Ranking the Top 100 And 1 best college basketball players entering the 2021-22 season

Faculty basketball’s offseason has (virtually) formally morphed into the 2021-22 faculty basketball season. We’re now lower than two weeks out from competitors because the drumbeat to the season-opener slowly beats louder and louder. And now that the AP poll has dropped, Norlander’s No. 1-358 rankings are out and our All-America teams have been named, one gargantuan process stays: rating the highest faculty basketball gamers.

As we do yearly, our employees mixed brainpower and tabulated votes for who we predict — ranked from 1-101 — would be the greatest within the sport this season. Not the perfect draft prospects, not even essentially the most efficient — however the perfect gamers. Consider it if you’ll as a preseason energy rating of who we’re highest on forward of the upcoming season. 

As regular, it is a listing plagued by veterans. Seniors and super-seniors prepared the ground accounting for almost half the spots, adopted carefully by juniors or redshirt juniors. Fewer than 20% of our listing consists of sophomores or redshirt sophomores, adopted by simply 10 freshmen or redshirt freshmen.

Our listing breaks down by class like this:

• Freshmen: 10
• Sophomores: 18
• Juniors: 33
• Seniors/graduates: 40

If you wish to know who you must know, you’ve got come to the right place. So behold, the CBS Sports activities Prime 100 And 1 faculty basketball participant rankings for this season.

CBS Sports activities Prime 100 And 1 faculty basketball gamers

1. Drew Timme | Gonzaga | Junior

Timme is the one CBS Sports activities First Staff All-American from final season who returned to school basketball, which makes him essentially the most logical participant to prime this listing. The 6-foot-10 ahead averaged a team-high 19.0 factors and a team-high 7.0 rebounds as a sophomore whereas main the Zags to a 31-1 document. He is the most important cause Mark Few’s program is the betting favourite to win the 2022 NCAA Tournament. —Gary Parrish

2. Kofi Cockburn | Illinois | Junior

The Preventing Illini have a beast of an enormous man, somebody who averaged 17.7 factors and 9.5 rebounds a season in the past and can absolutely strengthen these stats this season. Cockburn has a case because the hardest one-on-one matchup — on each ends of the ground — in faculty basketball. The Illini have three gamers on our listing and will probably be must-see. However their path to the Remaining 4 have to be forcefully blazed by the large man. —Matt Norlander

3. Paolo Banchero | Duke | Freshman 

Hardly ever do extremely touted recruits — even five-stars — step in and instantly turn out to be the alphas for his or her crew. Banchero could also be one of many few exceptions. On a Duke crew plagued by expertise, the 6-foot-10 ahead does just a little of every little thing and ought to be showcased closely on a Duke crew that has the products to ship Coach Ok into retirement on a excessive observe. —Kyle Boone

4. Johnny Juzang | UCLA | Junior

Juzang emerged as one of many main stars of the 2021 postseason by averaging 22.8 factors on 50.9% taking pictures in six NCAA Event video games. The 6-6 wing was a revelation for the Bruins as a sophomore after transferring in from Kentucky and would be the greatest participant on a nationwide title contender this 12 months. —David Cobb

5. Chet Holmgren | Gonzaga | Freshman

Holmgren was the No. 1 prospect within the Class of 2021, in accordance with 247Sports, and is taken into account a reliable candidate to be the No. 1 decide within the 2022 NBA Draft. He is a 7-foot middle who’s comfy floating across the perimeter on offense whereas serving as a rim-protector on protection. The one actual long-term concern with him is whether or not his skinny body will permit him to keep away from being pushed round by stronger gamers.  — GP

6. Trevion Williams | Purdue | Senior

Just a few different seasons in Boilermakers historical past have been as optimistic and anticipated as this one. Williams (15.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg) took 36.7% of Purdue’s pictures whereas he was on the ground final season (so says KenPom.com), which was the very best fee within the sport. He additionally ranked top-five in offensive rebound fee. The Boilermakers may be nice. It begins with Williams, who has diligently constructed out an excellent faculty profession the way in which we used to see so typically from gamers a era or two (or three) in the past. —MN

7. Max Abmas | Oral Roberts | Junior

There isn’t a shot too deep for Abmas. The nation’s main scorer a 12 months in the past, he is again for ORU as a junior to defend his throne as essentially the most fearless shot-maker within the sport. The Golden Eagles misplaced co-star Kevin Obanor to the switch portal so Abmas ought to see a inexperienced gentle every time he hits the court docket. — KB

8. Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | Junior

Jackson-Davis averaged 19.1 factors and 9 rebounds as a sophomore for Indiana final season and is again to anchor first-year coach Mike Woodson’s inaugural roster. If he can broaden his taking pictures vary, Jackson-Davis could possibly be essentially the most troublesome participant to defend in faculty basketball. —DC

9. Collin Gillespie | Villanova | Graduate senior

Gillespie is a reigning Massive East Participant of the 12 months who determined to benefit from the additional 12 months of eligibility the NCAA supplied all gamers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 6-3 guard averaged 14.0 factors, 4.6 assists and three.3 rebounds final season. He is the main returning scorer for a Villanova crew that ought to be adequate to assist Jay Wright compete for his third nationwide championship. —GP

