It's late April, and you know what that means - it's time to update our "Way Too Early College Hoops Top 25."
Bluntly, a LOT has changed since we dropped our first edition shortly after the national championship two weeks ago. Major rosters moves have been made, stars have entered the portal, and even a few coaching moves as well.
Here is our updated list, and be warned - there are still lots of moves to be made, and there are still several teams we expect to end up here (notably Kentucky, Arkansas and St. John's) before it's all said and done.
1. Kansas Jayhawks
Key Returnees: DaJuan Harris Jr., Hunter Dickinson, Elmarko Jackson, KJ Adams Jr.
Key Departures: Kevin McCullar Jr., Johnny Furphy, Nick Timberlake, Parker Braun
Key Newcomers: AJ Storr (transfer), Zeke Mayo (transfer), Riley Kugel (transfer), Flory Bidunga, Labaron Philon, Rakease Passmore
When Bill Self told reporters "I've been planning for next year for a month" following an NCAA Tournament loss, he wasn't lying - and the Jayhawks now have, in my opinion, the best team in college basketball heading into 2024-2025.
The crux of what Self has done this off-season has come through the portal, and he may have made his biggest splash yet last week with the addition of Wisconsin wing AJ Storr. Storr averaged nearly 18 points per game, and was the best player in the portal this off-season as far as I'm concerned. In addition, there were the additions of Zeke Mayo, the Summit League Player of the Year at South Dakota State and Florida's Riley Kugel as well.
Add them in with a veteran core of returnees (DaJuan Harris Jr., Hunter Dickinson) and you have the best team in college hoops on paper here in late April.
2. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Key Returnees: Ryan Nembhard, Graham Ike, Ben Gregg, Nolan Hickman, Braden Huff, Dusty Stromer, Steele Venters
Key Departures: Anton Watson
Key Additions: Michael Ayayi (transfer)
I'll readily admit that I was hard on Mark Few all season, but the year ended with one of his best coaching jobs - getting to the Zags into the Sweet 16.
And in 2024-2025, they should make their back into the conversation of nationally elite.
With no real front line NBA prospects on the roster, the Zags could - and probably should - return six of their key seven players, including point guard Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike.
With only Anton Watson out the door, the Zags team that finished the season red hot, should start the season as one of the nation's best next year.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Key Returnees: Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Jarin Stevenson, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Mohamed Wague
Key Departures: Aaron Estrada, Rylan Griffen (transfer), Sam Walters (transfer), Nick Pringle (transfer), Davin Cosby Jr. (transfer)
Key Additions: Aden Holloway (transfer), Houston Mallette (transfer), Derrion Reid, Aiden Sherrell, Naas Cunningham
When the season ended I made the argument that Alabama could return everyone and could be the preseason No. 1 team in the country next year.
While things haven't quite gone to plan, this is still a dynamic team heading into next season.
Since the Tide's Final Four run, they did lose a handful of players in the portal, yet I'd argue only Rylan Griffen was a truly tangible loss. Sam Walters was a nice developmental piece, but might have been stuck in a log jam in the front court next year.
Yet even despite it, the Tide still are on schedule to return the core of last year's squad, including starters Mark Sears and Grant Nelson, elite shooter Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and tourney hero Jarin Stevenson. They've also added some nice pieces in the portal, including former McDonald's All-American and (gasp!) Auburn Tiger Aden Holloway.
The big question: Was Holloway added in case Mark Sears decides to stay in the draft? Or because Alabama knows he plans to? If Sears goes pro, Alabama would fall quite a bit in these rankings.
4. Houston Cougars
Key Returnees: LJ Cryer, Emmanuel Sharp, J'Wan Roberts, Ja'Vier Francis, Terrence Arceneaux, Mylik Wilson, Joseph Tugler
Key Departures: Jamal Shead, Damian Dunn (transfer)
Key Additions: Milos Uzan (transfer), Chase McCarty, Mercy Miller
At this point, we're just betting on Kelvin Sampson - because why the heck wouldn't we? But even if you're a doubter, the reigning Big 12 champs return plenty of talent in 2024-2025.
