(#10) Tyon Grant-Foster, G, Grand Canyon
‘23-’24 Stats: 33.4 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.5 BPG
At number 10, we have Grand Canyon guard Tyon Grant-Foster, the top returning player in the mid-majors. After leading his team to a first-round win in the NCAA tournament, Grant-Foster decided to forgo the NBA Draft for another season. His scoring ability and leadership make him a standout player to watch.
(#9) Deivon Smith, G, St. John’s (Utah transfer)
‘23-’24 Stats: 29.5 MPG, 13.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 41% 3PT
At number nine, we have St. John’s guard Deivon Smith, a transfer from Utah. Known for his triple-double potential, Smith is a constant threat on the court, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His all-around game and playmaking ability will be crucial for St. John’s in the 2024-2025 season.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 22: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after drawing a foul during the second half against the Yale Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 22, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(#8) Johni Broome, C, Auburn
‘23-’24 Stats: 24.7 MPG, 16.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 35% 3PT
At number eight, we feature Auburn center Johni Broome. Renowned for being one of the best shot-blockers in the country, Broome also boasts the ability to play both inside and out on the offensive end. His defensive prowess, combined with his offensive versatility, makes him a vital asset for Auburn.
(#7) Oumar Ballo, C, Indiana (Arizona transfer)
‘23-’24 Stats: 25.9 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG
At number seven, we have Indiana center Oumar Ballo, a transfer from Arizona. Known for his imposing presence in the paint, Ballo excels as a powerful lob finisher and a dominant force on the boards. His physicality and finishing ability make him a nightmare for opponents.
(#6) Johnell Davis, G, Arkansas (FAU transfer)
‘23-’24 Stats: 32.3 MPG, 18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 41% 3PT
At number six, we feature Arkansas guard Johnell Davis, a top transfer from FAU. As the highest-ranked transfer on our big board, Davis is a three-level scorer known for his ability to impact the game from anywhere on the floor. His scoring versatility and offensive skills will be pivotal in Fayetteville.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 23: Ryan Kalkbrenner #11 of the Creighton Bluejays reacts during a second overtime of a game against the Oregon Ducks in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(#5) Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
‘23-’24 Stats: 34.6 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.1 BPG
At number five, we have Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner. A defensive stalwart and elite shot-blocker, Kalkbrenner has also improved his offensive game each year. His ability to protect the rim while contributing on the offensive end makes him a crucial player for Creighton in the 2024-2025 season.
(#4) Caleb Love, G, Arizona
‘23-’24 Stats: 32.3 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG
At number four, we feature Arizona guard Caleb Love. An elite scorer with a proven track record, Love brings high-level offensive skills and valuable experience to the Wildcats. His scoring prowess and veteran leadership will be key assets for an Arizona program looking to overcome the last hurdle in March.
(#3) Mark Sears, G, Alabama
‘23-’24 Stats: 33.6 MPG, 21.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 44% 3PT
At number three, we have Alabama guard Mark Sears. Last year, he was one of the top guards in the country. Sears is known for his offensive efficiency from all three levels—inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc. His well-rounded scoring ability and ability to make others better make him one of the top players in the country.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 23: Hunter Dickinson #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts during the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Delta Center on March 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(#2) Hunter Dickinson, C, Kansas
‘23-’24 Stats: 32.2 MPG, 17.9 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.4 BPG, 35% 3PT
At number two, we feature Kansas center Hunter Dickinson. Regarded as the best offensive big man in the country, Dickinson is poised for a standout season, seeking redemption after last year’s early tournament exit. With a storied college career and a dominant presence on the court, Dickinson is our top big man returning.
(#1) RJ Davis, G, North Carolina
‘23-’24 Stats: 34.8 MPG, 21.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 40% 3PT
At number one, we have North Carolina guard RJ Davis. The top returning player in college basketball, Davis is an elite shooter known for his exceptional leadership and toughness. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor and his relentless drive make him our top player returning in the 2024-2025 season.