10. Hunter Dickinson | Michigan | Sophomore 

Check out our prime 10 and you will see the way it’s overly populated with large males. That is going to be the season of the large, and Dickinson (14.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 60.7 2-pt%) will probably be a significant factor in that narrative nationally and in the perfect convention, the Massive Ten. Michigan has plenty of new items, however it’s Dickinson’s presence and choice to return for a sophomore marketing campaign that makes the Wolverines a preseason nationwide title contender. —MN

11. E.J. Liddell | Ohio State | Junior

As a sophomore Liddell ranked inside the highest 10 amongst Massive Ten gamers in scoring, area objective proportion, rebounding and whole variety of 20-point video games. He is already a star. Now, with Duane Washington Jr. on to the NBA, he returns after testing the NBA Draft waters primed to be the star for a very proficient and skilled Ohio State crew. —KB

12. Remy Martin | Kansas | Graduate switch

After scoring 1,754 factors in 4 seasons at Arizona State, Martin opted to offer faculty basketball one final shot. The 6-foot guard would be the lead playmaker for a deep Kansas crew and hopefully get to showcase his clutch playmaking prowess past the primary spherical of the NCAA Event for the primary time. —DC

13. Marcus Carr | Texas | Senior

Carr was a late addition to the Texas roster and is the most important piece able to making the Longhorns reliable nationwide title contenders. The 6-2 guard averaged 19.4 factors, 4.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds at Minnesota final season. How he’ll match within the backcourt with UT veterans Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey will probably be an fascinating factor to observe early within the season. —GP

14. Jahvon Quinerly | Alabama | Junior

Right here comes the pop for the Crimson Tide junior level guard who has an opportunity to be essentially the most worthwhile participant within the SEC. Quinerly averaged a good 12.9 factors and three.2 assists a season in the past. With backcourt mate Jaden Shackelford stopping an overload of double groups, search for Quinerly to lift his numbers virtually throughout the board as he tries to maintain the Crimson Tide on the prime of their convention. —MN

15. Buddy Boeheim | Syracuse | Senior

Boeheim went supernova within the postseason for Syracuse scoring 58 factors in two ACC Event video games after which tallying 31, 30 and 25 factors in three NCAA Event video games earlier than cooling off in a Candy 16 loss. Within the course of he scored the third-most factors by an Orange participant by means of two NCAA Event video games in historical past. He ought to be capable of decide up the place he left off this season as among the best sharp-shooters not simply at Syracuse however in all of faculty basketball. —KB

16. Ochai Agbaji | Kansas | Senior

Agbaji has been on a gradual climb since becoming a member of the Jayhawks as a comparatively unheralded prospect within the 2018 class. He hit 37.7% of his 3-pointers as a junior final season and led the Jayhawks in scoring. He is additionally a strong defender and can mix with Martin to offer Kansas one of many sport’s greatest backcourts. —DC

17. Jaime Jaquez Jr. | UCLA  | Junior

Jaquez’s uptick in manufacturing within the NCAA Event is among the many issues that allowed the Bruins to make a stunning run to the Remaining 4. The 6-7 wing scored 27 factors within the First 4 victory over Michigan State and averaged 15.0 factors and 6.3 rebounds in six NCAA Event video games. He is simply 330 factors shy of the 1,000 career-points membership.  –-GP

18. Armando Bacot | UNC | Junior

We’re placing loads on Bacot right here, as the large man stayed in class, saved true to new coach Hubert Davis — and acquired a little bit of a makeover to his sport within the course of. Bacot (12.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg) took 217 2-pointers final season; however only one 3-pointer. Count on the latter to extend at the least 40-fold, as Bacot would be the focus of one of the fascinating groups within the nation this season. —MN

19. Emoni Bates | Memphis | Freshman

As soon as thought-about the No. 1 prospect in his class, Bates, who continues to be simply 17 years outdated, reclassified this offseason and slots in as one among Memphis’ most proficient gamers straight away. The 6-9 ahead has been a bucket-getter at each stage of competitors and for the Tigers his potential to take, make and create pictures from anyplace on the court docket ought to change the trajectory of their crew’s potential for the higher. –KB

20. Kennedy Chandler | Tennessee | Freshman

Tennessee has struggled offensively the previous two seasons with out a pure, pass-first level guard. Chandler ought to resolve that drawback. The No. 8 general prospect within the 2021 class is a flooring common who will spearhead the offense for the preseason No. 20 Volunteers whereas additionally getting loads of buckets for himself. —DC 

21. Andrew Nembhard | Gonzaga | Senior

Nembhard’s return is why the Zags will stay nice within the backcourt regardless of the lack of Jalen Suggs. The 6-5 reigning West Coast Convention Sixth Man of the 12 months averaged 4.4 assists and simply 1.2 turnovers final season as a part-time level guard. —GP

22. Eric Ayala |  Maryland | Senior 

Senior chief. It is as easy and cherished as that. The Terps are the tasty Massive Ten darkish horse, led by Ayala’s scoring from final season (15.1 ppg). If he can enhance his accuracy from behind the arc (34% on 169 makes an attempt) by 5 or 6 proportion factors he’ll have a shot at being an All-American. Why? Greater than half his pictures final season had been 3-point makes an attempt. —MN

