Another great season of college basketball ended last night, with UConn going back-to-back for the first time since Florida in 2007. The next time we’ll have college basketball games is November 4th, 209 days from now. While that date seems like a long ways away, it’s never too early to start speculating about what next season will look like. As has become a tradition among members of the college basketball media world, I’ve created my Way Too Early Top 25. If you disagree with anything on the list, remember that there are still 209 days until the season starts, and most rosters aren’t particularly close to being filled out. For example, as I write this article, Arkansas has zero players on their roster, but just hired John Calipari, a coach that can bring them big time success immediately.

A few rules for my Way Too Early Top 25

• Players who finished their fourth year of college basketball but still have their extra year of eligibility from the COVID year are counted as gone until they announce they’re coming back.
• Players projected in the first round of NBA Mock Drafts are considered gone. Hoop Scoop Media is not affiliated with a specific mock draft, so I took multiple into consideration when determining who to consider back for the time being.
• Players who don’t fall into either category are counted as back until they announce otherwise, even if there is heavy speculation about them entering the transfer portal.

1. Gonzaga

Projected Starters

• Ryan Nembhard
• Nolan Hickman
• Michael Ajayi (Pepperdine)
• Ben Gregg
• Graham Ike

While most teams around the country have no clue what their exact roster will look like, the Mark Few led squad already has an eight man rotation that could compete right now. The Bulldogs’ only notable loss was Anton Watson, and while a huge loss himself, most teams lost significantly more. Few already got Pepperdine forward Michael Ajayi from the portal, in addition to having a healthy Steele Venters, an Eastern Washington transfer who missed this season with an ACL injury. Graham Ike was one of the best players in the country late in the season, and combined with a backcourt of Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman should continue Gonzaga’s offensive juggernaut. Braden Huff and Dusty Stormer, two rising sophomores who predict as bench players, would start nearly anywhere in the country.

2. Iowa State

Projected Starters

• Tamin Lipsey
• Keshon Gilbert
• Nate Heise
• Milan Momcilovic
• Dishon Jackson (Charlotte)

While Gonzaga gets it done on offense, the Cyclones have found recent success with elite defenses, including the best defense in the country this year. TJ Otzelberger brings back most of a high level backcourt, including Tamin Lipsey, who was one of the best point guards in the country as a sophomore. Iowa State has also been extremely active in the portal, taking big men Dishon Jackson from Charlotte and Brandton Chatfield from Seattle in addition to Northern Iowa wing Nate Heise. The Cyclones aren’t done yet though, as there is heavy speculation that a fourth member of the transfer class could be coming in soon. Milan Momcilovic was one of the best freshmen in the country, and could take an even bigger offensive jump in year two.

3. Houston

Projected Starters

• LJ Cryer
• Emmanuel Sharp
• Terrence Arceneaux
• J’Wan Roberts
• Javier Francis

Star guard Jamal Shead has yet to make a decision about his 5th year, but today fellow backcourt star LJ Cryer announced his return for year five. Kelvin Sampson has been another coach that has established himself among the sport’s best. The Cougars have finished in the top 10 in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency the past four years, in addition to top 20 in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency in that timespan. J’Wan Roberts and Javier Francis, two forwards who embody the Houston culture of being physical and playing hard, return to form one of the best frontcourts in the country. Emmanuel Sharp has shown flashes of being a go-to scorer, and he will likely be sharing the backcourt with Terrence Arceneaux, although it’s uncertain how he will return after suffering an Achilles tear in December. Sampson has been stepping up his recruiting game lately, and Houston has a number of freshman and sophomores that could step up and continue the dominance of the program.

4. Duke

Projected Starters

• Tyrese Proctor
• Caleb Foster
• Cooper Flagg
• Mark Mitchell
• Khaman Maluach

Duke is projected to lose a lot more than the teams in front of them, as Kyle Filipowski, Jared McCain and Jeremy Roach, their three best players, all fit the criteria of departing players for now. However, the Blue Devils have the number one recruiting class in the country, combined with some returning talent. While I’m typically not sold on freshman heavy teams, Cooper Flagg should be one of the best players in college basketball the moment he steps on the court, and Khaman Maluach should give the Blue Devils a true big man option, something they were lacking this year. Combined with the anticipated returns of starters Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, along with key bench pieces like Caleb Foster and Sean Stewart, Jon Scheyer’s squad should remain as one of the top teams in the country.

