-Jim Root, Ky McKeon, Matt Cox
We are BACK with the fourth edition of our Top 100 Players in college basketball, a labor of love that always brings out the best in both us and our dear readers.
The ranking process remained very similar: Matt, Ky, and Jim each assembled their own list of top players (this time, we stretched it out to 150 to ensure our Honorable Mention was sound); then, using a HIGHLY scientific scoring system (rank of 1 = 150 points, 2 = 149 points, ..., 150 = 1 point), we consolidated our rankings into the master list of 100 (plus HM) that you see below.
Ranking players is always going to be an inherently murky exercise. How big a factor is winning? How do you compare the 4th-best player for a top 5 squad with the best player for a top 45 one? How the hell do you measure defensive impact? The nebulous answers to these questions leave a ton of room for debate and disagreement, and you’ll see in our individual rankings that we can be all over the map on certain guys. Also of note: role matters. While someone like Zach Edey might warrant higher placement in a vacuum, we are factoring in that he will likely play 15ish MPG behind Trevion Williams.
As per usual, we will sort through the feedback on a podcast episode in the future, and we included who was high and who was low so that you can direct your own fury appropriately.
Enough intro - let’s get to 3MW's fourth annual Top 100 Player Rankings:
Honorable Mention (in order, 125-101)
125. Samuell Williamson, F, Jr, Louisville
124. Eli Scott, F, R Sr., Loyola Marymount
123. Evan Battey, F, Colorado
122. Zach Edey, C, So., Purdue
121. Joey Hauser, F, R Sr., Michigan St.
120. Tyrece Radford, G, R Jr., Texas A&M
119. Peyton Watson, G/F, Fr., UCLA
118. K.D. Johnson, G, So., Auburn
117. Zach Freemantle, F, Jr., Xavier
116. Storm Murphy, G, R Sr., Virginia Tech
115. Josiah-Jordan James, G, Jr., Tennessee
114. Landers Nolley, G, R Jr., Memphis
113. Fatts Russell, G, R Sr., Maryland
112. Allen Flanigan, G, Jr., Auburn
111. Chuck Harris, G, So., Butler
110. Marcus Bagley, F, So., Arizona St.
109. Grant Golden, C, R Sr., Richmond
108. Geo Baker, G, R Sr., Rutgers
107. AJ Griffin, F, Fr., Duke
106. Garrison Brooks, F, R Sr., Mississippi St.
105. Courtney Ramey, G, Sr., Texas
104. Kevin Obanor, F, Sr., Texas Tech
103. Hunter Sallis, G, Fr., Gonzaga
102. Chris Lykes, G, R Sr., Arkansas
101. Jared Rhoden, G/F, Sr., Seton Hall
100. John Fulkerson, F, Tennessee
Yes, he’s still there. A dirty Omar Payne elbow rudely ended Fulkerson’s senior season, but he’s back for a revenge tour thanks to the extra COVID year. His absence clearly impact the Vols’ ability to defend the paint and execute offensively, and getting him back to pair with the rest of a talented roster should maintain a high floor in Knoxville.
99. Tyson Walker, G, Michigan St.
The CAA’s 2021 Defensive Player of the Year and the engine that drove Northeastern, Walker now sets his sights on the Big Ten where he’ll be counted on to run point for the Spartans.
98. Mike Miles, G, TCU
Please buckle your seatbelts and prepare for take off. After pacing the USA FIBA U19 team to a gold medal this summer, TCU’s scintillating sophomore floor general is all growns up.
97. Kyler Edwards, G, Houston
A significant three-year contributor for Chris Beard, Edwards journeys across Texas to play for another defensive mastermind in Kelvin Sampson. Teammate Tramon Mark probably has higher upside, but Edwards is a steady, consistent presence who will keep the Cougars among the top 15 or so nationally.
96. Bryce Hamilton, G, UNLV
The ultimate enigma, ranking Hamilton inside our top-100 may be an unpopular opinion. Team struggles notwithstanding, Hamilton’s proven he’s an incendiary scorer. He’ll look to translate that to the win column under a new regime in 2022.
