Media by Associated Press – UConn’s Adama Sanogo (21) dribbles up the court in the second half of a second-round college basketball game against Saint Mary’s in the NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
College basketball isn’t a sport where you can fully understand where each team will be after the previous season ends. High school recruiting is no longer the be-all, end-all for coaches. With the transfer portal, college coaches now have access to the ability to recruit veteran players looking for a chance of scenery.
That market for players helped Kansas State turn the program around in one season. With the idea that rosters aren’t complete yet, here’s a look at some of the top teams for next season.
UConn Huskies, +1200
The Huskies’ return to the Big East and hiring of Dan Hurley as a coach has led to big success for UConn. The Huskies climbed back atop the national stage the past season and climbed a fifth national title. Now, UConn will have to defend its perch atop the conference.
The Huskies will see Jordan Hawkins likely depart for the professional ranks but will have plenty of talent returning. UConn will have three recruits that were ranked in the top 100 in starting lineup and could benefit from the return of Adam Sonogo if he chooses not to go professional. Repeating in college basketball is a difficult task, but UConn is unlikely to fade from the spotlight.
Kentucky Wildcats, +1400
John Calipari’s style of bringing in one-and-done players to the program hasn’t helped Kentucky reach the Final Four since the 2014-15 season. Despite a few trips to the Elite Eight since, the Wildcats are in a position where Calipari may be on the hot seat if Kentucky doesn’t find more regular season and conference success.
One thing Kentucky has going for it is the Wildcats have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. The Wildcats’ recruiting class is led by Justin Edwards, who is the No. 2 overall player in the recruiting class. Calipari also convinced high school teammates DJ Wagner Jr. and Aaron Bradshaw to come to Lexington. He is also working on grabbing some graduate transfers and recently met with Michigan big man Hunter Dickinson.
Texas Longhorns +2000
Rodney Terry managed to take the Longhorns to the Elite Eight last season despite being unsure of his status coaching the program after taking over for Chris Beard. Terry will now have to find a way to replicate the success while being the top man of the program. What will help Terry is having a top-five recruit in Ron Holland.
Dylan Disu and Tyrese Hunter will also return for Texas. A.J. Johnson is another top 100 recruit for the program. While life in the Big 12 is tough, the Longhorns will have the players to make a run again.
Arkansas Razorbacks +2800
Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman has been one of the most active coaches when it comes to the transfer portal during his coaching career. Arkansas was able to make a run to the Sweet 16 last year during a season that was filled with injuries. The Razorbacks have two top 100 reruits in Layden Blocker and Baye Fall.
Expect Arkansas to bring in a few other players, too, in order to help fill out the roster. Arkansas will be dangerous this season.
You can find more NCAA basketball picks here.