5. Purdue

Projected Starters

• Braden Smith
• Fletcher Loyer
• Myles Colvin
• Camden Heide
• Trey Kaufman-Renn

Gone is Zach Edey, the 7’4″ big man who has established himself as one of the best players to ever play the game of college basketball the past few years. However, the Boilermakers still return a lot from a team that made it all the way to the national championship game. Braden Smith made a big jump in year two, and certainly has All-American potential as the leader of the team. His backcourt mate, Fletcher Loyer, also saw big improvements, particularly in shooting. As those players both broke out in their sophomore years, Myles Colvin and Camden Head, two rising sophomores, have the opportunity to do the same. Trey Kaufman-Renn is another obvious breakout guy, as he’ll get a lot more touches without Edey. Matt Painter has even more young talent on his team, as incoming freshman Kanon Catchings is the second highest rated recruit in program history, and could see some significant minutes right away.

6. UConn

Projected Starters

• Ahmad Nowell
• Solomon Ball
• Jaylin Stewart
• Alex Karaban
• Samson Johnson

After winning back-to-back national championships, there’s not much debate that Dan Hurley is the current best coach in the country. However, he’ll likely need to shift his focus to the portal to add a few more pieces if he wants to win three in a row. Alex Karaban would be an elite piece to get back, but the past few years he’s thrived as a complimentary player, as opposed to the go to guy. Samson Johnson broke through in year three and should be a serviceable Donovan Clingan replacement next year. Besides those two, the roster is looking relatively unproven, with rising sophomores Solomon Ball and Jaylin Stewart looking to see big jumps in production. Freshman Ahmad Nowell could see a big role right away. Even though the roster right now isn’t overly proven, I’m not betting against a group of guys led by Hurley to be competitive.

7. Kansas

Projected Starters

• DaJuan Harris
• Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State)
• Riley Kugel (Florida)
• KJ Adams
• Flory Bidunga

Kansas had a very disappointing season, being projected first in the country by many preseason and ending the year as a borderline top 25 team after a round of 32 exit. However, Bill Self has already addressed many of their problems, especially in the backcourt. Kansas has added two guards that can be difference makers, in South Dakota State star and Lawrence native Zeke Mayo and Florida wing Riley Kugel, who has a high ceiling. This ranking is including Hunter Dickinson as gone, a Second Team All-American this season who could find himself returning to college basketball for year five. Combined with returning starters DaJuan Harris and KJ Adams, the Jayhawks should bounce back from a rough 2023-24 campaign.

8. Tennessee

Projected Starters

• Zakai Zeigler
• Jordan Gainey
• Jahmai Mashack
• JP Estrella
• Jonas Aidoo

Rick Barnes is another coach with a strong defensive culture, finishing in the Top 5 in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency each of the last four years. However, the loss of Dalton Knecht, a First Team All-American after transferring in from Northern Colorado, will be hard to make up. There isn’t much of a debate about the defense still being elite though, with four projected starters who are elite on that end. Zakai Zeigler bounced back from injury to be one of the best point guards in the SEC, and should be even better with a healthy offseason. Jahmai Mashack is another guard who brings relentless energy, and Jordan Gainey, while inefficient, could fill in some big time offensive production. The Volunteers predict to start JP Estrella and Jonas Aidoo together in the frontcourt, which probably won’t stick due to the fit, but both could be in for big years. Estrella didn’t see too much playing time, but showed some promise in his last game of the season. Cameron Carr could be another name to watch for a sophomore breakout.