95. Nate Watson, C, Providence
Now in his fifth season as a Friar, Watson will need to be a monster in the paint if Ed Cooley & Co. want to get back to the NCAA Tournament. Watson is an outstanding interior scorer, but to reach his ceiling as a player, he needs to become a more consistent defensive rebounder at his size.
94. Noah Williams, G, Washington St.
Williams went Super Saiyan in Isaac Bonton’s absence, highlighted by a late February 36 PPG two-game average and a ridiculous 12/24 3P clip. With Bonton gone Williams is the undisputed leader of a Wazzu team looking to get to its first Dance since 2008.
93. Jabari Walker, F, Colorado
Walker is set to explode in his sophomore season and prove his 24-point NCAA Tournament outburst against Georgetown was no fluke. With NBA teams catching on, it’s possible this will be the final season we’ll see the talented forward in Boulder.
92. AJ Green, G, Northern Iowa
Did you forget about him? No, this is not Joseph ‘Blue’ Pulaski, but AJ is the recent recipient of not one but TWO brand new plastic hips! Deep cut ‘Old School’ jokes aside, Green has a veteran-laden Northern Iowa squad eyeing the MVC crown in 2022.
91. Kendall Brown, F, Baylor
To the victor goes the spoils. The reigning national champs have big shoes to fills but Scotty Drew is backfilling with blue-chip talent, headlined by Brown, one of the bounciest rookies in the 2022 cycle.
90. Eric Ayala, G, Maryland
Ayala led a surprisingly good Terps squad in scoring last season. He’ll be the senior leader on a team many think will be top-15 good this year.
89. DeVante’ Jones, G, Michigan
Jones was the Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2021 for the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina. He’ll look to repeat the success of former Columbia transfer Mike Smith and lead Michigan to a top seed in March.
88. Walker Kessler, F/C, Auburn
Stuck behind three other talented bigs in the UNC rotation, Kessler struggled to deliver on his immense potential and high recruiting pedigree, but he flashed enough “wow” moments (such as dominating Florida State in a home win) to see that the talent was certainly still there. Now the anchor in the paint for Auburn, he is due for a massive breakout season, and the Tigers’ postseason absence should be extremely short-lived.
87. Anthony Polite, G, Florida St.
Devin Vassell. Raiquan Gray. Anthony Polite? The Noles are dripping with talent, per usual, but Polite’s stock arrow is pointing right at the moon – is he the next breakout in Tallahassee?
86. Mark Williams, C, Duke
A lone bright spot in Duke’s 2021 misery, Williams was a monster down the stretch. Over the final six games of his rookie campaign, Williams averaged 17 points, 7 boards and 2 swats a contest.
85. Jordan Bohannon, G, Iowa
J-Bo is back for his 20th season with the Hawkeyes. Already the program’s all-time assist leader, the point guard now looks to climb the scoring ranks – a healthy season likely means a spot behind just Luka Garza and Roy Marble on the all-time ranks.
84. Iverson Molinar, G, Mississippi St.
Mississippi State’s athletic floor leader missed the first three games of the season with an asymptomatic COVID diagnosis, but he came out firing once past that, asserting himself as one of the SEC’s best scorers after adding a deadly three-ball to his game. The Bulldogs’ new additions are getting most of the attention, but if they find themselves back in the Big Dance after a two-year absence, Molinar will be the most significant reason why.
83. Kihei Clark, G, Virginia
The little engine that could who just won’t go away, yes, Virginia’s mini-maestro is still around. Despite standing 5’10 on his tippy toes, Clark’s ability to stuff the stat sheet is remarkable. If the Hoos push for an ACC title, you can bet Clark’s fingerprints will be all over it.
82. Jamaree Bouyea, G, San Francisco
Beware the Dons in 2021-22! Todd Golden brings everyone back for another shot at the NCAA Tournament including leading scorer and 1st Team All-WCC performer Jamaree Bouyea. He may not be a household name quite yet, but rest assured his notoriety will grow this season.
