The following rankings are based on the teams’ returning players and incoming recruits for the upcoming season:
1. North Carolina: Coming off a successful season, North Carolina is returning key players RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram, and Elliot Cadeau, along with adding top recruits Ian Jackson and Drake Powell to make a strong push for another Final Four appearance.
2. Duke: With top scorers Jeremy Roach, Caleb Foster, and Tyrese Proctor returning, Duke is poised for success with the addition of top recruit Cooper Flagg, who is expected to make a significant impact.
3. Houston: Returning most of their top scorers, Houston is looking to maintain their success in the Big 12 with a talented backcourt led by LJ Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, and Terrance Arceneaux.
4. Iowa State: Iowa State is returning their top scorers and looking to capitalize on their success from last season with players like Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert leading the team.
5. Kansas: Bill Self’s Jayhawks are bringing back key players and adding talent from the transfer portal to remain competitive in the Big 12.
6. UConn: UConn is returning several top scorers from their championship-winning team and aiming to continue their success under coach Dan Hurley.
7. Gonzaga: Mark Few’s Zags are bringing back most of their roster and looking to make a strong NCAA Tournament run once again.
8. Auburn: With key players returning and the addition of top recruit Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn is looking to build on their recent NCAA Tournament appearances.
9. Purdue: Matt Painter’s Boilermakers are returning most of their top scorers and aiming to continue their success in the Big Ten.
10. Alabama: Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide are returning most of their rotation and looking to build on their Final Four appearance from last season.
Source https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-north-carolina-duke-pace-top-25-and-1-after-houston-loses-top-pg-jamal-shead/