23. Jaden Ivey | Purdue | Sophomore

Ivey is a human firecracker whose sport sizzles and pops with unmatched pizazz. A real difference-maker. He can create his personal offense and has the instincts to persistently carry power and enthusiasm to the defensive aspect of the ball for Purdue. Prime-five participant on my listing who simply lands on our listing as a breakout star in ready. —KB

24. Andre Curbelo | Illinois | Sophomore

With Ayo Dosunmu gone to the NBA and Adam Miller transferring to LSU, count on Curbelo to enter the beginning lineup and turn out to be a focus of the Illinois offense after incomes Massive Ten All-Freshman and Sixth Man of the 12 months honors. The 6-1 guard ranked sixth within the Massive Ten with 4.2 assists per sport final season, regardless of enjoying simply 21.5 minutes. —DC

25. Kendric Davis | SMU | Senior

Davis led the American Athletic Convention in each factors (19.0) and assists (7.6) final season whereas serving to SMU end 56th at KenPom. His help fee of 46.4 ranked first nationally, in accordance with KenPom. Memphis coach Penny Hardaway has referred to as him essentially the most troublesome opposing participant to include within the AAC. —GP

26. Isaiah Mobley | USC | Junior

Positive, youthful brother Evan was a tantalizing one-and-doner who’s now on the Cavs, however do you know that Isaiah’s constructing a pleasant résumé for himself, too? The Trojans can once more declare to have among the best gamers within the Pac-12, as Mobley (9.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 43.6 3-pt%) will step into the highlight as a junior who will probably be among the best stretch fours in faculty hoops. —MN

27. Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Milwaukee | Freshman

Baldwin was the one top-10 recruit within the 2021 class to decide on a mid-major, opting to play for Milwaukee — and his father, who’s the top coach — over the likes of Duke and others. The 6-9 combo ahead is a talented shooter and one of the proficient prospects within the sport getting into subsequent season. Simply the perfect participant within the Horizon League — and on a Panthers crew able to making their first NCAA Event look in eight years, too. —KB

28. Julian Champagnie | St. John’s | Junior

Champagnie led the Massive East in scoring at 19.8 factors per sport final season and was seventh in rebounding. Now, the versatile 6-8 ahead is again for extra. He developed right into a exact exterior shooter final season. If Champgnie can add passing and facilitating to his repertoire, he can turn out to be a first-round NBA Draft prospect. —DC

29. Matthew Mayer | Baylor | Senior

Mayer was only a borderline top-100 prospect popping out of highschool however is now a reliable NBA prospect for the reigning nationwide champions. The 6-9 wing could have a a lot greater function this season contemplating Baylor misplaced 4 starters from its championship crew. He is a shooter with dimension whose manufacturing of 8.1 factors per sport may enhance by greater than 50%. —GP

30. Zach Edey | Purdue | Sophomore

He is No. 30 in our listing right here, however mark my phrases: Edey (8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg) will probably be enjoying like a borderline All-American and be the 1B to Trevion Williams’ 1A for Purdue by the point the NCAA Event begins. At 7-4, Edey goes to be the most important of all the good large males within the Massive Ten. “Breakout season” does not fairly cowl it — he will develop like He-Man in ’21-22. —MN

31. Terrence Shannon Jr. | Texas Tech | Junior

Chris Beard is gone however Texas Tech — now led by former assistant Mark Adams — ought to be in good arms because of the return of expert lefty Terrence Shannon Jr. After testing the NBA Draft waters he returned and instantly thrust himself into the combo as a top-50 participant within the sport. Artful scorer who likes to get downhill and create performs — and highlights — across the rim. —KB

32. Marcus Sasser | Houston | Junior

With Dejon Jarreau and Quentin Grimes departed, Sasser is in line to feast offensively throughout his third season within the Houston program. The 6-1 guard is the Cougars’ main returning scorer and a quantity shooter who can take strides as a ball-handler. —DC

33. Keve Aluma | Virginia Tech | Senior

Aluma adopted coach Mike Younger from Wofford to Virginia Tech after the 2019 season and have become his greatest participant final season after sitting out the earlier 12 months per (outdated) NCAA switch guidelines. The 6-9 ahead averaged a team-high 15.2 factors and a team-high 7.9 rebounds for a Virginia Tech crew that made the NCAA Event. His presence offers the Hokies an opportunity to be the shock crew within the ACC. —GP

34. Tyson Etienne | Wichita State | Junior

Etienne (co-player of the 12 months within the AAC) averaged 16.3 factors and three.4 rebounds whereas rising into the crew’s alpha in 2020-21. He has a knack for serving to with profitable performs and does not make many errors. The Shockers have had an NCAA Event-worthy crew in 9 of the earlier 10 seasons. Etienne may be the one to maintain that pattern alive. —MN

35. Scotty Pippen Jr. | Vanderbilt | Junior

Pippen Jr. is coming off a stellar sophomore season the place he averaged 20.8 factors and 4.9 boards per sport for Vanderbilt. He was voted the 2021 Preseason SEC Participant of the 12 months by the media and ought to be the frontrunner to guide the league in scoring by a wholesome margin. —KB