It's obviously hard to imagine All-American Jamal Shead returning, but the Cougars appear to have already addressed that, by adding former Oklahoma starting point guard Milos Uzan.
But beyond Sharp's departure most of the key pieces return. Emmanuel Sharp was a breakout start this season and LJ Cryer came on late as the team's much-needed scoring pop. J'Wan Roberts, Ja'Vier Francis and Joseph Tugler provide toughness down low.
5. UConn Huskies
Key Returnees: Alex Karaban, Samson Johnson, Hassan Diarra, Jaylin Stewart, Solo Ball
Key Departures: Tristen Newton, Cam Spencer, Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan
Key Newcomers: Tarris Reed Jr., (transfer), Ahmad Nowell, Isaiah Abraham
The Huskies are your two-time reigning national champion, and even though they'll lose four starters, it'd be dumb to drop this team too far. You know, considering they were picked to finish third in the Big East this year - and ended up as national champions.
For UConn, the big questions are two-fold. The first: What is the future of Alex Karban? The Huskies fifth starter on this year's title squad sounded ready to return a few weeks ago, but is also testing the draft waters. Karban would be a headline returnee for a team that also should bring back its sixth and seventh men, Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson and likely put them in bigger roles.
The second question: Can they nab five-star, McDonald's All-American Liam McNeeley? McNeeley is on campus this week, and would add some very nice scoring pop to the Huskies' offense.
Also, look for Jaylin Stewart as a potential breakout star next year.
6. Iowa State Cyclones
Key Returnees: Keshon Gilbert, Tamin Lipsey, Curtis Jones, Milan Momcilovic
Key Departures: Tre King, Robert Jones, Hason Ward, Omaha Bilew (transfer)
Key Additions: Nate Heise (transfer), Dishon Jackson (transfer), Brandon Chatfield (transfer)
The Cyclones were one of the great stories of the college basketball season - and could be an even better one with several key pieces back.
The backcourt returns mostly intact, with Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey returning, and it should be a big sophomore year for Milan Momcilovic. Iowa State needed to add some pieces in the frontcourt, and have quickly gotten to work, most notably with Charlotte's Dishon Jackson.
7. Baylor Bears
Key Returnees: Jalen Bridges, Langston Love, Jayden Nunn, Josh Ojianwuna
Key Departures: Ja'Kobe Walter, RayJ Dennis, Yves Missi
Key Additions: Jeremy Roach (transfer), VJ Edgecombe, Noah Boyed, Rob Wright, Jason Asemoa
Over the last couple off-seasons I haven't always loved Baylor's roster composition, but this year, I love the pieces that Scott Drew has put together.
Put simply, the Bears might have the best starting backcourt in America, with Duke transfer Jeremy Roach and five-star VJ Edgecombe. Roach was, in my opinion, one of the top 2-3 players to enter the portal all off-season, and will bring the experience that this frontcourt otherwise lacked.
Add in returnees like Jalen Bridges and Langston Love, and this group is group is talented and balanced from top-to-bottom. And if you believe the reports - there may be another big portal addition or two coming.
8. Arizona Wildcats
Key Returnees: Jaden Bradley, KJ Lewis, Motiejus Krivas
Key Departures: Caleb Love, Keshad Johnson, Pelle Larsson, Kylan Boswell (transfer), Oumar Ballo (transfer)
Key Newcomers: Carter Bryant, Jamari Phillips, Joson Sanon, Emmanuel Stephen
There have been two interesting developments in Tucson since the season ended for Arizona. The first is that guard Kylan Boswell and center Oumar Ballo both elected to transfer. While that sounds surprising, it isn't. Both Jaden Bradley and Motiejus Krivas were brought in an off-season ago with the assumption they'd be starters in 2024-2025, so this was expected if either Boswell or Ballo decided to return for another.
The other development is much more interesting, as Caleb Love declared for the draft - but will keep the option of using his Covid year of eligibility in 2024-2025.
Even without Love, Bradley and KJ Lewis will form one of the most lethal backcourts in college hoops, and Carter Bryant, Jamari Phillips and Joson Sanon are three of the best freshmen entering college hoops next year.