81. Quincy Guerrier, F, Oregon
Guerrier left the Carrier Dome and headed west to Oregon fresh off an All-ACC caliber season. He’s one of a handful of Duck transfers looking to boost their squad to a Pac 12 championship and a Final Four appearance.
80. Jacob Gilyard, G, Richmond
Despite his size, Gilyard is a devastating two-way force at the point guard spot, and if he stays healthy, he’ll become the NCAA’s all-time leader in steals this season. Injuries thwarted Richmond’s high hopes last year, but almost everyone is back from the core that had top 25 hype last year, and Gilyard’s leadership, scoring, and defense are crucial parts of getting the Spiders to deliver on that potential this time around.
79. Keith Williams, G, Western Kentucky
One of the last high-impact transfers to make his decision, Williams immediately becomes a C-USA Player of the Year candidate after a tremendously productive four-year career at Cincinnati. He became a legitimate go-to scorer as a senior, and when paired with his outstanding defensive prowess, he gives Western Kentucky a star capable of leading the Hilltoppers to conference title.
78. R.J. Cole, G, UConn
Cole pulled off the difficult feat of maintaining his high-level efficiency while transferring up from the MEAC to the Big East, and he helped keep the Huskies’ offense remain afloat while James Bouknight was hurt. Per Hoop-Explorer, his usage, efficiency, and assist rate all rose when Bouknight went to the bench, evidencing that he can replace the decorated lottery pick as the Huskies’ alpha.
77. Kadary Richmond, G, Seton Hall
A dynamic slasher and defender, Richmond’s athletic game should blossom at Seton Hall after injuries limited his playing time at Syracuse (or so Jim Boeheim claimed). He should slot in as the Pirates’ primary creator now that Sandro Mamukelashvili and Shavar Reynolds are gone, and the Big East All-Defense team should probably reserve a spot for him, as well.
76. Osun Osunniyi, F/C, St. Bonaventure
The Olean Enforcer. The Shoon of Swat. The Bonnie Blocker. Call him whatever you want, but Osunniyi is one of the best rim protectors in the entire country, often taking away the rim as a scoring option entirely when he’s on the court. He’s also a powerful finisher and active rebounder, and he’ll be a pivotal part of any deep postseason run for the much-hyped Bonnies.
75. Jermaine Samuels, F, Villanova
Samuels was quietly one of the most efficient players in the country last season, expanding his scoring repertoire while also continuing to an impactful rebounder and hyper-versatile defender. His return for a 5th season in Philly is a huge part of why Nova fans are dreaming of a third NCAA title in seven years.
74. Justin Moore, G, Villanova
Moore struggled with his jumper last year and saw his late-season effectiveness limited by an ankle injury, but he’s a savvy playmaker who was most productive in the Wildcats’ biggest games last year (19 points at Texas, 24-5-5 in a win vs. Creighton, etc.). With Jeremiah Robinson-Earl gone, Villanova’s ceiling likely involves Moore stepping up another level as an upperclassman.
73. Devo Davis, G, Arkansas
Davis did not play a ton to start the season, but his aggressive game on both ends of the court eventually forced Eric Musselman to slot him in the starting lineup, and the young Razorback did not look back. He did some of his best work in the NCAA Tournament, buoying hopes for a massive sophomore breakout campaign, and if he adds a perimeter shot (only 2-for-13 from 3P range), the sky is the limit.
72. Posh Alexander, G, St. John’s
Already a co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Big East as a freshman, the powerfully-built Alexander need only to develop his jumper to evolve into an all-conference star. He’s a blur in the open floor and a strong driver, and he perfectly embodies the physical, aggressive style that Mike Anderson wants from his Red Storm.
71. Antoine Davis, G, Detroit
After a one-year hiatus from our Top-100 player ranks, we welcome back baby Davis to the exclusive club. Refurbished by an upgraded supporting cast (Thanks dad!), Davis went bananas on Horizon defenses last year.
70. Azuolas Tubelis, F, Arizona
Rising sophomore Azuolas Tubelis is Arizona’s returning leading scorer and rebounder. A 12.2 PPG / 7.1 RPG earned him Pac 12 HM All-Conference and All-Freshman honors in 2020-21. He’s one of many reasons to be excited about the Cats under new head coach Tommy Lloyd.