36. Jalen Duren | Memphis | Freshman

Duren ranks because the No. 5 general prospect within the 2021 class and is coming right into a league not recognized for its high quality entrance court docket play. That ought to permit the athletic 6-10 to feast within the paint and observe within the footsteps of Valuable Achiuwa, who received AAC Freshman and Participant of the 12 months honors for Memphis within the 2019-20 season. —DC

37. Justin Moore | Villanova | Junior

Moore has averaged double-figures in factors in every of his first two seasons for the Wildcats. The 6-4 guard gives playmaking from the backcourt subsequent to Collin Gillespie. If Moore can get his 3-point proportion again as much as the place it was two years in the past — he shot 39.6% from past the arc as a freshman however simply 31.0% as a sophomore — he’ll turn out to be a fair greater weapon for the Massive East favourite. —GP

38. Adam Flagler | Baylor | Junior

With Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell, MaCio Teague and Mark Important now gone from the 2021 nationwide champions, who’s the perfect Bear on the roster? Mayer’s rated just a little larger, however we additionally actually like Flagler (9.1 ppg), who has been impressing all preseason behind closed doorways and boasts a 43.4% 3-point accuracy on 3.5 pictures per sport. The junior sharpshooter is prepared for his time on an even bigger stage. —MN

39. Keion Brooks Jr. | Kentucky | Junior

On a John Calipari-coached Kentucky crew that by any measure is outdated and skilled, Brooks Jr. is the Wildcats most skilled participant. He emerged as a frontrunner for UK as a sophomore amidst a turbulent season and after lacking the primary 9 video games of the marketing campaign, helped information Kentucky with a steadying presence averaging 10.3 factors and 6.8 rebounds per sport in 16 appearances. —KB

40. Caleb Mills | Florida State | Junior

Mills made the AAC All-Freshman crew in 2019-20 whereas main Houston in scoring. He transferred after 4 video games final season and may match effectively in a Florida State program that prioritizes protection and unselfish offense like Houston does. —DC

41. Ron Harper Jr.  | Rutgers | Senior

Harper averaged 14.9 factors and 5.9 rebounds final season for a Rutgers crew that made the NCAA Event for the primary time since 1991. The 6-6 guard averaged 27.0 factors in a three-game stretch towards Syracuse, Maryland and Illinois. Along with being a scorer, he is additionally a plus-defender. —GP

42. Marcus Bagley |  Arizona State | Sophomore

You will not discover anybody else as excessive on Bagley as CBS Sports activities. The sophomore ahead averaged 10.8 factors and 6.2 rebounds final season, however it would not come as a shock if he improves his load in each these classes by 75% as the primary man on a just-OK Solar Devils roster this season. We will solely hope his father does not take to Twitter to demand he leaves the crew, the way in which he did for large brother Marvin and the Kings earlier this month. —MN

43. Kyler Edwards  | Houston | Senior

What’s Texas Tech loss is Houston’s acquire with the addition of Kyler Edwards. He averaged 10.1 factors and 4.8 boards per sport for the Pink Raiders final season and enters the combo on a Houston crew coming off a Remaining 4 look with expectations of revisiting the promised land. —KB

44. Jabari Smith | Auburn | Freshman

Smith ranked because the No. 6 general participant within the 2021 class and can mix with North Carolina switch middle Walker Kessler to offer Auburn a probably elite entrance court docket. If his exterior shot is pretty much as good as marketed, the 6-10 Smith could be the hardest task for opposing defenses within the SEC.  –DC

45. David McCormack | Kansas | Senior

McCormack had a breakthrough junior season during which he averaged 13.4 factors and 6.1 rebounds. That was sufficient to get him the Massive 12 Most Improved Participant award. His area objective taking pictures of 51.5% was third within the league amongst gamers who averaged at the least double-figures in factors. —GP

46. Kellan Grady | Kentucky | Graduate switch

Longtime readers of this listing will acknowledge Grady’s presence, as he is right here for the third straight season. A Davidson grad switch, we count on Grady (14.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg) to be essentially the most distinguished perimeter participant for a retooled Kentucky roster that wanted 3-point threats greater than a cow wants grass. Grady is a 36% 3-point shooter on 644 makes an attempt in 4 seasons. —MN

47. Will Richardson | Oregon | Senior

Oregon misplaced its two all-league performers from a season in the past however Richardson’s return ought to give the crew a steady-handed senior to retool round. He averaged 11.3 factors and three.9 assists per sport in a complementary function a season in the past and enters the season as the present Geese participant with essentially the most begins for this system. —KB

48. Bennedict Mathurin | Arizona | Sophomore

Mathurin earned a beginning function halfway by means of final season whereas outplaying his modest recruiting billing as a freshman. Now, he is again to anchor the perimeter for first-year coach Tommy Lloyd and may construct on final season’s averages of 10.8 factors and 4.8 rebounds. —DC

49. Donta Scott | Maryland | Junior

Scott began 27 video games final season whereas averaging 11.0 factors and a team-high 5.9 rebounds. The 6-8 ahead made 43.8% of the three.6 3-pointers he tried as a sophomore. That is the fifth-best single-season 3-point proportion in Maryland historical past. —GP

