College Basketball’s Biggest Questions

There is another top recruiting class coming into Lexington for Kentucky and questions about inexperience. Now, this class is led by the guard play of Terrance Clarke and B.J. Boston along with the pure point guard in Devin Askew. Kentucky always has a dynamic backcourt and that should continue to be the trend this season for Kentucky. This Kentucky team is only returning Keion Brooks from last year’s rotation. The two biggest surprises from Kentucky’s departures were Johnny Juzang transferring to UCLA and E.J. Montgomery leaving for the NBA. Additionally, guys that can play in their frontcourt in Isaiah Jackson and Lance Ware will be key along with wing Cam’Ron Fletcher. This recruiting class will be tested to see if they can produce at a high level immediately. Lastly, the two veterans in Olivier Sarr from Wake Forest and Davion Mintz from Creighton will play vital roles in the success of Kentucky. John Calipari has another test with a roster overhaul, but expect this team to be in the mix for the SEC title come mid-January.

Archie Miller is under major pressure to deliver in year four at Indiana. He should have his best team up to this point with a very good forward in Trayce Jackson-Davis and a lead guard in Kristian Lander who reclassified to the 2020 class. Furthermore, Rob Phinisee is a very solid guard who will be in the backcourt with Lander. Additionally, Al Durham is a well-rounded player who will bring a veteran prescience. The frontcourt will have back Joey Brunk as well even though the departure of Justin Smith will be a tough loss. This is the time for Indiana to compete with the top of the Big Ten and make an NCAA Tournament appearance under Miller, otherwise, Indiana could pivot off of Miller sooner rather than later.

The two teams that have the capabilities to be the Dayton or San Diego State of this season are Richmond and Saint Louis both in the A-10. As for Richmond, Chris Mooney could have his best team in a decade at Richmond. The veteran guard play of Blake Francis and Jacob Gilyard has the opportunity to take over any game and be the best backcourt in the A-10. Nick Sherod is another perimeter option for Richmond who should take the next step being vital for Richmond. Now, the most important player for Richmond is Grant Golden with his passing and scoring ability in the Princeton offense for Richmond. This roster is set up to have major success again this season and has the potential to be a dominant team in the A-10.

As for Saint Louis, they will be the other challenger in the A-10 giving Travis Ford his best team yet. Hasahn French gives them major toughness and scoring ability inside for Saint Louis. They also have a really good backcourt starting with Jordan Goodwin as a scorer but more importantly, he is a good perimeter defender. Next, Javonte Perkins, their leading scorer, has the potential to take over any game for Saint Louis. Richmond and Saint Louis will battle for the A-10 title next season and be two of the best mid-major teams in the country.

Jay Wright could very well be the best coach in College Basketball with winning two out of the last four National Championships. Next, this roster is capable of being one of his best teams yet being led by senior guard Collin Gillespie. They also have a very good frontcourt with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jermaine Samuels. Additionally, Justin Moore has the ability to take a huge step forward being one of the best guards in the Big East next season. The ultimate x-factor for this team could be Bryan Antoine the five-star recruit with his athleticism and ability to be a game-changer on both ends. Next, the biggest question is whether they can replace the play of Saddiq Bey being dynamic on both ends of the court? The replacement could be Caleb Daniels the transfer from Tulane who can bring that wing scoring and size for Villanova. Wright has a great opportunity for his third National Championship and owns the college basketball landscape.

Jerod Haase has his best team shaping up at Stanford and they could very well be the favorites heading into the PAC-12 this season. Further, they have the potential to have an elite backcourt with Tyrell Terry as their lead point guard who must withdraw from the 2020 NBA Draft for Stanford to be a Top 20 team in the country. Ziaire Williams who can bring great versatility on both ends of the floor with his extreme athletic ability. Also, Daejon Davis heading into his senior season will bring leadership and consistency on both ends. Additionally, they could have the best frontcourt player in the conference with Oscar Da Silva who is a matchup problem and is very productive. Continued, Bryce Willis is another guard who can take the next step forward being a bigger guard and be a major factor in their perimeter. The PAC-12 will have a lot of very solid teams but the best one could very well be Stanford if Tyrell Terry returns.