69. Michael Devoe, G, Georgia Tech
Mike had himself a *nice* lil season last year. His running mate Jose Alvarado is gone, as is interior destroyer Moses Wright, leaving Devoe as the primary engine of the GT offense.
68. Harrison Ingram, F, Stanford
Freshman wing Harrison Ingram is a top 20 5-star recruit, future NBA 1st rounder, and potentially the best player on the Cardinal this season. Stanford comes into 2021-22 with mild expectations – Ingram can blow those wide open.
67. Ron Harper Jr., F, Rutgers
Harper was literally one of the best players in the country the first seven games of 2020. He averaged 22 PPG and 7.1 RPG over that span and was the undisputed alpha of a physical Rutgers squad. Though his production tailed off last season Harper is still one of the better players in the country and the Scarlet Knights’ best hope for a return to the NCAA Tournament.
66. Kyle Lofton, G, St. Bonaventure
If St. Bonaventure was playing basketball for the last three years, Kyle Lofton was on the court. He’s ranked 20th, 5th, and 1st nationally in percentage of minutes played, and he’s a commanding on-ball presence that controls the game from his point guard spot. If he can re-discover his perimeter shot, (just 24% last year), he could make a run at Atlantic 10 Player of the Year while leading the Bonnies to another NCAA Tournament appearance – and possibly beyond.
65. Darius Days, F, LSU
The lone leftover from LSU’s fearsome foursome of offensive threats, Days steps into more of an alpha role for the Tigers this year. Adam Miller and Xavier Pinson will get plenty of shots up as well, but Days has proven to be a consistent threat from both inside and out.
64. David Roddy, F, Colorado St.
Built like Sir Charles Barkley, Roddy is truly one-of-a-kind. Watch him grab-n-go to ignite the fast break or swallow up soft shots at the rim, Roddy does it all for the tournament hopeful Rams.
63. Jaime Jaquez, G/F, UCLA
UCLA’s unsung and (perhaps) underappreciated hero was a 2nd Team All-Pac 12 and All-Defensive Team member in 2020-21. He’ll play an integral part in the Bruins’ bid for a second straight Final Four, though his higher scoring teammate may garner more attention.
62. JD Davison, G, Alabama
A devastating athlete at the point guard spot, Davison should flourish in the transition-heavy Nate Oats offense. He should also be a nightmare to stop one-on-one, another Oats staple, and along with Jahvon Quinerly, Jaden Shackelford, Nimari Burnett, and Keon Ellis, he is part of one of the best backcourts in the entire country.
61. Caleb Mills, G, Florida St.
We didn’t see much of the former Houston super-sub sniper in 2021. Arguably Kelvin Sampson’s best all-around scorer as a rookie, Mills now heads to the panhandle, where Leonard Hamilton is giddy about his new toy.
60. Isaiah Mobley, F, USC
The “other” Mobley quietly put together a solid campaign of his own last season, averaging a near-double-double and providing solid interior defense. The former 5-star prospect enters his third season with the Trojans looking to climb up NBA Draft boards in likely his final year in college.
59. Jabari Smith, F, Auburn
Perhaps the least-discussed top 15 recruit in the country, Smith is a mega-skilled forward who should perfectly complement Walker Kessler in the Auburn frontcourt. He’s also plenty mobile to play in Bruce Pearl’s up-tempo attack, and his perimeter stroke may be crucial to unlocking the Tigers’ spacing. Certainly a candidate to blow away this ranking.
58. Caleb Love, G, North Carolina
Note: Ranking above not based on prior year performance
Does Hubert Davis have the magic wand to break the hex on Love’s jumpshot? His talent kit has all the bells and whistles but consistency was MIA during Love’s rookie season.
57. Oscar Tshiebwe, F, Kentucky
Apologies to Aidan Ighieon, but this is college basketball’s Hulk. Tshiebwe may be better at offensive rebounding than any other college basketball player is at any specific skill, and his tireless work ethic and unrelenting physicality adds an element to the Kentucky frontcourt that it simply lacked a season ago. Opposing training staffs, get the ice baths ready.