The Wildcats appear to be targeting another wing in the portal to replace Pelle Larsson, but besides that, Love's decision is the only really big thing from this roster largely being complete.
9. Purdue Boilermakers
Key Returnees: Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Will Berg, Trey Kaufmann-Wrenn, Myles Colvin
Key Departures: Zach Edey, Lance Jones, Mason Gillis (transfer)
Key Additions: Kanon Catchings, Gicarri Harris, Daniel Jacobsen
The Boilermakers came up short of a title, but should again be the class of the Big Ten in 2024-2025.
The backcourt of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer return, and emerging star Myles Colvin should take over the role of Lance Jones. Trey Kaufmann-Wrenn returns at the four spot.
The big question - how does Purdue replace Zach Edey?
While the production will be impossible to replace, 7'2 Will Berg is ready to step in, and 7'3 freshman Daniel Jacobsen arrives on campus as well. Matt Painter definitely has a type, doesn't he?!
10. Duke Blue Devils
Key Returnees: Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster
Key Losses: Kyle Filipowski, Jared McCain, Ryan Young, Jeremy Roach (transfer), Mark Mitchell (transfer), Sean Stewart (transfer), TJ Power (transfer), Jaylen Blakes (transfer)
Key Newcomers: Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, Kon Knueppel, Patrick Ngongba II, Darren Harris, Maliq Brown (transfer)
Well, we can't it hasn't been an active April at Duke. That's because in total, we have seen 10 players off last year's team leave the program, with seven hitting the transfer portal. While some were expected, I can't imagine Jon Scheyer went into the off-season assuming all seven wouldn't be back on campus next year.
At the same time, a lot of the player movement has to do with one simple thing: Duke having an ABSURD freshman class coming in next season. It's obviously headlined by the No. 1 player in America, Cooper Flagg, with five of Duke's six commitments ranked inside 247 Sports' Top 20 players in America.
Those six will combine with returnees Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, with the Blue Devils adding their first transfer this weekend in Syracuse's Maliq Brown.
Expect them to another player or two for depth and experience purposes.
11. Auburn Tigers
Key Returnees: Johni Broome, Chad Baker-Mazara, Denver Jones, Dylan Cardwell, Chaney Johnson
Key Departures: Jaylin Williams, Aden Holloway (transfer), Tre Donaldson (transfer), KD Johnson (transfer)
Key Additions: JP Pegues (transfer), Tahad Pettiford, Jahki Howard
There's both good news and bad news if you're an Auburn Tigers fan.
The good news is, you're returning arguably the most accomplished player in the SEC in Johni Broome. His decision to return probably puts him position to be Preseason Player of the Year in the league, and there are some really nice pieces around him, including last year's dynamic transfer star Chad Baker-Mazara.
The bad news is, that after losing both Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson to transfer, a lot will be put on the plate of new guards JP Pegues (a Furman transfer) and freshman Tahad Pettiford.
Pegues is an experienced, high-level guard who helped Furman to the Round of 32 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and Pettiford is a McDonald's All-American - so they will be up for the challenge.
But still look for the Tigers to add one more guard to next year's squad.
12. UCLA Bruins
Key Returnees: Sebastian Mack, Dylan Andrews, Lazar Stefanovic, Berke Buyuktuncel, Aday Mara, Brandon Williams, Devin Williams
Key Departures: Adem Bona, Will McClendon,
Key Additions: Skyy Clark (transfer), Kobe Johnson (transfer), Eric Dailey (transfer), Tyler Bilodeau (transfer)
So I'm buying high on UCLA. One, because I love what the Bruins have done in the portal. And two, because I just believe that Mick Cronin is too good of a coach to have awful seasons in back-to-back years.
In terms of the roster, while star Adem Bona is gone, right now just about everyone else is projected back. More importantly, the Bruins were able to add the size, athleticism and toughness that they lacked a year ago in the portal. Kobe Johnson (USC) and Eric Dailey Jr. (Oklahoma State) are two guys on the wing with skill-sets that they just simply didn't have last year.
