College Basketball Season Predictions 21-22

Gillespie had a great Senior season until his season was cut short due to a Torn MCL and now will look to return Villanova to a Final Four. Furthermore, he brings the Villanova identity with being great with the basketball-playing under great control. As well as, being able to get into the lane on jump stops to make shots and distribute to others. Additionally, he does a great job of posting up guards for scoring opportunities or passing out of the post. Next, he’s a really good shot-maker from the perimeter off the catch at 37.6% from three.

Continued, he’s a good distributor to others, however, he could continue to elevate in that area to be more dynamic with the basketball. His movement on the perimeter is really good with spacing the floor and being shot ready at all times. Also, he is solid in transition with being able to make plays on the perimeter and getting others involved. Now defensively, he could be more effective on the basketball with his lateral movement. As well as, being more active in basketball. Collin Gillespie will be one of the best players in college basketball attempting to lead Villanova to a National Championship.

Ivey had a tremendous season and has the ability to be one of the best players in college basketball this season. Furthermore, his 3pt shot was only at 25.8% but showed the ability to improve it throughout the season and made big shots when necessary. Additionally, he does a really good job of running the floor in transition spotting up or pushing it with the basketball. Next, he has the size and physicality to get into the lane being able to finish effectively through contact. Continued, the dribble penetration against individual defense is good and he can break down the defense off the bounce. The growth in his game would be more efficient and be more consistent with his shooting.

The best aspect of Ivey is knowing when he needs to take over the game he is capable to do so from all three levels. His growth offensively will be vital to him reaching his potential as one of the best players in the country. As for defensively, he has the size and athleticism to continue to develop on that end. The consistency with positioning and locked-in effort at crucial times would elevate him to another level of a defender. Jaden Ivey will be looking to lead Purdue to a Big Ten and a deep NCAA tournament run.

Juzang had a historic run in the NCAA tournament being an elite shot-maker leading UCLA to the Final 4. Now, he does a good job moving without the basketball getting in a great position to score the basketball. Continued, his size is really good allowing him to shoot over the top of defenders, and with the pace, he plays with not getting sped up. Next, he has the ability to attack 1v1 very effectively and is great off the dribble to get the shot he wants from the midrange and three. Furthermore, he is really good off the catch as a shooter in the half-court and in transition. Additionally, the confidence he continued to play throughout the NCAA tournament was impressive and delivered in big moments.

Also, he can utilize his size by posting up smaller guards and has the footwork to make shots in the post with his back to the basket. The versatility of Juzang on and off the basketball makes him difficult to slow down and the shot-making is elite. As for defensively, he’s solid with having the size and brings good activity. He could bring more of an edge defensively especially on the basketball to be more effective. Johnny Juzang will be one of the best players in college basketball next season and looking to lead UCLA to a National Championship.

Banchero will be a major addition to Duke in the frontcourt adding scoring and athleticism on both ends. Additionally, he will be a perfect combination with Mark Williams playing in the mid-post area with the ability to make jumpers and drive to the rim. Next, he will be a good passer for a big and will be a consistent threat on the glass for extra possessions. Continued, the ability to develop his range at a high level could make him one of the most versatility scorers in the country next season. Paola Banchero is one of the most dominant players in college basketball because of his versatility and skill set.

Timme had a sensational season being one of the most effective and efficient players in the country. Furthermore, Timme was extremely effective in ball screen action being elite in diving to the basket and the touch around the basket to finish. Next, he can be utilized in handoff scenarios where he can fake the handoff and take it all the way to the basket well. Continued, he is really good in transition with getting early post positioning and being getting rim run opportunities. Also, his footwork on post-ups is as good as anyone in the country with the ability to operate quickly and effectively in the post.

Now, the area in which he could get better is handling length and athleticism in the post with constant pressure. Therefore, is improvement in being more comfortable with the basketball will be a key factor for Timme. As for defensively, he needs to improve his ability to be out on the perimeter in ball screen actions especially. His improvement with mobility and positioning is necessary for Timme to improve defensively. Drew Timme will be one of the best players in college basketball looking to lead Gonzaga to a National Championship.

UCLA is looking to recapture the success they had in the NCAA tournament a year ago and prove that it was no fluke. Now, the talent is there for UCLA with being led by one of the scoring guards in the country with Johnny Juzang. As well as, having a very good counterpart with Jaime Jaquez Jr. who is terrific at scoring in the lane and has consistently improved his shot. The point guard position is locked up with Tyger Campbell with his defensive ball pressure and ability to run the offense effectively he is the key to UCLA’s success.

The player that can elevate UCLA to the next level is the terrific freshman in Peyton Watson who can give them a dominant wing player. The depth of UCLA will be very good with having players like Myles Johnson, Jules Bernard, and David Singleton. Mick Cronin has all the pieces to deliver UCLA its first National Championship since 1995.