56. DeAndre Williams, F, Memphis
The freshmen are getting all the pub (and the higher rankings here), but Williams may be the Tigers’ most important piece. He stabilized the Memphis offense as a deft high post initiator last season, and his multi-faceted game should be on full display alongside such uber-talented teammates. He’s also an outstanding individual and team defender, and he’ll be content to fly under the radar if it results in team success.
55. Kenneth Lofton Jr., F, Louisiana Tech
What started as a fun curiosity in Ruston evolved into an opponent-crushing wrecking ball, and Lofton’s performance with the FIBUA U19 squad this summer cemented his place among the best in all of mid-major college hoops. If he can help Louisiana Tech to its first NCAA berth since 1991, the svelte center will become a true national sensation.
54. Sahvir Wheeler, G, Kentucky
Wheeler elevated his game after being the magician’s assistant next to Anthony Edwards for a year, and he now faces a new challenge of taking his game to the pressure cooker that is Big Blue Nation. His speed and high-level court vision should serve him well alongside more talented teammates.
53. Colin Castleton, F, Florida
An afterthought in Ann Arbor, Castleton pulled a reverse Juwan Howard and took his talents to Florida, where he blossomed into one of the SEC’s best big men. He’s a skilled finisher and a legitimate weapon as a rim protector, and he should be the Gators’ go-to guy in his second season in Gainesville.
52. Jayden Gardner, F, Virginia
Stuck under a rock at East Carolina, Gardner now gets to strut his stuff with the big boys. His old man game will be just what the doctor ordered for Tony Bennett and company, who just waved farewell to three hyper efficient scorers.
51. Andrew Jones, G, Texas
The easiest guy to root for in the sport, Jones’ inspirational story is in the rear view but never forgotten. He’s one of the few incumbents sticking around in Austin as the Chris Beard era begins to take hold.
50. Paul Scruggs, G, Xavier
After three somewhat underwhelming seasons under Travis Steele, Xavier is happy to welcome back Scruggs, who is using his COVID year to return the Musketeers to the NCAA Tournament. He took his game to another level last season, particularly as a playmaker nearly doubling his assist rate and becoming a true floor leader for the Musketeers. If Steele is to punch his first ticket to the Big Dance, Scruggs will play a pivotal part in it.
49. Buddy Boeheim, G, Syracuse
The Boeheim’s headline a 2022 ‘Brady Bunch’ spin off. Now, daddy (Jim) and big bro (also Jim! well, sort of) get a front row seat to Buddy’s sweet, sweet shooting. At this point, another deep Orange tourney run feels inevitable, doesn’t it?
48. David McCormack, F, Kansas
Following in Doke’s footsteps wasn’t great for ‘D Mac’ s PR but he’s still one of the most dominant bigs the college game has to offer. After a second half breakout last year, you know Bill Self wants to feed him like a hungry hungry hippo in 2022.
47. Grant Sherfield, G, Nevada
Even his bad shots tickle the twine…
One of the coolest customers around, Sherfield dictates the game on his terms – and they’re non-negotiable.
46. Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas
With the breakout hoopla behind him, Wilson must now go to work with a target on his back. This 6’8 power wing is a chore to keep out of the lane.
45. Tyger Campbell, G, UCLA
The steady heartbeat of the Bruins’ Cinderella run, Tyger Campbell proved he was one of the nation’s best point guards last year posting a 30.2% assist rate with a miniscule 16.4% TO rate. He’s the rock-solid leader at the point of attack every program in America wishes they had.
44. Tyson Etienne, G, Wichita St.
The reigning AAC Co-Player of the Year, Etienne went through the NBA Draft process but ultimately decided to return to Wichita. His perimeter marksmanship is unquestioned, but if he can get to the rim with more frequency and become a consistent playmaker for others, he will not be returning to school for his senior year. Oh, and he helped the Shockers win a regular season championship a year ago, as well.