What will be interesting to see is how many players from last year's squad decide not to return, as there have been no major names enter the portal so far this off-season from the Bruins roster.
13. North Carolina Tar Heels
Key Returnees: Eliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble, Jalen Washington, Jae'Lyn Withers
Key Losses: Armando Bacot, RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram, Cormac Ryan, Paxson Wojcik
Key Newcomers: Ian Jackson, Drake Powell, James Brown
First off, it's worth noting that as of this publication - we have no word on the future of RJ Davis. Davis has played four years at North Carolina and could go pro. But with limited NBA options, it could also make sense for him to return for another season.
Right now we're assuming he's gone, and if so, it will largely be a clean slate in Chapel Hill next season. That's especially true after the somewhat surprising decision last week by Harrison Ingram to go pro.
The good news for North Carolina of course, is that there are several solid returnees (Eliot Cadeau, Jalen Washington) and a monster recruiting class headlined by McDonald's All-Americans Ian Jackson and Drake Powell.
The Tar Heels appear to still be trying to add at least one shooter, with Belmont's Cade Tyson seemingly atop their priority list.
14. Marquette Golden Eagles
Key Returnees: Kam Jones, David Joplin, Stevie Mitchell, Chase Ross, Ben Gold, Sean Jones, Tre Norman
Key Departures: Tyler Kolek, Oso Ighodaro,
Key Newcomers: Damarius Owens, Royce Parham
This might be a bit high on the Golden Eagles, but even with the departures of Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro, there is still plenty of talent on this roster.
Most resides in the backcourt where Kam Jones will be one of the best guards in the Big East, Ben Gold is a solid stretch big man, and they will be surrounded by plenty of speed and shooting.
This team might not have the ceiling of the previous two Marquette teams, but their floor is higher than most people probably give it credit for.
15. Florida Gators
Key Returnees: Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, Micah Handlogten, Alex Condon
Key Departures: Zyon Pullin, Tyrese Samuel, Riley Kugel (transfer)
Key Additions: Alijah Martin (transfer), Rueben Chinyelu (transfer), Sam Alexis (transfer), Isaiah Brown, Olivier Rioux
I'll readily admit that I was dubious of Florida's hire of Todd Golden a few off-seasons ago. But credit where it's due: Golden is coming off an NCAA Tournament run this year, and has quickly and deftly put together another excellent team in 2024-2025.
First off, there are the returnees and the Gators have some of the best in college hoops. Walter Clayton Jr. was an All-SEC guard this year, and will team with Will Richard and Micah Handlogten, who hopefully will have recovered from a nasty injury in the SEC Tournament.
And to Golden's credit he has been excellent in the portal this off-season. The biggest addition came just days ago, with Florida Atlantic guard Alijah Martin coming aboard and Rueben Chinyelu was an underrated and key contributor on Washington State's NCAA Tournament squad a season ago.
16. Michigan Wolverines
Key Returnees: Terrence Williams II, Nimari Burnett, Will Tschetter,
Key Departures: Dug McDaniel (transfer), Tarris Reed Jr. (transfer), Olivier Nkamhoua
Key Additions: Tre Donaldson (transfer), Danny Wolf (transfer), Sam Walters (transfer), Roddy Gayle Jr. (transfer), Rubin Jones (transfer), Justin Pippin
Well, this my friends, is what we call "a plot twist." Because after not evening having Michigan under consideration for the Top 25 a week ago, they're now on the edge of the Top 15.
That's because in a credit to new coach Dusty May, he went on a portal run for the ages this weekend, adding a slew of marquee guys. Roddy Gayle averaged 14 points per game this past season at rival Ohio State and Danny Wolf was one of the most coveted big men available from Yale. Sam Walters is a highly-skilled big wing coming off a Final Four run at Alabama, and Tre Donaldson is a solid, veteran guard.
It's hard to know exactly which returnees will actually stay and go, but it ultimately doesn't matter. May has done quick work in the portal - and has a Top 25 team heading into next year.
