{"id":97726,"date":"2025-08-26T18:22:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T18:22:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/97726\/"},"modified":"2025-08-26T18:22:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T18:22:12","slug":"college-basketball-rankings-projected-starting-lineup-for-every-top-25-and-1-team-heading-into-2025-26-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/97726\/","title":{"rendered":"College basketball rankings: Projected starting lineup for every Top 25 And 1 team heading into 2025-26 season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Summer workouts are over, rosters are nearly set and the battles for playing time will ramp up in earnest in short order with the college basketball season a mere 69 days away.<\/p>\n<p>My CBS Sports colleague Gary Parrish, aka the King of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/news\/college-basketball-rankings-north-carolina-joins-top-25-and-1-after-late-addition-of-international-prospect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Top 25 and 1<\/a>, has his 2025-26 rankings firmly in order. Reminder, these are his ratings, not mine! He may have a team ranked No. 1 that I do not have as the top dawg in its own league (I&#8217;m buying UConn as a massive bounce-back candidate), but we appreciate differing schools of thought to keep things spicy ahead of tipoff.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s dive into the projected starting lineups and the biggest preseason personnel battles on tap for all 26 teams.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/STJOHN\/st-johns-red-storm\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21169.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves: G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29555334\/joson-sanon\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joson Sanon<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28953770\/dylan-darling\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dylan Darling<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29555454\/ruben-prey\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ruben Prey<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/50013986\/kelvin-odih\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kelvin Odih<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Four starting spots seem set in stone (Jackson, Hopkins, Mitchell and Ejiofor), but Sellers and Sanon are going to duke it out for that fifth and final slot. Both proven shot-makers will play plenty, but it&#8217;s the little things like defense, motor and decision-making that will decide who&#8217;s on the floor in crunch time.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/HOU\/houston-cougars\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21237.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/50015591\/kingston-flemings\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kingston Flemings<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231037\/kalifa-sakho\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kalifa Sakho<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29558589\/mercy-miller\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Miller<\/a>, G Ramon Walker, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556507\/chase-mccarty\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chase McCarty<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: If everyone is healthy, Houston&#8217;s starting lineup seems pretty self-explanatory. It&#8217;ll be the three returners (Uzan, Sharp and Tugler) plus the two five-star recruits (Cenac and Harwell). While freshmen don&#8217;t tend to start for Kelvin Sampson, these aren&#8217;t typical diaper dandies. That said, both will have to earn their keep. Cenac will be pushed by Sakho, who is a long-armed, defense-first transfer out of <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/SAMHOU\/sam-houston-state-bearkats\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Houston State<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/BYU\/byu-cougars\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21424.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>G Rob WrightG Kennard DavisG Richie SaundersG\/F AJ DybantsaF <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28951955\/keba-keita\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Keba Keita<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G Dawson Baker, F Dominique Diomande, F Mihailo Boskovic, F Xavion Staton, F Tyler Mrus<\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Can Davis ace his role? BYU&#8217;s Big Four makes a bunch of sense, but Kevin Young&#8217;s crew can&#8217;t reach its ceiling without Davis becoming that 3-and-D whiz. The <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/SILL\/southern-illinois-salukis\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Southern Illinois<\/a> transfer will be pushed by Baker for a spot in this starting lineup, but this job is Davis&#8217; to lose. He&#8217;s got terrific measurables and real-deal defensive chops to help shore up a BYU perimeter defense that got shredded last year.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/PURDUE\/purdue-boilermakers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21199.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29557788\/daniel-jacobsen\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Daniel Jacobsen<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29709733\/omer-mayer\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Omer Mayer<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29555514\/gicarri-harris\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gicarri Harris<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26778293\/liam-murphy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Liam Murphy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: All eyes are on the two-guard battle between Cox, Harris and Mayer. Cox enters as the favorite, thanks to his ability to pressure the basketball for 94 feet and add a splash of heat-check buckets. Harris is another stout defender with a sturdy frame and the ability to pressure the rim as a slasher. Mayer is the shiny new toy. The Israeli guard can go as an on-ball creator. How does his game complement All-American Braden Smith? Matt Painter has no bad options.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/UCONN\/connecticut-huskies\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21161.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231313\/jaylin-stewart\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaylin Stewart<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26778083\/malachi-smith\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malachi Smith<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29080922\/eric-reibe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Eric Reibe<\/a>, G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231709\/jayden-ross\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jayden Ross<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29601757\/jacob-furphy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacob Furphy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Stewart and Mullins are battling for that final spot, and they make UConn have two vastly different pitches. Mullins is a tried-and-true sniper who shreds nets for a living. There are high hopes for the 6-6, five-star freshman shooting guard. Stewart provides Dan Hurley with some jumbo lineups. The 6-7, 225-pound forward can stretch the floor and put the ball on the deck a bit, but UConn becomes a massive handful on the glass when Stewart is on the floor with Reed at the same time. Stewart can also guard those burly forwards. Mullins is the favorite to win the starting gig, but Stewart is going to play early and often.