WATCH: Andy Katz releases the Top 25 returning college basketball players for 2022-23
Andy Katz of March Madness Men’s Basketball and NCAA Digital took a look at the best players returning to college basketball for the 2022-23 season. Instead of trying their hand at the NBA, these athletes couldn’t quit the chance to return to the NCAA Tournament and play their part in the madness.
In a video posted to YouTube on Thursday, Katz revealed his Top 25 returning players for the upcoming season.
Andy Katz: Top 25 returning CBB players for 2022-23 season:
1) Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky Wildcats
2) Drew Timme, Gonzaga Bulldogs
3) Armando Bacot, North Carolina Tar Heels
4) Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana Hoosiers
5) Marcus Sasser, Houston Cougars
6) Hunter Dickinson, Michigan Wolverines
7) Jaime Jaquez, UCLA Bruins
8) Jalen Wilson, Kansas Jayhawks
9) Zach Edey, Purdue Boilermakers
10) Kendric Davis, Memphis Tigers
11) Mike Miles, TCU Horned Frogs
12) Antonie Davis, Detroit Titans
13) Isaiah Wong, Miami Hurricanes
14) Caleb McConnell, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
15) Caleb Love, North Carolina Tar Heels
16) Terrence Shannon, Illinois Fighting Illini
17) Posh Alexander, St. John’s Red Storm
18) Tyrese Hunter, Texas Longhorns
19) Kevin McCullar, Kansas Jayhawks
20) Colin Castleton, Florida Gators
21) Tyger Campbell, UCLA Bruins
22) Max Abmas, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
23) Julian Strawther, Gonzaga Bulldogs
24) Matt Bradley, San Diego State Aztecs
25) Baylor Scheierman, Creighton Blue Jays
As you can see, the top spot was a no-brainer for Katz — reigning National College Player of the Year, Oscar Tshiebwe, is his best returning player. The Kentucky big felt like he had unfinished business before taking his talents to the NBA, and John Calipari certainly won’t complain.
After, Drew Timme of Gonzaga comes in at No. 2 on Katz’s list. His mustache has grown into a trademark of the NCAA Tournament, and the Bulldogs will have big expectation with his return.
Of course, Armando Bacot of North Carolina has a high spot on the rankings. After an NCAA Tournament performance that turned him into a household name, the Tar Heels big decided to stay another season at Chapel Hill. Now, they’ll be looking to avenge last season’s loss in the championship game.
Other conferences are well-represented on the list, as well. The Big Ten in particular is returning some of their biggest stars, most notably Hunter Dickinson of Michigan. After an uneven season, the Wolverines made a memorable run in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. They’ll be looking to do one better next season.
Indisputably, college basketball is in good hands with the mix of returning talent and new blood the sport will receive next season. You may not agree with Andy Katz, but his Top 25 list features some of the most talented players in college basketball.