17. Tennessee Volunteers
Key Returnees: Zakai Ziegler, Justin Gainey, Jamai Mashack, JP Estrella, Freddie Dillone
Key Departures: Dalton Knecht, Josiah Jordan-James, Santiago Vescovi, Jonas Aidoo (transfer), Tobe Awaka (transfer)
Key Additions: Darlinstone Dubar (transfer), Bishop Boswell
Like so many other schools on this preseason Top 25 list - there is both good news and bad news for the Vols.
The good news is, the Vols return a nice core off last year's Elite Eight team, including key guards Zakai Ziegler and Justin Gainey.
The bad news is there is still a lot of work to do, especially in the front court where both Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka have announced their transfers. There is hope that Awaka could actually withdraw from the portal, but until he does, there will be concern for the Vols.
UT will also need to figure out the major scoring void left by the departure of star Dalton Knecht, although transfer Darlinstone Dubar (a 20+ point per game scorer at Hofstra last season) should help.
18. Miami Hurricanes
Key Returnees: Norchad Omier, Matthew Cleveland, Nijel Pack, Woogla Poplar
Key Departures: Bensley Joseph, Kyshon George
Key Additions: Jalil Bethea, Austin Swartz, Lynn Kidd (transfer), Brandon Johnson (transfer)
This is yet another place where I'm going to bet on the pedigree of the coach. I mean, Jim Larranaga isn't really going to have two bad years in a row, is he?
This one hinges on both Norchad Omier, the team's leading scorer and rebounder last year, who has declared for the draft, but left open the option to return. Assuming he does, he'll team with one of the most lethal backcourts in college hoops, in veteran Nijel Pack and elite freshman talent Jalil Bethea.
19. Indiana Hoosiers
Key Returnees: Malik Reneau, Trey Galloway, Mackenzie Mgbako
Key Departures: Ke'El Ware, Xavier Johnson, Anthony Walker, CJ Gunn (transfer)
Key Additions: Oumar Ballo (transfer), Myles Rice (transfer), Kanaan Carlyle (transfer), Bryson Tucker
Say this for Mike Woodson: In a make-or-break 2024-2025 season, if he goes out, he'll go out guns blazing.
To his credit, Indiana has been as big of a winner as anyone in the college hoops portal this off-season. They added Myles Rice from Washington State, last year's Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, elite freshman talent Kanaan Carlyle (Stanford) and big man Oumar Ballo from Arizona. While Ballo being tabbed by some outlets as "the best player in the portal" seems a bit much, he is a difference-maker on both ends down low. Indiana also added McDonald's All-American Bryson Tucker just a few weeks ago.
Still, as important as the additions are, it's about the returnees too. Star Malik Reneau is back for a junior season, as is Mackenzie Mgbako after a mostly productive freshman year.
Yes, Indiana still needs shooting, but in my opinion, that narrative is a little bit overblown. Trey Galloway hit 46 percent from beyond the arc two years ago, before seeing his numbers fall, and both Carlyle and Mgbako both hit 32 percent as freshmen last year.
The Hoosiers will never be mistaken for the 2016 Golden State Warriors. But the shooting woes aren't as bad as people make them out to be either.
20. San Diego State Aztecs
Key Returnees: Lamont Butler, Reese Waters, Darrion Tramell, Elijah Saunders
Key Departures: Jaedon LeDee, Jay Pal, Micah Parrish (transfer)
Key Additions: Nicholas Boyd (transfer)
Forgive me if this is getting repetitive, but this one relies a lot on the return of Butler and Tramell, who, if I'm reading right can both exercise another year of eligibility. Of the pair, Butler seems like the most likely to leave.
Assuming both are back, they will team with Reese Waters, who emerged late this season as well as transfer Nicholas Boyd in the backcourt. Boyd, ironically comes from Florida Atlantic, the team the Aztecs beat to advance to the national championship game in 2023.
Also, keep an eye on the emergence of wing Elijah Saunders who played well late last season.
21. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Key Returnees: Jeremiah Williams
Key Departures: Cliff Omoyuri, Gavin Griffiths, Noah Fernandes, Austin Williams
Key Additions: Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, Tyson Acuff (transfer), Zach Martini (transfer), Jordan Derkack (transfer)
The age old debate in college hoops continues to be - can you trust young talent to win you games, and the best test case next year might be an unusual place: Rutgers.