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/FLA\/florida-gators\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21355.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29413070\/cj-ingram\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CJ Ingram<\/a>, C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28953314\/micah-handlogten\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Micah Handlogten<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556741\/urban-klavzar\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Urban Klavzar<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28954244\/aj-brown\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">AJ Brown<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: The Gators&#8217; starting lineup looks formidable, but Florida needs a guard to emerge off the bench as the no-doubt, second-unit dude. Ingram was a top-20 recruit in the Class of 2025, but Brown, an <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/OHIO\/ohio-bobcats\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ohio<\/a> transfer, and a returner like Klavzar want to get tick, too. Florida&#8217;s perimeter defense is going to be an area that could slip without Alijah Martin and Will Richard, so Ingram&#8217;s athleticism, measurables and willingness to lock up give him a chance to earn serious playing time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/TXTECH\/texas-tech-red-raiders\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21212.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28954682\/donovan-atwell\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Donovan Atwell<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556543\/josiah-moseley\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josiah Moseley<\/a>, G Jaylen Petty<\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: This is way more about how Grant McCasland wants to play. Does he want to stay big with Toppin, Watts and Bamgboye on the floor together? The rim protection would be nasty with that trio on the floor together. Would he prefer to start with a small-ball look that slides Atwell into the lineup and takes Bamgboye out? The shooting and spacing with that smaller lineup would be deadly. Texas Tech can shape-shift its lineup to counteract anything it sees. It&#8217;s why the Red Raiders are a legitimate national championship contender in 2025-26.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/MICH\/michigan-wolverines\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21193.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29233479\/aday-mara\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aday Mara<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906159\/trey-mckenney\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trey McKenney<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26775902\/will-tschetter\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will Tschetter<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556411\/l-j-cason\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LJ Cason<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29127473\/winters-grady\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Winters Grady<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Cadeau&#8217;s ability to get two feet in the paint will get him on the floor. Burnett&#8217;s 3-point shooting will be vital. But that third guard spot is the dealer&#8217;s choice for Dusty May. Gayle is back for his second year at Michigan after a rocky campaign where he endured an ice-cold stretch from downtown and shot under 50% on layups. When he&#8217;s right, Gayle can be a two-way force. But McKenney is a big guard with a ready-made, college frame.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cason showed flashes of being a total bucket, but his decision-making could drive a staff up a wall. Even Grady could crack his way into this lineup thanks to his ability to stretch the floor. This is going to be a battle that will very likely stretch into the season.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/DUKE\/duke-blue-devils\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21130.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>    9. Duke<\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906141\/cayden-boozer\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cayden Boozer<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28951940\/maliq-brown\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maliq Brown<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29007997\/nikolas-khamenia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nikolas Khamenia<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559330\/darren-harris\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darren Harris<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29008024\/sebastian-wilkins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sebastian Wilkins<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Outside of Cameron Boozer and probably Isaiah Evans, Duke has built a roster with loads of options where no one&#8217;s role is truly safe. Ngongba or Brown will sop up all the minutes at the 5 this year. Sarr, Khamenia and Wilkins will tangle for playing time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Harris will try and push Evans to be that A1 shooter. But the point guard battle between Foster and Cayden Boozer may have the biggest impact on the actual team. Foster has shown moments of being a knockdown shooter who can really guard. Cayden Boozer just simply knows how to play and run a team, even if the jumper looks a tad wonky at times. Both will play, but Jon Scheyer would prefer one point guard to rise up and assert himself as the unquestioned\u00a0dude that can&#8217;t come off the floor.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/UCLA\/ucla-bruins\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21341.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556408\/trent-perry\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trent Perry<\/a>, F Steven Jamerson II, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29234620\/brandon-williams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Williams<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: UCLA bet on Booker at the 5 is one of the biggest gambles from the 2025 portal cycle. In theory, the idea of a stretch big like Booker makes sense paired with a paint-touch menace like Dent. But if Booker couldn&#8217;t find his footing under Tom Izzo, will he find it under Mick Cronin?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If this union does not work out, UCLA will have to get creative. Jamerson, a <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/USD\/san-diego-toreros\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">San Diego<\/a> transfer, would be called upon for more minutes at the 5. UCLA may even have to go back to Bilodeau at the 5, which was excellent offensively but a trainwreck defensively last season. A helpful version of Booker makes everything else fall into place for this high-ceiling UCLA club.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/ARIZ\/arizona-wildcats\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21335.