50. Mark Williams | Duke | Sophomore

If Duke goes to make the NCAA Event, Paolo Banchero will want a frontcourt working mate to take a number of the strain off, and Williams is that man. To paraphrase one particular person I spoke with who’s acquainted with Williams’ sport and potential: If he is not a top-10 middle this season, one thing has gone terribly incorrect. Williams is likely one of the stylish ACC breakout candidates after averaging 7.1 factors in quarter-hour per sport a season in the past. —MN

51. Chris Lykes | Arkansas | Graduate senior

An ankle damage derailed what would’ve been one other growth 12 months for Lykes at Miami final 12 months however it may merely be delayed gratification for the brand new Arkansas addition. After averaging 15.8 factors his last three years with the Hurricanes, he joins an up-tempo Razorbacks crew that, underneath Eric Musselman, thrives on pushing the tempo and that includes its guards. —KB

52. Andrew Jones | Texas | Senior

Jones is getting into his sixth season within the Texas program after main the Longhorns in scoring at 14.6 factors per sport final season. Getting the 6-4 guard to return for an additional 12 months was large for first-year coach Chris Beard, who’s in any other case counting on an enormous class of incoming transfers. —DC

53. DeAndre Williams  | Memphis | Senior

Williams was one among solely six gamers final season to common at the least 11.5 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a pair of.0 steals. Memphis went 16-5 after he turned eligible with all 5 losses coming by a complete of simply 15 factors. It is cheap to recommend the Tigers would’ve made the NCAA Event if the 6-9 ahead wouldn’t have missed the season’s first seven video games. —GP

54. Kenneth Lofton Jr. | Louisiana Tech | Sophomore

Few gamers boosted their inventory previously 5 months like the large fella down in Ruston, Louisiana. Lofton was a difference-maker for Staff USA’s U19 squad. C-USA’s greatest freshman can flip into C-USA’s greatest participant, as Lofton will virtually definitely enhance upon his stat line (12.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 56.7 FG%) as a sophomore … contemplating he solely logged 22.8 minutes per sport final season. Hoops diehards already know all about this cumbersome baller. —MN

55. Isaiah Wong | Miami | Sophomore

Miami’s main scorer from a season in the past, Wong was one among faculty basketball’s breakout stars as he averaged 17.1 factors and 4.8 rebounds per sport for the Hurricanes after being thrust into a big function considerably unexpectedly. The 6-3 guard led all ACC gamers in whole factors scored and is a positive guess to tempo Miami in that class once more this season. —KB

56. Avery Anderson | Oklahoma State | Junior

Anderson averaged 12.2 factors per sport as Oklahoma State’s second-leading scorer behind eventual No. 1 general draft decide Cade Cunningham. In a sport that Cunningham missed on March, Anderson exploded for 31 factors. Maybe it was a preview of the 2021-22 season. —DC

57. Keegan Murray | Iowa | Sophomore

Murray was largely a job participant as a freshman whereas averaging 7.2 factors and 5.1 rebounds in simply 18 minutes per sport. Regardless, his potential to protect in area at 6-8 has positioned him on NBA radars. A breakthrough season is anticipated for the second-year Hawkeye. —GP

58. Oscar Tshiebwe | Kentucky | Junior

Positive, Kentucky is coming off one among its worst seasons ever. However test our rankings and you will see that UK is as soon as once more well-stocked with nice gamers. Tshiebwe (profession: 10.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 27.2 PER) was a borderline top-10 freshman two years in the past, then issues went sideways in a rush final 12 months at West Virginia. Now a junior, he is positioned to be among the best rebounders and most intimidating presences within the sport. —MN

59. Fatts Russell  | Maryland  | Graduate switch

Russell’s a recognized amount in faculty hoops circles — he averaged at the least 14.2 factors per sport in every of his three seasons at Rhode Island — however he has nonetheless impressed his new crew at Maryland upon his switch. The speedy 5-11 guard is a playmaker on each ends of the court docket as he leaves the Rams because the all-time chief in steals and sixth all-time in assists. –KB

60. Jaden Shackelford  | Alabama | Junior

Shackelford led Alabama in scoring final season and is again after getting into his title within the NBA Draft and the switch portal through the offseason. He ought to be one of many SEC’s prime offensive performers and a significant a part of the preseason No. 14 Crimson Tide’s assault. —DC

61. Jalen Wilson | Kansas | Redshirt sophomore

Wilson entered final season as a largely forgotten participant after lacking the earlier 12 months with an damage — however he ended it as Kansas’ main rebounder and third-leading scorer. The 6-8 ahead averaged 11.8 factors and seven.9 rebounds though he cooled off late and failed to succeed in double-figures in factors in every of his last 4 video games. His return is among the many causes KU is the favourite within the Massive 12. —GP

62. Paul Scruggs | Xavier | Senior

Any coach within the nation would take this man of their beginning lineup. The 6-5 senior averaged 14.0 factors, 5.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 21 video games final season. The assists had been most per sport within the Massive East. What’s spectacular about how Scruggs goes about his enterprise is the way in which he makes room for others to get theirs. You will see him and the Musketeers comfortably within the NCAA Event. —MN

63. Garrison Brooks | Mississippi State | Senior

The preseason ACC Participant of the 12 months a season in the past, Brooks didn’t fairly meet expectations for UNC as a junior as he averaged 10.2 factors and 6.9 rebounds per sport for the Tar Heels. However a clear slate at Mississippi State to play for this system he initially signed with out of highschool and for his dad, who’s a Bulldogs assistant coach, ought to give him an opportunity to step into an enormous function within the frontcourt straight away. –KB 

