Jaylene Williams, Arkansas
SI Big Board ranking: 66
Williams had a mid-season turnaround in Arkansas that led to the Razorbacks’ second straight trip to the Elite Eight. In the season’s last 22 games, which Arkansas entered 18-4, Williams averaged 13.5 points and nearly 11 rebounds while making a defensive impact thanks to his talent for pointing charges. And while Hogs have seemingly prepared in the event of Williams’ departure by adding three top men from the transfer gate, Arkansas’ chances of becoming the first team in the country next season likely hinge on Williams’ return to school. The striker received a joint invitation from the NBA this week.
Drew Tim, Williams and Moussa Diabat
Kelly L. Cox, Nelson Chenault, Mary Langenfeld / USA TODAY Sports
Christian Brown and Jalen Wilson, Kansas
SI Big Board standings: Brown – 53, Wilson – NR
Two starters from the Jayhawks National Championship team, Braun and Wilson go through the draft process while maintaining their eligibility. Braun was invited to the combine, while Wilson secured a spot at the G League Elite Camp. Brown would likely be an all-American pre-season if he returns to school, becoming KU’s first choice offensively as Ochai Agbaji graduates and turns pro. If Brown doesn’t return to Lawrence, there will be more pressure on freshman Grady Dick, a five-star recruit expected to make an immediate impact on the Jayhawks. Meanwhile, Wilson will be one of the best returning players in the Big 12 if he goes back to school.
David Rudy, Colorado State
SI Big Board standings: 36
Rudy fired up the draft boards during an impressive season in Colorado, scoring over 19 points and 7.0 rebounds and firing 44% of three for the NCAA No. 6 ranked Rams. He’s one of the most memorable players in the draft due to his stocky 252-pound, 6-foot-5-inch physique, with great passing skills and versatility combined with that killer outside shot. But those physical limitations and questions about his next-level defense leave him as a question mark heading into Friday’s week. If he shows well, he can move on to the first round conversation. At this point, it would be hard to see him return to Colorado State for his first season. But a return to CSU would put the Rams in the nearly top 25 pre-season and earn Roddy a spot on most All-American rosters, with a chance to rise to the top of the draft boards in 2023.
Baylor Sherman, Creighton
SI Big Board Ranking: 87
Sherman committed to Creighton as a transfer from South Dakota State earlier this month, giving the Bluejays a strong argument to enter next season as a top-five team. But this arrangement depends at least in part on Sherman’s rejection of the Pros and enrollment at Creighton University. His game fits perfectly with what the Bluejays need: a big winger with elite shooting ability and some skill as a passer. This is also a valuable skill set in NBA circles, which has earned him a G League Elite Camp invite. It looks like he’ll be playing college basketball next season, but choosing not to participate would be a huge blow to Creighton’s loaded roster.
Jake LaRavia, Wake Forest
SI Big Board Ranking: 34
One of the biggest entrants in the initial draft process to date, LaRavia becoming an unexpected contributor to Wake Forest would be a blow to the program Steve Forbes is building in Winston-Salem. The forward is an impressive prospect thanks to his skill level and defensive instincts at 6’9″, and was a big reason why Wake exceeded expectations this season in Forbes’ second season. If LaRavia actually stays in the draft, Demon Deacons are rebuilding again. But another year with a LaRavia is in a raffle that would give Wake a chance to reach the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2017.
Chris Murray, Iowa
SI Big Board standings: 37
Murray’s brother Keegan is among the top five potential picks in this year’s draft, but Chris Murray had an outstanding season in Iowa City and is now on the NBA’s radars after averaging over 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in under 20 minutes. Chris Murray isn’t the maker of Keegan’s bullets, but his versatility on both ends of the earth makes him an intriguing prospect to watch. Chris Murray’s draft announcement made it clear that his plan was to go back to school for one more season, and it’s entirely possible that he’ll be able to grab the NBA plates with a big season in 2022–23.
