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As the 2024-2025 college basketball season approaches, Andy Katz has weighed in on teams poised for a potential bounce back after missing last year’s tournament. Here’s who Katz believes could be on the road to redemption this season.
1. Arkansas
One of three programs with two players on @TheFieldOf68‘s Top 25 Impact Transfers list. pic.twitter.com/VqOEW2e69q
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) August 8, 2024
Following a 16-17 overall record and a 6-12 finish in SEC play, the Razorbacks have retooled their roster with several key additions, looking to revitalize their game under new head coach John Calipari.
Freshman wing Jaden Karuletwa, a 6’5″ standout, earned First Team All-Olympic League honors last season, averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 49% from beyond the arc. Fellow freshman guard Ayden Kelley brings added scoring potential, coming off a high school campaign where he averaged 19 points and 4 assists per game.
Also adding size and skill to the Razorbacks is 6’11” forward Jonas Aidoo, a transfer from Tennessee who earned AP All-SEC First Team honors last season. Joining him is Johnell Davis, the 2024 AAC co-Player of the Year, transferring from Florida Atlantic and poised to bring veteran leadership and immediate contributions to the backcourt.
2. UCLA
After finishing 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Pac-12 play, UCLA now faces a fresh set of competition as they transition to the Big Ten.
UCLA’s returning roster is primed to rise to the challenge, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the court. Junior guard Dylan Andrews, last season’s top scorer, leads the charge and will play a pivotal role. Guards Lazar Stefanovic, Sebastian Mack, and center Aday Mara are also expected to be critical contributors as the team adjusts to life in the Big Ten.
3. Rutgers
Preseason All-Big Ten, Dylan Harper.🥇
🗞️: https://t.co/pzTytZnPCr #TheKnighthood🛡️⚔️ pic.twitter.com/2OARUJxIhk
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) October 1, 2024
Coming off a 15-17 overall record and 7-13 in the Big Ten finish, Rutgers is reloading with a standout freshman class.
Leading the group is Airious ‘Ace’ Bailey, a versatile talent capable of playing all five positions and the highest-ranked recruit ever for Rutgers. Joining him is 6’6″ guard Dylan Harper, the No. 2 player in the 2024 class. The Scarlet Knights also welcome 6’7″ forward Dylan Grant, one of Michigan’s top recruits and 6’10” center Lathan Sommerville with elite potential.
4. Ohio State
After a 22-14 overall finish and going 9-11 in the Big Ten, Ohio State looks to rebound with a strong mix of returning players and fresh talent.
Guard Bruce Thornton, the team’s leading scorer last season with 15.7 points per game, will anchor the offense. Micah Parrish and Evan Mahaffey are expected to make key contributions to the defense. The Buckeyes also add four-star freshman guard John Mobley Jr. and two exciting transfers, 7’1″ Aaron Bradshaw from Kentucky and Sean Stewart from Duke, both highly-ranked recruits in their high school classes.
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5. Xavier
On the heels of a 16-18 record and 9-11 finish in the Big East, Xavier is eager to build on last season’s momentum heading into this year.
Graduate guard Dayvion McKnight returns, bringing experience, strong scoring, and playmaking abilities. Sophomore guard Trey Green, coming off an impressive freshman campaign, will also be a pivotal contributor to the offense as the Musketeers aim for a more successful run this season.
6. Maryland
With a 16-17 overall record and going 7-13 in the Big Ten, the Terrapins look to improve with a strong roster.
Senior Julian Reese will return to provide his offensive prowess and experience. USF transfer Selton Miguel, named AAC Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player, will also make his debut. Malachi Palmer, the No. 2 ranked recruit from Maryland, joins them and adds significant talent to the squad. Additionally, 6’10” highly regarded freshman Derik Queen will bring his skills at center.
7. Cincinnati
After finishing 22-15 overall and 7-11 in their debut Big 12 season, Cincinnati showed great efficiency, with many of their losses coming down to just a few points.
The Bearcats’ roster remains strong as sophomore guard Jizzle James returns to anchor the offense, while senior shooting guard Day Day Thomas is expected to bring valuable experience and leadership to the backcourt this season.
HISTORY: Every men’s basketball champion since 1939
8. Wake Forest
In response to a 21-14 season and 11-9 finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the team seeks to build on its success.
Cameron Hildreth returns as a key player, having averaged 13.8 points per game last season, ranking third in team scoring. Efton Reid III and Parker Friedrichsen will also be back, aiming to enhance their offensive contributions. Additionally, transfer forward Tre’Von Spillers, who led App State in scoring is set to make a significant impact this season.
9. St. John’s
🚨 Player Spotlight: Vince Iwuchukwu 🚨
At 7’1”, @chimapaaa is a new transfer ready to solidify the #RedStorm frontcourt this season.
The junior’s size and athleticism make him a dominant force in the paint, both as a shot-blocker and a finisher at the rim. 💪 With his ability… pic.twitter.com/LiZar6Ulgn
— St. John’s Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) October 3, 2024
The Red Storm finished the season with a 20-13 overall record and 11-9 in Big East play.
RJ Luis Jr. is expected to lead the offensive charge, while key transfers Aaron Scott, Kadary Richmond, Vince Iwuchukwu, and Deivon Smith look to make a significant impact. The incoming freshmen class also brings a promising array of talent, headlined by highly touted recruits Rubén Prey, Lefteris Liotopoulos, Jaiden Glover, and Khaman Maker, all of whom are poised to contribute to the team’s success.
10. Providence
The Friars concluded last season with a record of 21-14 overall and 10-10 in the Big East.
Bryce Hopkins will return to the squad, bolstering the team’s scoring efforts. In addition, transfers Jabri Abdur-Rahim, Anton Bonke, Wesley Cardet Jr., Christ Essandoko, and Bensley Joseph are set to bring their skills to the lineup this season. Freshman Ryan Mela joins the team after an impressive high school career, adding further promise to the roster.