64. Courtney Ramey | Texas | Senior

Preserving Ramey was one other large win for first-year Texas coach Chris Beard. He averaged 3.9 assists for the Longhorns final season and hit 41.4% of his 3-pointers. He and Andrew Jones will pair with incoming Minnesota switch Marcus Carr to comprise a confirmed, veteran backcourt. —DC

65. Walker Kessler | Auburn | Sophomore

Kessler acquired caught in a numbers sport at UNC final season and averaged solely 8.8 minutes per sport. However when the 7-1 middle performed at the least 20 minutes, he averaged 18 factors, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. So do not be shocked if he is the breakout sophomore of this season. —GP

66. Iverson Molinar | Mississippi State | Junior

Have a look at Mississippi State getting a pair guys on this listing, huh? Molinar is a well-kept secret within the SEC no extra. He’ll be on the helm of a Bulldogs crew that has a promising likelihood to make simply its second NCAA Event since 2009. The 6-3 junior (16.7 ppg, 43.6 3-PT%) was essentially the most improved participant within the SEC final season, and a traditional instance of how deep faculty basketball’s expertise pool is yearly. You won’t be acquainted with Molinar but, however watch him and see simply how good D-I guard play is exterior of groups populating the highest 25. —MN

67. James Akinjo | Baylor | Senior

Taking part in on his third crew in three years, Akinjo is coming off an All-Pac-12 stage season at Arizona the place he led the crew in scoring, steals and assists. For Baylor he steps right into a backcourt that loses Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell, and Scott Drew appears uniquely certified to carry out the perfect in Akinjo as a scorer and facilitator for the reigning nationwide champions after his most effective season but during which he averaged 15.6 factors, 5.4 assists and shot 40.8% from 3-point vary. —KB

68. Azuolas Tubelis | Arizona | Sophomore

Tubelis stepped into the beginning lineup within the seventh sport of his freshman season and cemented his rising stardom with a 31-point outing towards USC and the Mobley brothers in January. Now, after averaging 12.2 factors and seven.1 rebounds, the 6-9 inside drive is in line to be Arizona’s main scorer as a sophomore. —DC

69. Tyger Campbell | UCLA | Redshirt junior 

Campbell began all 32 video games final season whereas averaging 10.4 factors and a team-high 5.4 assists. The 5-11 level guard has tallied at the least 10 assists in a sport 4 occasions by means of two seasons with the Bruins. He and Juzang comprise among the best backcourts in faculty basketball. —GP

70. TyTy Washington | Kentucky | Freshman

It’s possible you’ll be questioning the place the Kentucky freshmen are on an inventory like this. Normally good for at the least two, proper? Not this 12 months. Washington is the lone UK newcomer to crack our 101, and he’ll be tasked with sharing lead guard duties alongside Georgia switch Sahvir Wheeler. Washington was the No. 14-rated participant within the 2021 class, per 247 Sports activities, however we anticipate he’ll simply be one of many 10 greatest freshmen by March. —MN

71. Matt Bradley | San Diego State | Senior

Bradley dominated the Pac-12 at Cal the final two seasons averaging 17.7 factors per sport and he steps right into a state of affairs at San Diego State that’s seeking to exchange its prime three scorers from a season in the past. The 6-4 guard was third in scoring amongst all Pac-12 gamers final season and top-10 in each free-throw proportion and 3-point taking pictures. — KB

72. Colin Castleton | Florida | Senior

Castleton stands out as one of many largest surprises of final season after transferring in from Michigan, the place he barely performed, and changing into a dominant drive within the SEC. He’s the league’s main returner in blocks per sport (2.3) and Florida’s main returning scorer after averaging 12.4 factors on 59.7% taking pictures. —DC

73. Posh Alexander | St. John’s | Sophomore

Alexander is the reigning Massive East Freshman of the 12 months and Co-Defensive Participant of the 12 months. The 6-foot guard averaged 10.9 factors, 4.3 assists and three.4 rebounds final season. He is solely the fourth participant to ever win Massive East Defensive Participant of the 12 months as a freshmen — with the others being Naismith Memorial Corridor of Famers Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing. —GP

74. DeVante’ Jones | Michigan | Senior 

Final season’s Solar Belt Participant of the 12 months is likely one of the greatest snuff-it-out guards within the sport. Jones averaged 19.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg and a pair of.8 spg for Coastal Carolina (18-8). It is a truthful query to ask: If Jones was nonetheless in a Chanticleers uniform, would he make this listing? I am unsure about that, and it speaks extra to how power-conference gamers get the good thing about the doubt rather more typically than stat compilers in one-bid leagues. The thrill out of Ann Arbor now, although, is that this senior will probably be prepared for the up-transfer adjustment. —MN

75. Antoine Davis  | Detroit Mercy | Senior

Davis is the one participant within the nation who has been top-five amongst all faculty basketball gamers in factors scored per sport in every of the previous three seasons. The sharpshooting guard averaged a career-low of 24.0 ppg final season and was nonetheless the second-leading scorer within the sport behind solely Max Abmas. —KB