43. James Akinjo, G, Baylor
Replacing Davion Mitchell and Jared Butler? No thanks, I’ll pass…
Mr. Akinjo is a braver man than most. He arrives in the Lone Star state riding high off a stellar junior season under the ‘Tucson’ sun.
42. TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky
Just one year ago, Washington was ranked 74th in 247’s composite rankings and was about to receive the Creighton offer to which he would initially commit. Now, he’s a unanimous 5-star gem tasked with fueling Kentucky’s resurgence to the national elite. Fortunately, he has the game and the swagger to do just that, and he could skyrocket a la Jalen Suggs if things break right for him.
41. Ochai Agbaji, G, Kansas
An irreplaceable cog in the Kansas machine, Agbaji is as steady as they come. One could argue he’s Kansas’ 4th best player (*gasp*), a scary proposition for Big-12 adversaries.
40. Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
When Duren dunks, the ground shakes. A physical marvel with a mean streak, Duren will be the paint thunder to Emoni Bates’ perimeter lightning, and along with the rest of the talented Tiger roster, he will look to take Penny Hardaway’s program into the great beyond of the NCAA Tournament for the first time.
39. Javonte Perkins, G/F, Saint Louis
The likely preseason Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10, the Billikens are now Perkins’ show following the departures of program pillars Hasahn French and Jordan Goodwin. Perkins is a dynamic three-level scorer and stout defender, and if he shows well enough in his final campaign, a future as an NBA 3-and-D guy seems well within the realm of possibility.
38. Will Richardson, G, Oregon
Richardson’s absence the first half of last season has many sleeping on the talented Ducks point guard. A career 40% 3P shooter and fully healthy, Richardson should be one of the best players in the Pac 12 this season
37. Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan
A top ten recruit in the 2021 class, Houstan is garnering plenty of attention from NBA scouts and casual college basketball fans alike. He’ll look to gel right away with returning All-American Hunter Dickinson and help lead his Wolverines to the Final Four.
36. Terrence Shannon Jr., G, Texas Tech
A household name, Shannon’s one of the few mainstays from the era of ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’. He’s bound to soar in Mark Adams’ renovated offense.
35. Matt Bradley, G, San Diego St.
Built like a meathouse with a jelly smooth stroke, the sweet shooting southpaw is poised to turn heads for the Aztecs - watch him put on a show for ‘the Show’ in San Diego
34. Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, Arizona
Mathurin poured in 16.1 PPG for Team Canada in FIBA’s U19 games this summer. He’ll look to take on a leading role for the Wildcats this season and get U of A back to the Big Dance for the first time since 2018.
33. Dawson Garcia, F, North Carolina
This talented lefty certainly turned our heads as a rookie. He departs Milwaukee for a perennial factory of bigs, located in Chapel Hill. At 6’11, Garcia’s pure stroke and effortless athleticism should invite plenty of double takes from NBA scouts next spring.
32. Matthew Mayer, G/F, Baylor
The mullet man sends shockwaves through the gymnasium every time he steps on the floor. This man possessed is now unchained, free of the Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler, Macio Teague and Mark Vital shadows - look out, folks.
31. Kellan Grady, G, Kentucky
A decorated and deadly A-10 sniper, Grady brings his 2,002 career points to the bluegrass, where he profiles as the Cats’ top perimeter weapon. Along with several other key transfers and freshmen, he will be pivotal in resurrecting Kentucky from its dismal 2020-21 season – and possibly even making John Calipari’s first Final Four appearance since 2015.
30. Marcus Sasser, G, Houston
With Quentin Grimes and DeJon Jarreau now gone, Sasser should take the Batman mask after serving as a worthy Robin for Houston’s first Final Four run since 1984. His jumper can be streaky at times, but he can win games by himself when he’s on, and he has a devastating floater game as well. Oh, and he’s a Houston Cougar, so you know he competes his tail off defensively.
29. Keve Aluma, F, Virginia Tech
Newsflash: Aluma averaged 15 points, 8 boards and 2 dimes a game last year, tops in all three departments among Virginia Tech returners. After following Mike Young to the ACC, it’s safe to say Aluma’s outgrown the mid major kiddie pool.