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29232813\/motiejus-krivas\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Motiejus Krivas<\/a>, F Ivan Kharchenkov, G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29253913\/dwayne-aristode\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dwayne Aristode<\/a>, C Sidi Gueye, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26876669\/evan-nelson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Nelson<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Tommy Lloyd has big battles at two spots to parse through. Can Dell&#8217;Orso hold off both Aristode and Kharchenkov? Who is the starting center, Awaka or Krivas? It&#8217;s a first-world problem to have this much excellent depth. Arizona has a deep roster that is filled with physicality. You will feel the &#8216;Cats this year and exit the floor with bruises galore.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/UK\/kentucky-wildcats\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21357.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556936\/jayden-quaintance\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jayden Quaintance<\/a> (if healthy), G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29008004\/jasper-johnson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jasper Johnson<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29557314\/kam-williams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kam Williams<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29558250\/collin-chandler\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Collin Chandler<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906156\/malachi-moreno\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malachi Moreno<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Kentucky has the deepest roster in college basketball, but there are some serious unknowns at the 5-spot. Mark Pope&#8217;s best offenses have featured centers who can make sharp reads from the top of the key. Garrison knows the system, but his feel as a decision-maker wasn&#8217;t a strength last year. Maybe that changes after a full offseason, but Garrison has serious competition for playing time. Can Quaintance get healthy and up to speed before SEC play heats up? Moreno, an impressive-looking freshman, is prepared to push hard for major minutes as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/IOWAST\/iowa-state-cyclones\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21203.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/3177907\/nate-heise\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nate Heise<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559324\/dominick-nelson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dominick Nelson<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/50014270\/dominykas-pleta\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dominykas Pleta<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29595318\/killyan-toure\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Killyan Toure<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231475\/cade-kelderman\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cade Kelderman<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Iowa State believes it landed a gem in Batemon. The prized freshman should help replace Curtis Jones&#8217; avalanche of shot-making, but two veterans in Heise and Nelson will push him. Heise is a good perimeter defender who can drain catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and is a sneaky-good cutter. Nelson is another solid defender who is at his best in the open floor. He&#8217;ll help replace Keshon Gilbert&#8217;s transition buckets. Only one of them can start, but Nelson, Batemon and Heise will be in T.J. Otzelberger&#8217;s rotation all year.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/BAMA\/alabama-crimson-tide\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21352.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/3177468\/latrell-wrightsell-jr\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Latrell Wrightsell Jr<\/a>. (when healthy), G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26776685\/houston-mallette\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Houston Mallette<\/a>, C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28954574\/noah-williamson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Noah Williamson<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29160338\/london-jemison\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">London Jemison<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906143\/davion-hannah\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Davion Hannah<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Wrightsell is working his way back from a gruesome Achilles injury suffered last November. When healthy, there aren&#8217;t many more reliable deadeyes. But will Alabama coach Nate Oats choose to start Philon, Holloway and Wrightsell together? That&#8217;s not the biggest backcourt at all.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, Bethea&#8217;s readiness will determine this race. The former five-star prospect had a dreadful year for a pitiful <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/MIAMI\/miami-fla-hurricanes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miami<\/a> club. Bethea went to the right system to get his career back on track. In an ideal world, Bethea lives up to the prospect hype and gives Alabama a little more positional size on the perimeter to go along with plenty of shooting. Remember, Bethea was regarded as the best shooter in the Class of 2024. In this system? There&#8217;s major breakout potential.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/LVILLE\/louisville-cardinals\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21238.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559480\/adrian-wooley\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Adrian Wooley<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/3177663\/kasean-pryor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kasean Pryor<\/a>, C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/3178379\/aly-khalifa\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aly Khalifa<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29555928\/khani-rooths\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Khani Rooths<\/a>, F Vangelis Zougris, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29233353\/kobe-rodgers\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kobe Rodgers<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Who is the go-to big man? Fru, a German import, is a big-time athlete who should add rim protection, rebounding thump and an efficient play-finisher. But Pat Kelsey can go a bunch of different ways. Now healthy, Khalifa provides a 5-out option who can whip backdoor dimes galore. Pryor needs to get healed up after a season-ending knee injury, but he&#8217;s another 5-out skilled big man who wants to get &#8217;em up from downtown. Offense won&#8217;t be a problem for this Louisville group, so Fru&#8217;s defensive impact gives him the leg up.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/MICHST\/michigan-st-spartans\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21194.