9. Arizona

Projected Starters

• Jaden Bradley
• Jason Sanon
• KJ Lewis
• Carter Bryant
• Motiejus Krivas

Tommy Lloyd has had an elite three year start to his coaching career, although the tournament success hasn’t been there as much. Regardless of that, it’s fair to say we should expect the Wildcats to be one of the top teams in the country next year. Despite the projected departures of Caleb Love, Pelle Larsson, Omar Ballo and Kylan Boswell, the latter two having entered the portal recently, Arizona still has a solid lineup. Jaden Bradley was playing his best basketball at the end of the season, and could be in for a big year two at Arizona with a bigger role. KJ Lewis had a huge impact his freshman year, particularly of the defensive end. With Ballo’s departure being official, big man Motiejus Krivas instantly becomes one of the biggest breakout candidates of the season. Combined with a Top 5 class highlighted by Carter Bryant, Jason Sanon and Jamari Phillips, Lloyd should have continued success in Tucson.

10. Saint Mary’s

Projected Starters

• Augustas Marciulionis

• Aidan Mahaney

• :Luke Barrett

• Zion Sensley

• Mitchell Saxen

Saint Mary’s got off to a slow start this season, starting out 3-5. However, Randy Bennett turned the team around, as they entered the tournament with a 26-7 record. The Gaels return some stars, including WCC Player of the Year Augustas Marciulionis and dominant big man Mitchell Saxen. Aidan Mahaney didn’t have quite the sophomore breakout some predicted, but still led Saint Mary’s in scoring and could see a junior jump. Besides that, the roster is relatively unproven, but Bennett has been one of the best developers in the country. Luke Barrett and Harry Weasel’s should be in for increased roles, and Jordan Ross could see a sophomore jump after an underwhelming freshman season. While Bennett isn’t known to play freshman a ton, the Gaels have two more four stars incoming in Mikey Lewis and Zion Sensley.

11. BYU

Projected Starters

• Dallin Hall
• Collin Chandler
• Richie Saunders
• Noah Waterman
• Aly Khalifa

BYU had a big breakthrough year, going from 7-9 in WCC play in their last year to 10-8 in their inaugural season in the Big 12. Despite an early exit in the tournament, Mark Pope should have the Cougars competitive again. BYU had one of the most exciting offenses in the country, shooting lots of 3-pointers and playing through big man Aly Khalifa, the best passing big in college basketball. Point guard Dallin Hall had a big sophomore season, and the Cougars are also returning other key players in Richie Saunders, Noah Waterman and Fousseyni Traore, in addition to Dawson Baker, who was hurt nearly the whole year but was an All-Conference player at UC Irvine. One big storyline to watch is the emergence of Collin Chandler, a top 40 recruit nationally in 2022 before opting to go on the two-year Mormon mission. Pope got things back on track in Provo last season, and should have the same success moving forward.

12. Texas A&M

Projected Starters

• Wade Taylor IV
• Manny Obaseki
• Jace Carter
• Andersson Garcia
• Solomon Washington

Texas A&M had a slightly disappointing season overall, but was playing their best basketball at the right time, destroying Nebraska in the round of 64 and taking 1 seed Houston to overtime in the round of 32. As of now, point guard Wade Taylor IV is set to return, who is one of the best scorers in college basketball, despite some inconsistencies. A big reason for the Aggies to rise this high is the late season play of Manny Obaseki, who scored double digits in his last nine games after only doing so three times before the whole season. A frontcourt of Andersson Garcia and Solomon Washington gives the Aggies two elite defensive options. Wing Jace Carter also returns after starting nearly half the games this season. Besides those five, Buzz Williams has a relatively thin roster right now, but there is some young talent that could emerge.