That's because in what is, quite literally, something we've never seen before, Piscataway is home to two of the best freshmen in the country. Ace Bailey is a legitimate threat to unseat Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 pick in the draft next year and Dylan Harper is a projected Top 10 pick as well.
To Steve Pikell's credit, he's working hard to get talent around them, already adding two key transfers this off-season, including Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21 points this season at Eastern Michigan
Still, it's all about the freshmen - and the Scarlet Knights will have two of the best.
22. Illinois Fighting Illini
Key Returnees: Ty Rodgers
Key Departures: Terrence Shannon Jr., Coleman Hawkins, Marcus Domask, Dain Dainja (transfer), Luke Goode (transfer)
Key Additions: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Tre Whie (transfer), Carey Booth (transfer), Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson
While there's no way to truly replace the production of All-American Terrence Shannon Jr. and five-year program stalwart Coleman Hawkins, credit Brad Underwood, who has done about as good of a job as you can so far in the portal.
The biggest addition so far is probably former Arizona point guard Kylan Boswell. While Boswell didn't quite work at Arizona, a fresh start in his hometown will probably be a good thing for the former five-star point guard. A fresh start should also be good for Tre White, who was one of the few bright spots at Louisville last year.
Add in two more developmental transfers (Jake Davis, Carey Booth) and a couple solid returnees (Ty Rodgers) and next year's Illini won't have the upside of last year's. But won't fall as far as many are expecting either.
23. Xavier Musketeers
Key Returnees: Dayvion McKnight, Zach Freemantle, Jerome Hunter, Trey Green
Key Departures: Quincy Olivari, Abou Ousmane (transfer), Desmond Claude (transfer)
Key Additions: Ryan Conwell (transfer), Dante Maddox Jr. (transfer), Marcus Foster (transfer), John Hughley IV (transfer), Jonathan Powell
It was some sort of day at Xavier last Friday, when the Musketeers lost their leading returning scorer to the portal (Desmond Claude) but then added Ryan Conwell, a high-scoring transfer from Indiana State.
Combine them with the return of key guard Dayvion McKnight and a (hopefully) healthy front court of Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter, and the Musketeers could be a surprise in the Big East in 2024-2025.
24. New Mexico Lobos
Key Returnees: Donovan Dent, JT Toppin, Nelly Junior Joseph, Mustapha Amzil Key Departures: Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr., (transfer)
Key Additions: CJ Noland (transfer)
A year after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament and earning a spot in the Big Dance, Richard Pitino returns several key returnees.
Guard Donovan Dent remains one of the most under-appreciated players in the transfer portal, and the Lobos recently got a commitment from former Oklahoma and North Texas guard CJ Noland. And the combination of Nelly Junior Joseph and JT Toppin give the Lobos an elite front-court pair.
Toppin is currently testing the NBA Draft waters, but assuming he returns, this is a dangerous and talented team.
25. USC Trojans
Key Returnees: Harrison Hornery, Brandon Gardner
Key Departures: Boogie Ellis, Isaiah Collier, Joshua Morgan
Key Additions: Chibuzo Agbo (transfer), Saint Thomas (transfer), Bryce Pope (transfer), Joshua Cohen (transfer), Clark Slajchert (transfer), Matt Knowling (transfer), Rashaun Agee (transfer), Isaiah Elohim
You knew when Eric Musselman got to USC, it wasn't going to take long for him to put together a competitive team - but to his credit, he's done it quicker and better than just about anyone could've imagined.
In total, the Trojans added six players over the course of one 72 hour April weekend. They were highlighted by former Boise State star Chibuzo Agbo and Northern Colorado's Saint Thomas. Josh Cohen (UMass) adds sizes, with Penn's Clark Slajchert adding shooting off the bench.
There is probably at least one or two more pieces to add - and it is worth noting that they remain in play for McDonald's All-American guard Trent Perry. Perry was committed to the Trojans previous staff, before re-opening his recruitment following the previous coaching staff's departure.