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>    16. Michigan State<\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559435\/kur-teng\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kur Teng<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/50014277\/cam-ward\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cam Ward<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29557188\/divine-ugochukwu\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Divine Ugochukwu<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559315\/jesse-mcculloch\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jesse McCulloch<\/a>, G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29007979\/jordan-scott\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Scott<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Can Teng truly confiscate Fort&#8217;s role? The offseason buzz with Teng is real. The sophomore guard has made a real jump and will push for major playing time after sitting behind Jase Richardson, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28951754\/tre-holloman\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tre Holloman<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26777666\/jaden-akins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaden Akins<\/a>. But Fort, a 24-year-old <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/SAMFORD\/samford-bulldogs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Samford<\/a> transfer, is the leader in the clubhouse for this massively important gunner role. With low-volume (or non-existent) shooters like Fears, Carr, Kohler and Cooper slated for major minutes, Michigan State needs a sharpshooter to bail this halfcourt offense out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/OREG\/oregon-ducks\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21338.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0C Ege Demir, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29232510\/sean-stewart\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sean Stewart<\/a>, G Dez Lindsay, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29558121\/jamari-phillips\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jamari Phillips<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Can Simpkins and Pryor lock down starting roles? Oregon has a stud lead guard in Shelstad and the best center in the country in Bittle. Oh, and a two-way forward in Evans who can really play. But the wings will determine just how high the Ducks can fly. Simpkins is a solid shooter and scorer who can play on or off the ball. Pryor is an excellent athlete who has the mindset and physical tools to be a weapon defensively. But his offense is a work in progress. Can they hold off Lindsay, Phillips or someone deeper down the roster for tick?<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/KANSAS\/kansas-jayhawks\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21204.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231133\/elmarko-jackson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Elmarko Jackson<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906184\/bryson-tiller\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bryson Tiller<\/a>, C Paul Mbiya, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29363223\/kohl-rosario\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kohl Rosario<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29233476\/jamari-mcdowell\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jamari McDowell<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Jackson, Council and Dawson are tangling for two starting spots. Council is a good athlete who can play defense, run a team and is a total dawg. It sounds like Council will be very hard for Kansas to keep off the floor. Dawson is that high-volume sniper that KU needs to keep the floor spaced for what should be a tantalizing Peterson-Bidunga, pick-and-roll game. Jackson is the X factor after missing all of last year with a torn patellar. Has the jumper progressed? Can the athleticism return? How long until the cobwebs are gone after a missed season?<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/AUBURN\/auburn-tigers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21354.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/50014199\/elyjah-freeman\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Elyjah Freeman<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906123\/kaden-magwood\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kaden Magwood<\/a>, C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/50014744\/emeka-opurum\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emeka Opurum<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29595343\/abdul-bashir\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Abdul Bashir<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29007989\/sebastian-williams-adams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sebastian Williams-Adams<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Pettiford, Hall and Murphy will be Auburn&#8217;s best three players. After that? It&#8217;s a wide-open competition for minutes and shots. Freeman, an uber-athletic, Division II transfer, is certainly in the mix to earn a spot in the starting lineup, but he&#8217;ll have to be more reliable than Jovic, who has some sharp offensive tools as a stretch 4. A bucket-getter like Magwood and a deadeye in Bashir will push Overton for that starting shooting guard spot, too. Auburn has a ton of talent and maybe even more questions entering 2025-26.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/ARK\/arkansas-razorbacks\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21353.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28952063\/malique-ewin\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malique Ewin<\/a>, G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559687\/billy-richmond-iii\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Billy Richmond III<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28906163\/meleek-thomas\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Meleek Thomas<\/a>, G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29007995\/isaiah-sealy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaiah Sealy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Arkansas&#8217; battle at center will be a constant all year. Pringle is an excellent defender on the perimeter who can bang with SEC big fellas and operate as a lob threat and voracious rebounder. Ewin is tantalizing. The <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/FSU\/florida-state-seminoles\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Florida State<\/a> transfer is a skilled driver who can really pass. His handles are a little different than the normal 6-11 center, but his defensive tape was shoddy and woefully inconsistent. Who earns the spot in John Calipari&#8217;s closing lineup? Pringle&#8217;s consistency and defense give him the slight edge, for now.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/GONZAG\/gonzaga-bulldogs\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21415.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G Mario Saint-Supery, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29249811\/emmanuel-innocenti\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emmanuel Innocenti<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/3142039\/steele-venters\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steele Venters<\/a>, C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29559447\/ismaila-diagne\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ismaila Diagne<\/a>, G\/F Davis Fogle<\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Gonzaga has a two-man race to replace brilliant point guard Ryan Nembhard. Smith, a transfer from <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/COLG\/colgate-raiders\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Colgate<\/a>, wisely sat out all of last year to learn the Zags&#8217; system. Saint-Supery is a dazzling guard from Spain who can put loads of pressure on the rim and plays with great pace. Mark Few and offensive coordinator Stephen Gentry will have two interesting options at PG1.