13. Miami

Projected Starters

• Nijel Pack
• Jalil Bethea
• Wooga Poplar
• Matthew Cleveland
• Lynn Kidd (Virginia Tech)

Miami had one of the most disappointing seasons in all of college basketball, finishing with a losing record and dropping their last ten games following a Final Four appearance in 2022-23. However, Jim Larranaga has a strong roster assembled right now, and could have the Hurricanes back to contending. Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar and Matthew Cleveland, three proven high major starters, return from last year. Pack dealt with some injuries in conference play and had the most inefficient year of his career, but has shown the ability to be a top shooter in the country. One thing that sets Miami apart from lots of other schools is who they’ve added. Guard Jalil Bethea is the highest rated recruit in program history, and should be an instant impact starting. Lynn Kidd, an ultra efficient and elite rebounding big man has already given a commitment to the ‘Canes, as has East Carolina forward Brandon Johnson, who can score from inside or out. Despite falling below any expectations in 2023-24, Miami has the foundation to get back to winning ways.

14. Alabama

Projected Starters

• Houston Mallette (Pepperdine)
• Rylan Griffen
• Derrion Reid
• Jarin Stevenson
• Mohamed Wague

Fresh off a Final Four appearance, Alabama is in a good position for next year. While I have them ranked 14th, that’s without the return of Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Latrell Wrightsell of Nick Pringle, who all have a fifth year on the table to return to Tuscaloosa. Even while still playing, Nate Oats made the first pickup of the whole portal, taking Pepperdine guard Houston Mallette, a skilled scorer who should translate nicely up a level. Rylan Griffen saw a significant jump from year one to two, and it’s reasonable to think he can continue to go up another level. Rising sophomores Jarin Stevenson, Sam Walters and Mouhamed Dioubate could see a year two breakout. Oats also brought in a top five recruiting class, headlined by 5-star Derrion Reid. The one thing lacking on the current roster is a true point guard, but even without one at the moment, Oats has assembled a stacked roster that will have the Tide rolling into the 2024-25 season.

15. Wisconsin

Projected Starters

• Chucky Hepburn
• John Blackwell
• Max Klesmit
• Nolan Winter
• Steven Crowl

Despite a late-season collapse and a first round tournament exit, as a whole Wisconsin had a good 2023-24 season after missing the tournament the year prior. The Badgers return three starters, as big man Steven Crowl and wing Max Klesmit have already announced the return for year five, and Chucky Hepburn returns for year four after three years of starting under him already. To fill the holes in the starting lineup, Greg Gard has a few rising sophomores to plug in, with John Blackwell and Nolan Winter. Despite being undervalued as a recruit, Blackwell was an efficient scorer in the Big Ten and could see the sophomore jump. Winter didn’t see as many minutes, but was solid in his backup role. Wisconsin had its best offense of the Gard era this season, and if he’s able to keep that production up while getting a bounce back year defensively, the Badgers could once again be towards the top of the conference.

16. Oregon

Projected Starters

• Jackson Shelstad
• Keeshawn Barthelemy
• Jadrian Tracey
• Kwame Evans
• Nathan Bittle

Dana Altman’s team has gotten the worst injury luck in college basketball over the past few seasons, but if this team can stay healthy, the potential is high. The Ducks won a game in the NCAA Tournament and went to double overtime with Creighton in the round of 32, so they have some momentum on their side. Despite missing the start of the season, freshman point guard Jackson Shelstad showed he was one of the best freshmen in college basketball, and has the opportunity to be one of the best overall players in year two. Keeshawn Barthelemy and Nathan Bittle have struggled to stay consistently healthy, but when they are give Oregon two capable high major starters. Junior college transfer Jadrian Tracey was a solid piece late in the season, and Altman also has Dez Lindsay, an incoming JUCO player from Florida Southwestern, the same junior college that Tracey attended. Kwame Evans could have a breakout year with the combination of athleticism and skill, and Mookie Cook has some potential to see solid minutes after injuries forced him to miss most of the season. This Oregon team can be very good if healthy, something that’s certainly not a given based on recent history.