76. Grant Sherfield | Nevada | Junior

Sherfield was a part of Wichita State’s mass exodus following the 2019-20 season and shined in his new house by main the Mountain West in assists per sport at 6.1 and ending second in factors at 18.6 final season. Now, as a junior, he’s the league’s Preseason Participant of the 12 months. —DC

77. Timmy Allen | Texas | Senior

Allen transferred to Texas after beginning 82 video games in three seasons at Utah. The 6-6 ahead averaged 17.2 factors, 6.4 rebounds and three.9 assists final season. He was the one Energy 5 participant apart from Illinois star Ayo Dosunmu to common at the least 17.0 factors, 6.0 rebounds and three.5 assists per sport. —GP

78. Qudus Wahab | Maryland | Junior

Here is one of many extra intriguing transfers. Wahab, a junior, was one of the improved gamers final season (12.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg), however left Georgetown for would-be rival Maryland. He took 103 pictures on the rim in 26 video games, per Hoop Math’s monitoring; that quantity will rise. Mark Turgeon’s Terps have plenty of velocity, toughness, taking pictures and age. In Wahab, in addition they now have dimension — and one other high quality large in the perfect convention of bigs within the nation. —MN

79. Kevin Obanor | Texas Tech | Senior

In an unlikely run to the Candy 16 as a No. 15 seed for Oral Roberts, Obanor posted three consecutive double-doubles together with a 30 level eruption over No. 2 seed Ohio State within the first spherical. The 6-8 senior steps into a brand new setting at Texas Tech the place his dimension and out of doors shot paired subsequent to Terrence Shannon Jr. will give the Pink Raiders a potent punch on offense to defend. —KB

80. Landers Nolley | Memphis | Redshirt junior

Nolley shined on the perimeter after transferring in from Virginia Tech, the place he was forged as a small-ball ahead. The 6-7 gunner refined his 3-point shot by hitting 38.7% of them final season on six makes an attempt per sport and is the main returning scorer for a Memphis crew that begins the season ranked No. 12. —DC

81. Caleb Houstan | Michigan | Freshman 

Houstan reclassified to 2021 in July 2020 in order that he may enroll at Michigan early. The McDonald’s All-American is projected by most to be a lottery decide within the 2022 NBA Draft. He began on a highschool crew two seasons in the past at Montverde Academy in Florida alongside three lottery picks within the 2021 NBA Draft — Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes and Moses Moody. —GP

82. Taevion Kinsey | Marshall | Senior

For those who aren’t conscious of Mr. Kinsey, educate your self ASAP. The senior averaged 19.5 factors, 6.2 rebounds and 60.2% true taking pictures proportion for Dan D’Antoni’s zip-zip-zip offense. A significant-conference athlete with a excessive stage of composure in dictating a scheme with loads of acceleration in-built. Might develop right into a enjoyable NBA prospect by subsequent 12 months, too. We love placing this listing collectively partially as a result of we get to showcase guys like Kinsey, and in doing so, let you recognize about them prematurely of a promising season. —MN

83. Jermaine Samuels | Villanova | Senior

The Massive East is Villanova’s to lose and Samuels will play an integral function in serving to the Wildcats of their efforts to four-peat as regular-season champs. He is one among three returning ‘Nova standouts who averaged double figures final season and is coming off a career-best 12 months as a junior the place he averaged 12.0 factors and 6.4 rebounds per sport and stepped right into a starring function within the postseason with Collin Gillespie injured. — KB

84. Nate Watson | Windfall | Graduate senior

Watson loved a breakout season as a senior by averaging 16.9 factors and 6.7 rebounds for Windfall final season. Now, he is again for a bonus season after reaching double figures in 23 of 26 video games final 12 months.  —DC

85. Alex Barcello | BYU | Senior 

Barcello averaged a team-high 16.1 factors, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists final season after transferring from Arizona following his sophomore 12 months. The 6-2 guard has shot at the least 47% from 3-point vary in every of the previous two years. His true taking pictures proportion of 64.7% final season ranked forty first nationally. —GP

86. Allen Flanigan | Auburn | Junior

Our trickiest rating, as Auburn’s main returning scorer required surgical procedure on his proper Achilles in early September — a process that may maintain him out for at the least the primary six weeks of the season. However the prognosis is nice sufficient, and his manufacturing simply worthy sufficient from final season (14.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.9 apg) to warrant together with him on our listing. If he can return virtually absolutely to kind by the top of February, Auburn ought to be working as a top-30 crew. —MN

87. Quincy Guerrier | Oregon | Junior

We have got various transfers of observe on this listing, and this former Syracuse participant is one other one. If anybody goes to problem UCLA this season, it’ll doubtless be Oregon. Having Guerrier (13.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg) within the fold is large; Dana Altman will get extra out of his transfers than some other coach (and the stats again that up). Guerrier is a 6-7 two-way junior wing who was Syracuse’s most well-rounded participant final season. —MN

88. Dawson Garcia | UNC | Sophomore

A former top-40 nationwide prospect, Garcia averaged 13.0 factors and 6.6 rebounds at Marquette as a freshman earlier than transferring to North Carolina after an offseason teaching change. The change of surroundings ought to assist spotlight his do-it-all ability set in Chapel Hill as a floor-spacer and versatile offensive weapon. He made 35.6% of his 3-pointers with the Golden Eagles and new UNC coach Hubert Davis has already gushed about his potential to influence the sport on each ends of the court docket. –KB