Bill Self has another team that has the ability to win a National Championship with a talented and experienced team. First off, the biggest addition for Kansas was adding Remy Martin the transfer from Arizona State giving them an elite guard. Continued, Ochai Agbaji has proved consistently getting better as an offensive player and will be one of the best wings in the country. Next, Jalen Wilson is a very talented wing who will need to showcase more consistency for Kansas to reach its potential.

The focal point of the Kansas offense will run through David McCormack being one of the best bigs in the country. The growth of the backcourt next to Remy Martin is vital for Kansas to reach its potential with Joesph Yesufu and Christian Braun’s offensive ability. Kansas has a tremendous opportunity to be in a position to win a National Championship.

Mike Krzyzewski enters his last season with a team that is primed to be the best in the ACC and making a deep NCAA tournament run. Now, the freshman class is always a headline for Duke with Paolo Banchero leading the way with having the ability to be one of the best players in the country. Also, AJ Griffin and Trevor Keels will be vital for Duke to add to its perimeter and provide offense in the half-court and transition.

Furthermore, Mark Williams should breakout to be one of the best bigs in the country with his defensive presence and efficiency around the basket. The most important player for Duke will be Jeremy Roach who needs to take the next step as a point guard on both ends. The veteran experience of Wendell Moore will be massive for the perimeter and will be a tone-setter for Duke. If the perimeter can deliver for Duke they will have as good of a chance as anyone to win the National Championship in Mike Krzyzewski’s final season.

Matt Painter arguably has his most talented team since becoming the Head Coach at Purdue. Additionally, he has two of the best players in the country with Jaden Ivey and Trevion Williams. Beginning with Ivey he should develop into one of the best scoring guards in the country with his athleticism, skill, and motor. Along with, having the great stability of Trevion Williams providing a dominant interior presence offensively. The perimeter of Purdue will also have Eric Hunter who will be perfect next to Ivey and having a sharpshooter in Sasha Stefanovic.

The frontcourt next to Williams will be very good with Zach Edey being an imposing threat when he enters the game. Along with, Mason Gillis and Caleb Furst will add skill level to the frontcourt for Purdue as well. The offensive potential of Purdue is extremely high and makes them the favorites in the Big Ten. Matt Painter has Purdue poised to break through and get to the Final Four.

Young has everything you would want from a player bringing consistent effort and toughness on each possession being a winning player. To start Young has improved with his skill with the basketball being able to attack off the dribble against bigs and using his physicality well. Also, he brings great mobility in screening effectively and as a cutter. Additionally, he has improved his shooting ability being able to make shots from the midrange and the perimeter at 43.3% from three. Continued, his activity is great and contributes heavily towards 2nd chance opportunities with his effort.

The versatility of Young brings the capability of making plays on the perimeter and in the post. The intangibles of Young are terrific, however, the improved skill has allowed him to elevate his game. As for the defensive end, he brings great effort on this end and makes an impact in the paint. Also, he could continue to improve his positioning at times to be an improved defender. Kyle Young is the heartbeat of Ohio State and will have a larger role this season.

Bruce Pearl will look to get Auburn back into a position of being a top-tier SEC team and he has the roster to do it. First off, the influx of transfers will have an immediate impact on Auburn and make them more explosive offensively. The backcourt is getting reinforcements with the additions of Wendell Green from Eastern Kentucky and K.D. Johnson from Georgia. Along with, getting Walker Kessler from North Carolina will be able to extend the defense with his skill level at the 5 positions. Additionally, the impact freshman in Jabari Smith should have very good success with his physicality inside and being a presence for Auburn.

Also, on the perimeter, Allen Flanigan will provide continuity for Auburn being their dependable lead scorer. The depth of Auburn should be very good with Devan Cambridge and Jaylin Williams adding experience for Auburn. Along with, adding transfer Zep Casper to add to the backcourt. Auburn has all the pieces to complete at the top of SEC and the potential to make a deep NCAA tournament run.

Memphis has great expectations with the number one recruiting class in the country entering the season. Furthermore, the star power begins with the sensational freshman in Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren. Now, one of the main question marks for Memphis will be the ability of Emoni Bates to play the point guard position effectively for Memphis. Therefore, the overall flow of the Memphis offense will need to be effective for them to reach their potential. Continued, the wing players of Landers Nolley who have great potential needs to showcase consistency. As well as, getting the same production from DeAndre Williams with there now being more options for Memphis.

The depth of Memphis will be key as well with Earl Timberlake’s high ceiling. Also, Alex Lomax at the point guard position. Furthermore, can the Lawson brothers in Chandler and Jonathan add to the frontcourt? There is a lot of good pieces for Memphis the question will be whether they can all come together. Ultimately, Memphis could make a Final Four type NCAA tournament run, but the more likely scenario is a 1st Weekend exit for Memphis.