28. Jaden Shackelford, G, Alabama
Shackelford flirted with the transfer portal, even going on a few dates with potential suitors, but he is back at Bama and will continue to be one of the most feared perimeter scorers in the country. His smooth lefty stroke has boundless range, and the next step to his evolution is improving his finishing against size at the rim.
27. Tre Mitchell, F/C, Texas
The epitome of the modern day big, Mitchell’s handle, vision and feathery touch are unfair for a guy his size. After posting gaudy numbers at UMass, an elder Mitchell is ready to win under a coach who knows winning quite well.
26. Adam Flagler, G, Baylor
The Weavers hold major equity in ‘Flagler 2022 Inc.’ Along with teammate Matthew Mayer, Flagler’s a kernel about to explode for the Baylor Title Defenders.
25. Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee
Chandler enters college as the top-ranked floor leader in the 2021 class, and his arrival cannot come soon enough for a Vols team that his been starving for shot creation since Jordan Bone left town. He checks all the point guard boxes – unselfish, lightning quick, tight handles – but perhaps his most important quality is his insatiable competitive fire.
24. Scotty Pippen Jr., G, Vanderbilt
You may have forgotten about Vanderbilt basketball, but here’s letting you know you should not. Pippen has been a one-man wrecking crew, scoring efficiently and dialing up his teammates (even when they were not converting the resulting open shots). Jerry Stackhouse added some talent this offseason, so perhaps the oft-overlooked Pippen (and Vanderbilt as a whole) will feature more prominently this season.
23. Andrew Nembhard, G, Gonzaga
Nembhard left the friendly confines of Gainesville to take on a lesser role and be a part of a National Title contender at Gonzaga. He was quietly a key piece to the Zags’ success last season and will be indispensable in 2021-22 as he runs the show from the point of attack.
22. Jahvon Quinerly, G, Alabama
Turns out that a change of scenery CAN do wonders for some prospects (hey, just ask Quentin Grimes). Quinerly thrived in Nate Oats’ up-tempo attack, using his tremendous off-the-bounce creativity to knife into the gaps created by the Tide’s tidy spacing. The final month of his season was masterful, averaging 15.3 PPG and 3.8 APG on 50% shooting (46.5% from 3). With Herb Jones gone, he should slot in as the primary initiator, and his numbers could skyrocket.
21. Armando Bacot, F/C, North Carolina
Alas, Bacot no longer has to share the stage with a forest of other bigs. He went ballistic in March, but can the per minute monster stretch out his production over a larger workload?
20. Julian Champagnie, F, St. John’s
Champagnie is a treat to watch, gliding all over the court in Mike Anderson’s hectic pressure scheme as a calming presence for when things get just a bit too out of control. His shooting stroke is as smooth as his demeanor, and though his twin brother Justin took the NBA plunge this offseason, Julian is back to restore the Red Storm to the Big East prominence it once comfortably possessed.
19. Alex Barcello, G, BYU
Possibly the most unnoticed Honorable Mention All-American in the country last season, Barcello is back for his 5th season ready to prove his BYU Cougars can compete with anybody in the land – including Gonzaga. His 47.2% 3P clip in 2020-21 ranked 15th in the country.
18. Remy Martin, G, Kansas
Jayhawk fans need no introduction to Remy. His Sun Devils came into Lawrence and silenced the Phog Allen faithful three years ago. Can Martin live up to the prestigious KU guard lineage?
17. Patrick Baldwin Jr., F, Milwaukee
Dropping a green room talent in the middle of a mid-major playground is the mad science experience we’ve all been waiting for. Baldwin’s no match for his soon-to-be Horizon League foes.
16. Andre Curbelo, G, Illinois
With Ayo Dosunmu out of the picture it’s Curbelo’s turn to shine. The electric sophomore point guard is in line for one of the biggest production leaps in the country this season. If he can ascend to 1st Team All-Big Ten level, his Illini could be destined for another top seed in March.
15. Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
Ivey was one of the (many) bright spots for Team USA this summer in the FIBA U19 games. He’s an exciting dunker, a dynamic player, and one of the main reasons we and everyone else are sky high on Purdue this season.