17. Florida

Projected Starters

• Denzel Aberdeen
• Walter Clayton Jr.
• Will Richard
• Thomas Haugh
• Alex Condon

Florida had a breakthrough in year two of the Todd Golden era, and he should carry that momentum into year three. Despite losing some stars in Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel, Walter Clayton Jr. projects to return, one of the better scorers in the country. Alex Condon and Thomas Waugh, two rising frontcourt starters, could see big improvements. Will Richard also returns and gives the Gators a steady starting option on the wing once again. It’s currently unknown if Micah Handlogten will be healthy for the season after a gruesome leg injury in the SEC Tournament, but gives Florida elite rebounding and rim protecting if he is able to return. While Golden hasn’t reeled anyone in from the portal, he’s been very active, making numerous cut lists for players. He arguably was the best portal recruiter in the country last season, so this ranking likely is lower than I’ll have the Gators on opening day.

18. Baylor

Projected Starters

• Rob Wright III
• Jayden Nunn
• VJ Edgecombe
• Jason Asemota
• Josh Ojianwuna

At this part in the offseason, Baylor’s biggest priority is retaining Scott Drew, who has emerged as the leader for the Kentucky opening. If the Bears are able to keep him in town, they should continue their string of success. Right now, Drew has a mix of freshman, including 5-star VJ Edgecombe, from the third ranked recruiting class nationally. Baylor also has some key pieces back, including Jayden Nunn, who had a big year after transferring from VCU and is a key player on both ends. Langston Love was a double digit scorer before getting hurt, and could find himself starting or in a sixth man role. Big man Josh Ojianwuna could see an expanded role in year three, and rising sophomore guard Milo Little could see a big sophomore jump. Drew is one of the elite coaches in college basketball, especially on the offensive end, where he’s been top 10 in the country the past four years. If he’s back, Baylor will be one of the best teams in the Big 12, but at this point Drew coming back is far from a sure thing.

19. UCLA

Projected Starters

• Skyy Clark (Louisville)
• Dylan Andrews
• Lazar Stefanovic
• Kobe Johnson (USC)
• Adem Bona

UCLA had a rough year, and it became evident that relying on international freshman wasn’t the path to success for the Bruins. Mick Cronin is still one of the best coaches in the country, and he’s already shown the ability to adapt, taking transfers in Kobe Johnson and Skyy Clark, along with being in the mix for some others. Johnson is an elite defensive player that fits well with Cronin, while Clark is an odd fit, but Cronin will likely get the most out of him. Adem Bona is an elite interior defender that should be an All-Conference Big Ten player if he returns to Westwood. Dylan Andrews and Lazar Stefanovic were solid starting options that should see some increases with a better team around them. Despite the freshman and international model not working out, Cronin still has rising sophomores Sebastian Mack, Aday Mara and Burke Buyuktuncel to work with. Those three players could all see significant jumps in year two, after getting their feet wet in year one.

20. Cincinnati

Projected Starters

• Day Day Thomas
• Jizzle James
• Dan Skillings
• Simas Lukosius
• Tyler McKinley

Wes Miller had a solid year three leading Cincinnati, but had some struggles in conference play that kept the Bearcats out of the tournament. Going into year four, it should be tournament or bust for Miller, especially with the roster currently assembled. Rising sophomore guard Jizzle James was one of the better freshman in the country, and could fully break out in year two, after scoring 20+ in his last two games of the season. Dan Skillings saw a sophomore jump this season, and could get even better in year three. Simas Lukosius and Day Day Thomas, two other returning starters, give Cincinnati lots of proven talent. The Bearcats are currently lacking a true center, as right now they’d start freshman power forward Tyler McKinley there. Elite rim protector Aziz Bandaogo could return, and shoot the Bearcats even higher up in the rankings. A few other names to watch are Rayon Griffith, who redshirted last year, and Tyler Betsey, a top 50 recruit. Going into year two in the Big 12, Cincinnati could be ready to compete.

21. Iowa

Projected Starters

• Brock Harding
• Josh Dix
• Payton Sandfort
• Ladji Dembele
• Owen Freeman

The Hawkeyes had an ok overall year, but were playing their best basketball at the end of the season. Unfortunately for Iowa, it wasn’t quite enough to crack the NCAA Tournament field, but gives them lots of hope for the future. If Payton Sandfort comes back for year four with Iowa, he could be one of the best players in the Big Ten, as he showed down the stretch of the season. Sophomore big man Owen Freeman will deservedly be all over breakout lists, and has serious All-Conference potential, and maybe even more, going into year two. Josh Dix is another player who had a strong finish to the season, and Brock Harding and Ladji Dembele could be in store for some big sophomore leaps. Despite his struggles on defense, Fran McCaffery has proven to be an elite offensive coach, and there’s also a chance that this group will be good enough defensively to get by on that end. Due to the potential breakouts, next year’s Hawkeye squad is one to keep an eye on.

