Ooof, the early 2023-2024 rankings from ESPN don’t look good…

Sam_Lombardo · Apr 4, 2023

The claims of Oats taking a step back appear to be premature as Alabama is simply a program that reloads at this point. They acted quickly and already landed a huge portal prize.

Unfortunately, Bruce didn’t find himself in the top 25 and next year appears to be another rebuilder with much of the team jumping ship. Let’s hope Bruce can save the season with a Hail Mary of a portal class.

1. UConn Huskies

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-b...-men-national-championship-game-sdsu-vs-uconn

Projected starting lineup:

Stephon Castle (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Solomon Ball (No. 55 in ESPN 100)
Jaylin Stewart (No. 84 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (9.5 PPG)
Adama Sanogo (17.1 PPG)

2. Marquette Golden Eagles

3. Duke Blue Devils

Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell have announced their intentions to return to Durham, while Dariq Whitehead is leaving. Kyle Filipowskiand Dereck Lively II could follow Whitehead out the door to the NBA. But Jon Scheyer is bringing in a terrific recruiting class, a group that includes three five-star prospects and five players ranked in the top 35. Jeremy Roach's status will be key.

Projected starting lineup:

Jeremy Roach (13.6 PPG)
Tyrese Proctor (9.4 PPG)
Mackenzie Mgbako (No. 8 in ESPN 100)
Mark Mitchell (9.1 PPG)
Sean Stewart (No. 16 in ESPN 100)

4. Kentucky Wildcats

John Calipari is back with the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and a potential starting lineup with at least three or four of those freshmen penciled in from day one. D.J. Wagner and Robert Dillingham should form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the sport, while Justin Edwards is the No. 1 recruit. The biggest question is what Oscar Tshiebwe opts to do. Will he come back for another year?

Projected starting lineup:

Robert Dillingham (No. 11 in ESPN 100)
D.J. Wagner (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Justin Edwards (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Chris Livingston (6.3 PPG)
Aaron Bradshaw (No. 4 in ESPN 100)

5. Florida Atlantic Owls

The Owls aren't going anywhere, people. This year's NCAA tournament darlings are well-equipped to make another run even if it doesn't end with 35 wins and a Final Four appearance again. All five starters from the tournament will be back, with reserve guard Michael Forrest the lone expected departure from the rotation. As long as nobody enters the transfer portal or makes an ill-advised NBA draft decision, Dusty May and FAU will be back.

Projected starting lineup:

Bryan Greenlee (7.4 PPG)
Nick Boyd (8.9 PPG)
Johnell Davis (13.9 PPG)
Alijah Martin (13.1 PPG)
Vladislav Goldin (10.3 PPG)

6. Michigan State Spartans

7. Kansas Jayhawks

8. Arizona Wildcats

9. Houston Cougars

10. Creighton Bluejays

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11. Alabama Crimson Tide

Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney are off to the NBA, Jahvon Quinerly leads a group of departing seniors and Nimari Burnett is heading to Michigan. But Nate Oats has already been busy in the portal, landing Wichita State transfer Jaykwon Walton. He's also bringing back Jaden Bradley, Mark Sears, Charles Bediako, Rylan Griffen and Nick Pringle from a team ranked No. 1 entering the NCAA tournament.

Projected starting lineup:

Jaden Bradley (6.4 PPG)
Mark Sears (12.5 PPG)
Jaykwon Walton (13.9 PPG at Wichita State)
Rylan Griffen (5.9 PPG)
Charles Bediako (6.4 PPG)

12. Arkansas Razorbacks