Loaded Michigan State leads Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2019-20 - ESPN
Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
Posted: 04/09/19, 10:50 PM CT
"The 2018-19 college basketball season officially ended Monday, with Virginia beating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime. That means it's already time to look ahead to next season.
Things will change, of course. There are NBA draft decisions to be made, players waiting to enter the transfer portal, high school players still unsigned. There is also the second federal trial on college basketball corruption beginning later this month, and that could bring college coaches or players into the headlines.
But we can talk about all that as the off-season progresses. For now, let's get to the early 2019-20 rankings....
20. Houston Cougars
At this point, we should give Kelvin Sampson the benefit of the doubt and assume that he is going to figure it out. After 60 wins in two seasons, he deserves that kind of credit. There are some key losses: top scorer Corey Davis Jr. and starters Galen Robinson and Breaon Brady. But Dejon Jarreau and Nate Hinton, who both came off the bench this season, might be the two most talented players on the team and should feature in bigger roles. Perimeter shooter Armoni Brooks is also back. Towson transfer Justin Gorham should help up front....
24. Memphis Tigers
One of the most intriguing teams in the country next season will be Penny Hardaway's Tigers. They lose four starters from a team that finished fifth in the AAC yet will have some hype heading into the year. No. 1 recruit James Wiseman is the prime candidate. He spurned Kentucky to stay home and play for Hardaway. Five-star forward DJ Jeffries is also entering the fold, and Hardaway has the Tigers in the mix for remaining ESPN 100 prospects Trendon Watford, Lester Quinones and Precious Achiuwa. There's a lot to play out here...."
Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
Posted: 04/09/19, 10:50 PM CT
"The 2018-19 college basketball season officially ended Monday, with Virginia beating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime. That means it's already time to look ahead to next season.
Things will change, of course. There are NBA draft decisions to be made, players waiting to enter the transfer portal, high school players still unsigned. There is also the second federal trial on college basketball corruption beginning later this month, and that could bring college coaches or players into the headlines.
But we can talk about all that as the off-season progresses. For now, let's get to the early 2019-20 rankings....
20. Houston Cougars
At this point, we should give Kelvin Sampson the benefit of the doubt and assume that he is going to figure it out. After 60 wins in two seasons, he deserves that kind of credit. There are some key losses: top scorer Corey Davis Jr. and starters Galen Robinson and Breaon Brady. But Dejon Jarreau and Nate Hinton, who both came off the bench this season, might be the two most talented players on the team and should feature in bigger roles. Perimeter shooter Armoni Brooks is also back. Towson transfer Justin Gorham should help up front....
24. Memphis Tigers
One of the most intriguing teams in the country next season will be Penny Hardaway's Tigers. They lose four starters from a team that finished fifth in the AAC yet will have some hype heading into the year. No. 1 recruit James Wiseman is the prime candidate. He spurned Kentucky to stay home and play for Hardaway. Five-star forward DJ Jeffries is also entering the fold, and Hardaway has the Tigers in the mix for remaining ESPN 100 prospects Trendon Watford, Lester Quinones and Precious Achiuwa. There's a lot to play out here...."
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