Team 1: Utah Utes
Last year’s record: 16-17 Overall, 11th in Big 12
Key losses: Gabe Madsen (15.2 PPG), Ezra Ausar (12.5 PPG),
Key Returners: Keanu Dawes (8.3 PPG)
Key newcomers: Don McHenry (Western Kentucky-17 PPG), Terrence Brown (FDU-20.7 PPG), James Okonkwo (Akron-7.1 PPG), Elijah Moore (Syracuse-5.2 PPG), Jahki Howard (Auburn-5.3 PPG)
Don McHenry
Terrence Brown
Elijah Moore
Jahki Howard
Keanu Dawes
Why:
There is something about this Utah team that attracts me. They got themselves a bunch of guys in the transfer portal. Alex Jensen, a newly hired coach and a Utah basketball legend, is coming home to his alma mater. Not only is he home, be he is COOKING. Jensen has brought in multiple experienced scorers, such as McHenry from Western Kentucky and Terrence Brown from Fairleigh Dickinson. These guys know how to put the ball in the hoop, and they have been doing it for years. They also got themselves two young studs who didn’t play much in their freshman year. Elijah Moore, a former 4-star recruit from NYC out of Cardinal Hayes, is one of the best shooters I have ever seen in person. He is poised to have a breakout season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the best shooter in college basketball. He will fill the role of star Gabe Madsen very well if they find a way to fit him in their. Again, there is a high flyer and former top 100 recruit, Jahki Howard, as well. Jahki was on a very talented Auburn team where he didn’t find many minutes, but don’t let that fool you. This young kid is very talented as should strive in a new home. I am excited to watch this team.
Team 2: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
Last year’s record: 18-15 overall, 6th in Mountain West
Key losses: Dedan Thomas Jr., Ezra Ausar (12.5 PPG),
Key Returners: None
Key newcomers:
Tyrin Jones: Highest recruit in a while for UNLV #134 Nationally
Isaac Williamson: Shifty, strong combo guard ranked #186 nationally
Expect these two studs to make progress early in the program and see some playing time.
Myles Che: (UC Irvine,12.1 PPG, 2.8 APG)- Started 38 games as a sophomore
Howie Fleming: (UT Rio Grande Valley, 12.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG as a guard, 56. FG%)
Kimani Hamilton: (High Point, 13.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 52 FG%).
Naas Cunningham: (Alabama)
To me, Naas is very intriguing. Gritty kid. Works hard. I watched him in person as a sophomore in high school when he was ranked #1 in the country at one point. The kid has a lot of talent and can showcase it. Being on such a talented Alabama team with so many stars was hard for him as a freshman to find a spot. I believe that Naas could be “the guy” on this team if he keeps his confidence. Has a great pull-up jump shot and knows his angles very well.
Ladji Dembele: (Iowa, 4.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG) Center/Forward
AI Green: (Louisiana Tech, 10.2 PPG) He comes from a small school, but he can play at a high level. Watched him score 18 on Memphis earlier in the year. Another player who can add a higher level of scoring to this offense.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn: (Illinois, 5.9 PPG) Dra is another high recruit, and I believe he can fit very well on this team. Dra didn’t have a huge role on this Illinois due to his offensive play, but if you really watch him, you know what he can do. He is very good at defense, plays with pressure and energy, something everybody wants to see. I believe that he can start on this UNLV team due to his defensive ability. Another high recruit out of high school.
Emmanuel Stephen: (Arizona, 1.3 PPG) 7-foot Center who was a freshman last year. I expect him to make a big leap with his size and length.