14. Max Abmas, G, Oral Roberts
A phonetic conundrum with parking lot range, Abmas returns to Oral Bob for one last rodeo. Can his encore possibly top last year’s magic carpet ride?
13. Emoni Bates, F, Memphis
An absolutely world-class shot-maker, Bates joins the college ranks a year earlier than expected with hopes of taking the Tigers into the sport’s stratosphere. Questions exist about his fit within a team construct, and the Great Bates Point Guard Experiment is about to be scrutinized with the intensity of 1000 suns, but there’s absolutely no question about the talent here. Good luck, college defenders.
12. Kendric Davis, G, SMU
The jitterbug of all jitterbugs. Davis is a masterful manipulator of defenses, probing with the dribble and carving them up with precision passing. The cast around him experienced mass amounts of turnover this offseason, but as long as Davis is leading the herd, the Ponies have a chance to dance for the first time since 2017.
11. Marcus Carr, G, Texas
He did everything but drive the bus last year in Minnesota, as an injury ravaged Gopher squad piled a heavy burden in Carr’s lap. That’s not an issue anymore. Carr will be Texas’s table setter, surrounded by a plethora of top-notch transfers.
10. Johnny Juzang, G, UCLA
The breakout star of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, Juzang was the catalyst of UCLA’s Final Four run, leading the Bruins with a stunning 22.8 PPG. He’s out to prove he can produce at that level for an entire season and etch his name on an All-American team in the process.
9. Trevion Williams, F, Purdue
Purdue’s sophomores might be getting the most hype this offseason, but let’s not forget about Honorable Mention All-American and 1st Team All-Big Ten big man Trevion Williams. Williams led the nation in percentage of team shots taken and ranked 2nd in usage on his way to finishing 10th in KenPom’s coveted KPOY race.
8. Collin Gillespie, G, Villanova
The straw that stirs the drink for the Villanova offensive cocktail, Gillespie simply could not end his college career on the sideline with an MCL injury. He’s back for a fifth campaign, and with weapons like Justin Moore and Jermaine Samuels around him, the Wildcats are looking for much more than a Sweet 16 appearance this time around…
7. Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana
TJD was named a 3rd Team All-American by at least three different outlets in 2020-21 on the heels of yet another stellar season. Under new head coach Mike Woodson Jackson-Davis figures to shine just as bright. He’s among the slew of talented big men returning in the Big Ten and a frontrunner for the league’s POY award.
6. Hunter Dickinson, C, Michigan
An AP 2nd Team All-American last season Dickinson turned in one of the best years in the country – and he was only a freshman. Rejecting the Draft and returning to school made many a fan in Ann Arbor jump for joy; he promises to be an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor for Michigan in 2021-22.
5. E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio St.
Ohio State’s returning leading scorer and 1st Team All-Big Ten veteran has 20-points-per-game potential in 2021-22. Liddell will be among America’s best big men and has plenty of room still to take his game to another level.
4. Paolo Banchero, F, Duke
Banchero carries the weight of Coach K’s last stand on his shoulders. One of Italy’s most prominent new citizens, the Duke destroyer better do right by the Azzurri.
3. Chet Holmgren, F, Gonzaga
The nation’s #1 recruit and a certified unicorn, Chet Holmgren is a 7-foot walking stick with ball skills, shooting ability, and elite shot-blocking prowess. He’ll team with Drew Timme at Gonzaga to form the best frontcourt in college basketball in what should be his only collegiate season.
2. Kofi Cockburn, C, Illinois
After flirting with the transfer portal, Kofi opted to return to Illinois for another shot at the Big Ten and National title. Cockburn is an immovable object and unstoppable force on the block, a 7-foot 285-pound behemoth of basketball bulk and brawn.
1. Drew Timme, F, Gonzaga
KenPom’s Player of the Year in 2021 wasn’t Luka Garza – it was mustachioed forward Drew Timme, an AP 2nd Team All-American last season and our #1 player heading into 2022. Timme has the best post footwork in college basketball and will be the focal point of a dangerous Zags squad hellbent on winning their first National Championship.