22. Mississippi State

Projected Starters

• Kanye Clary (Penn State)
• Josh Hubbard
• Shawn Jones Jr.
• Cameron Matthews
• KeShawn Murphy

Mississippi State still needs to add a few more pieces to their roster, notably a big man, but they’ve already assembled a team that shows the makings of a SEC contender. Josh Hubbard was one of the best freshmen in the country, due to his offensive ability. Teaming up with Kanye Clary gives the Bulldogs a high powered backcourt for a team that’s typically defensive minded. Cam Matthews, who has announced his return for year five, gives the Bulldogs lots of defense, as he can guard 1-5 and at times be the point guard on offense. The rest of the roster is more uncertain, with Shawn Jones and KeShawn Murphy seeing expanded roles in year three. The bench consists of mostly young and unproven players, but Chris Jans has shown that he can get the most out of his roster, so the Bulldogs should be a team to keep an eye on.

23. Boise State

Projected Starters

• Roddie Anderson III
• Chris Lockett
• Andrew Meadow
• Tyson Degenhart
• O’Mar Stanley

Boise State has made the tournament in three straight years, but are still looking for the program’s first ever tournament win. The Broncos look to be in a good position in year 15 of the Leon Rice era to get back to the tournament and have a shot. Tyson Degenhart and O’Mar Stanley was an elite Mountain West frontcourt and stacked up with some of the nation’s best last year, and both players will be back. The backcourt is less proven, but point guard Roddie Anderson III could see a jump in year two with the Broncos, after starting this season. Chris Lockett and Andrew Meadow are two other players who could see a big role increase. Lockett redshirted this year, and Meadow saw limited minutes, but both have a chance to evolve into quality Mountain West starters. A six bid conference last year, Boise State is the Way Too Early favorite heading into 2024-25.

24. Michigan State

Projected Starters

• Tre Holloman
• Jaden Akins
• Coen Carr
• Xavier Booker
• Carson Cooper

Michigan State had an extremely disappointing season this year. Thought of as a potential top five team preseason, they ended up as a 9 seed with a round of 32 exit. However, Tom Izzo is still the coach, and he has some pieces coming back for next season. One story to follow will be Xavier Booker’s breakout, as the former 5-star hardly played but started to see some more minutes late in his freshman season. Jaden Akins should step into a bigger role in the backcourt, and Tre Holloman will look to continue his success from an overachieving 2023-24 season. Coen Carr could see some more development in year two, and Jeremy Fears, who was out the last half of the season after being shot, could be a real difference maker at 100%. Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler are the current big man options, but Izzo needs to fully use the portal if he wants to seriously contend.

25. Maryland

Projected Starters

• Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Belmont)
• DeShawn Harris-Smith
• Rodney Rice (Virginia Tech)
• Jordan Geronimo
• Julian Reese

Maryland is another team that fell way short of expectations this season, but their early portal grabs earned them a spot at the back end of the Way Too Early Top 25. Replacing Jahmir Young will be a tough task, but Belmont point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie will be a big addition to the lineup, with his efficiency and ability to play both ends. Rodney Rice, a Virginia Tech transfer who didn’t play this season, brings three years of eligibility and lots of potential to the table. Big man Julian Reese, who has been a solid starter for a few years, along with former Indiana transfer Jordan Geronimo will compose the frontcourt. Maryland also has 5-star Derik Queen coming in, but it remains to be seen if he can play with Reese. DeShawn Harris-Smith could see an expanded role in year two with an increase in efficiency. This has the potential to be a big bounce back year for Kevin Willard.