bennett, who shockingly retired simply earlier than the 2024-25 season. Zero factors are coming back from final season, however Odom’s worldwide haul supplies an enormous increase.
Ben McCollum, Iowa: McCollum’s meteoric rise from Division II to the Large Ten took lower than one calendar yr. He led Northwest Missouri State to 4 nationwide titles earlier than guiding Drake to an NCAA event win in his lone season with the Bulldogs. All-American Bennett Stirtz following him to his third college is a good start line for 2025-26.
Jai Lucas, Miami: It was clear that Lucas was going to be the subsequent coach at Miami earlier than information of his hiring broke, nevertheless it was nonetheless shocking when he left his publish as Duke assistant earlier than the postseason. Will his recruiting prowess assist get Miami again close to the highest of the ACC?
Richard Pitino, Xavier: Pitino was linked to seemingly each power-conference opening within the spring however in the end landed at Xavier as Sean Miller’s substitute. Pitino led New Mexico to the second spherical of the NCAA event final season and now joins the identical league as his father, Rick Pitino. Except for the Travis Steele period, it is a program that has missed solely 4 NCAA tournaments within the 2000s. Expectations are quietly excessive.
Bucky McMillan, Texas A&M: Can “Bucky Ball” scale as much as the dominant SEC? Samford performed among the most entertaining basketball within the nation beneath McMillan the previous few seasons, going to the NCAA event in 2024. — Borzello