Marcus Sasser, Houston
SI Big Board Ranking: NR
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Sasser has a lot to show for his G League Elite Camp after missing most of the 2021–22 season with a foot injury. Despite his small size, Sasser’s ability to shoot both outside capture and rebound is among the best in its class, tying 44% of depth on nearly four wins per game in 12 competitions last season. He’s been a key part of Houston’s run to the Final Four in ’21, and like most members of the Kelvin Sampson Show, he’s a fierce defensive player. With Sasser back, Houston will be among the top teams in the country in the 22-23 season.
Drew Tim and Julian Strother, Gonzaga
SI Big Board arrangement: Timme-86, Strawther-69
Gonzaga has finished first or second in KenPom in each of the past four seasons, but the Bulldogs’ hopes of doing so for the fifth year in a row will likely hinge on the return of these two superstars. Timme didn’t quite live up to the national Player of the Year hype in pre-season, but he’s still one of the best big guys in college basketball and almost unstoppable. Of course, his lack of mobility makes him suitable for next-level skepticism, just like many of the other top players in the college game today. The Strawther is a better fit in the pros as a smooth 6-foot-7-inch winger that shoots triple at a high, but Puerto Rico has more room to grow and could thrive on Spokane’s next star wing with another year of spice.
The Zags are in the mix of high-profile transfers like Tyrese Hunter (Iowa State) and Kevin McCullar (Texas Tech), so the list is far from set. But the return of Tim Westerother will give the Zajs a clear path to being among the nation’s elite again in 2022-23.
Trace Jackson Davis, Indiana
SI Big Board Ranking: 85
Finally, Indiana native Jackson Davis led the Hoosiers to the NCAA Championship in his junior season, another highly productive season for the former elite recruit. He is now experiencing the draft process for the first time in his career. Jackson-Davis’ inability to extend the floor and his somewhat undersized frame make him apt to be questioned at the next level, where his ability to play a role can be determined by his defense. The big guy should also be well positioned to win through the NIL this season if he returns to college, where he will once again be the focus of one of the biggest college basketball brands.
Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houston, Michigan
SI Big Board arrangement: Diabate-62, Houstan-64
Michigan already got its biggest news of the season when it brought back Hunter Dickinson for a third season with the Wolverine, but these two outstanding decisions could determine how seriously rival Joan Howard’s team takes the race for the Big Ten title. Possessing outstanding physical equipment and showing flashes of brilliance in his new season, Diabatti has great breakout potential if he returns for a sophomore year in Ann Arbor. Meanwhile, Hustan’s season has been somewhat disappointing despite averaging over 10 points per game. However, with great volume and an excellent off-the-bow stroke, there is still an upside to be exploited with. Back to school or both would be a boost to Howard’s group. Hostan Refusal A trip to the NBA seems like bad news for Michigan’s hopes of bringing him back, though.
Adam Flagler, Baylor
SI Big Board Ranking: 82
Flagler played a bigger role last season at Waco after playing an additional role on the 2020-21 team that won the National Championship. He’s fairly undersized for a true shooting keeper, but Flagler is a top-ranking shooter with impressive defensive cuts around nearly 40% of his career. There’s a strong case to be made that he was Baylor’s best player last season, and bringing him back to pair with new elite recruit Keyonte George in the backcourt would be dangerous in the Big 12.
Trevor Kells, Duke
SI Big Board ranking: 25
It’s hard for potential customers to turn down the Pros if they’re destined to be a first-round pick, and Keels will likely find himself on his way to collecting week. Keels could certainly bolster his stock with another year at Duke in a more distinguished offensive role, especially if he hits the ball better from deep than he did in his first season with the Blue Devils. His return will inject more talent into new coach John Scheer’s first team, a group that already has one of the country’s top recruiting categories. However, the safety net for a guaranteed first-round contract likely awaits Keels unless he turns out poorly next week.
Justin Lewis, Marquette
SI Big Board standings: 33
Lewis put it all together in his sophomore season at Marquette, emerging into one of the Big East’s best players thanks to his inside-out attacking game and his toughness on the boards. His role in the NBA will eventually be as a “big winger” who can protect multiple locations and expand defense. A return to Marquette would likely make him Player of the Year before the season in the conference and give the Golden Eagles status to be in the top 25 early in the season, but his skill set is valuable enough that he’ll have mentors at the top half of the second round and could work his way up to the first. Strong week.
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