89. Trent Frazier | Illinois | Senior

Frazier (an elite defender) has been a gradual contributor over 127 appearances and 107 begins in 4 seasons at Illinois. Now, the 6-2 guard is again for some bonus ball and will have his greatest offensive 12 months but because the Illini exchange star guard Ayo Dosunmu. —DC

90. Kihei Clark | Virginia | Senior

Clark is the one participant nonetheless in Virginia’s program who was a member of the 2019 nationwide championship crew. The 5-10 level guard averaged 9.5 factors and 4.5 assists final season. His move to Mamadi Diakite within the last seconds of regulation in that 2019 Elite Eight win over Purdue stays a traditional March Insanity second. —GP

91. Darius Days | LSU | Senior

The Tigers need to fill plenty of wants, and Days — after three years of dues paying — would be the stat compiler supreme for Will Wade’s program. Days averaged 11.6 ppg and seven.8 rpg final season whereas taking pictures 66.4% from 2-point vary and 40% from past the arc on 130 makes an attempt. For those who make an inventory like this it is laborious to argue you are underrated, however typically talking, Days might be essentially the most underrated man within the SEC heading into November. —MN

92. Prentiss Hubb | Notre Dame | Junior

Hubb averaged career-highs in factors (14.8), assists (5.8), rebounds (3.2), field-goal proportion, free-throw proportion and minutes performed per sport final season for Notre Dame. His development into an all-ACC caliber participant makes him one of many extra underrated gamers in our rankings. —KB

93. Caleb Love | North Carolina | Sophomore

Love’s spot on this listing is a vote of confidence that the previous five-star guard will make large strides after a rocky freshman season. Love shot simply 31.6% from the ground and turned the ball over 3.1 occasions per sport a 12 months in the past whereas additionally exhibiting flashes of greatness that may have to be on show extra frequently. —DC

94. Michael Devoe | Georgia Tech | Senior 

Devoe is the perfect returning piece from a Georgia Tech crew that made the NCAA Event final season for the primary time since 2010. The 6-10 senior averaged 15.0 factors, 4.3 rebounds and three.3 assists final season. He is made 41.4% of his 3-point makes an attempt by means of three years of faculty. —GP

95. Kyle Lofton | St. Bonaventure | Senior

It is essentially the most anticipated season for the Bonnies in ages, and Lofton would be the one guiding this group to perhaps its greatest NCAA Event seed in program historical past. Lofton (14.4 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.5 rpg) is an alpha combo guard who, regardless of being 6-3, took 38% of his pictures final season on the rim, per Hoop Math. We like that confidence. By the way in which, we virtually sneaked his teammate, middle Osun Osunniyi, on this listing as effectively. —MN

96. Wendell Moore Jr. | Duke | Junior

A former McDonald’s All-American, Moore is likely one of the veterans of a Duke crew that just lately voted him as a crew co-captain. He is a glue man producing actual buzz getting into his third season in Durham after a disappointing sophomore season. We’re anticipating him to construct off his second-year marketing campaign with the Blue Devils the place he averaged 9.7 factors and 4.8 boards per sport for a Duke crew that missed the NCAA Event for the primary time since 1995. —KB

97. Jacob Gilyard | Richmond | Senior

Gilyard has began 117 video games in his Richmond profession and is already this system’s all-time assists chief. His assist-to-turnover ratio was among the many greatest within the nation final season, and he led the nation in steals with 3.6 per sport. —DC

98. JD Davison | Alabama | Freshman

Davison is a top-10 prospect who doubles as one of many highest-rated basketball recruits to ever enroll at Alabama. The 6-3 level guard is a McDonald’s All-American and two-time Mr. Basketball within the state of Alabama. — GP

99. A.J. Inexperienced | Northern Iowa | Junior

The Panthers’ main problem-inducer for opponents is coming off hip surgical procedure, in any other case he would have been ranked larger. (He was No. 55 in our rankings final 12 months.) Inexperienced’s profession numbers: 17.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 88.5% FT and a 37.3% 3-point shooter. Inexperienced, a senior with one other 12 months of eligibility after this, is a high-major starter in a mid-major convention. —MN

100. Mike Miles | TCU | Sophomore

This can be a captain’s decide for me and I will put on it with pleasure with a peek behind the scenes: I truly had Miles 54th by myself private rankings. He is coming off a stellar freshman 12 months with TCU the place he was one among solely 5 freshmen within the nation to common at the least 13 factors, three rebounds and three assists per sport. He additionally had an enormous summer season enjoying on the FIBA U19 World Cup crew the place he received a gold medal and averaged 9.1 factors and three.9 assists per sport in seven showings within the World Cup. He enters the 2021-22 season because the fifth-leading returning scorer within the Massive 12 and I am banking on a breakout sophomore marketing campaign. —KB

And 1 — Jae’lyn Withers | Louisville | Redshirt sophomore

Withers hit 54.9% of his pictures, flashed exterior taking pictures vary and pulled down 7.7 rebounds per sport as a redshirt freshman. Now, the 6-8 ahead is the main returning scorer on a Louisville crew with NCAA Event aspirations. —DC