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/TENN\/tennessee-volunteers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21362.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29232762\/jaylen-carey\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaylen Carey<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29235028\/j-p-estrella\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JP Estrella<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29557797\/bishop-boswell\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bishop Boswell<\/a>, F DeWayne Brown, G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29144183\/amari-evans\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amari Evans<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: The Vols quietly have one of the deepest frontcourts in college basketball. Who is the starting forward next to Okpara? Phillips is a high-flying, high-energy option. Now healthy, Estrella is extremely skilled and could add some much-needed offensive pop. <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/VANDY\/vanderbilt-commodores\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vanderbilt<\/a> transfer Jaylen Carey knows SEC wars and is a menace on the glass. Brown, a slightly underrated freshman, has been excelling in summer workouts. Rick Barnes has a stable of big fellas raring to go.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/TEXAS\/texas-longhorns\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21210.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G\/F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28952393\/camden-heide\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Camden Heide<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28955207\/chendall-weaver\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chendall Weaver<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/26777243\/lassina-traore\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lassina Traore<\/a>, F Declan Duru, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29556948\/nic-codie\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nic Codie<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29105573\/john-clark\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">John Clark<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Pope, Mark and Wilcher are the three most talented guards on the roster, but do they complement each other? Don&#8217;t be surprised if role players like Heide (a shooter) or Weaver (a menacing on-ball defender) crack this starting lineup to do the dirty work, and Texas shifts a piece like Wilcher to the bench to operate as that bucket-getting sixth man.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/ILL\/illinois-fighting-illini\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21190.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0C <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29252377\/zvonimir-ivisic\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zvonimir Ivisic<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29708367\/david-mirkovic\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">David Mirkovic<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29332336\/keaton-wagler\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Keaton Wagler<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29291328\/brandon-lee\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Lee<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231382\/jake-davis\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Davis<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28954961\/ty-rodgers\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ty Rodgers<\/a> (when healthy)<\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Illinois has three options to start next to rising stud big man Tomislav Ivisic: Mirkovic, Humrichous or his twin brother, Zvonimir. Brad Underwood likes that all three options do something different. Zvonimir Ivisic is a big-time rim protector who has posted block rates that an Illinois big man has never accomplished during the KenPom era. He can splash 3-pointers, but his mobility and consistency is still a work in progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mirkovic is a hard-playing Serbian banger who Illinois can use in high-low actions. Humrichous operates as a high-volume 3-point shooter with serious range, but he doesn&#8217;t have a ton else in his bag of tricks. Let the tinkering begin.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/UNC\/north-carolina-tar-heels\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21134.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231787\/jarin-stevenson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jarin Stevenson<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29007977\/derek-dixon\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Derek Dixon<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29557626\/jonathan-powell\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonathan Powell<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231130\/jaydon-young\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaydon Young<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29555424\/james-brown\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">James Brown<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29378079\/isaiah-denis\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaiah Denis<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: UNC desperately needs a fourth ball-handling guard to emerge behind Evans, Trimble and Bogavac. They don&#8217;t need to be a star, but it raises UNC&#8217;s floor if they can be solid on both ends and play mistake-free basketball. Dixon has a smooth, well-rounded game and was battle-tested in high school. He&#8217;ll compete with Young for that coveted role. The <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/VATECH\/virginia-tech-hokies\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Virginia Tech<\/a> transfer has a rock-solid frame, but he has to sharpen up his decision-making. Powell will provide some 3-and-D vibes, but he isn&#8217;t much of a ball-handler. Maybe another fringe top-50 freshman (Denis) can jump into the fray?<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/teams\/WISC\/wisconsin-badgers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21200.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Projected starting lineup<\/p>\n<p>Top reserves:\u00a0G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28953122\/braeden-carrington\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Braeden Carrington<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29231316\/jack-janicki\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Janicki<\/a>, F <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/28955303\/elijah-gray\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Elijah Gray<\/a>, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29605011\/hayden-jones\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hayden Jones<\/a>, C Aleksas Bieliauskas, G <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/college-basketball\/players\/29113674\/zach-kinziger\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zach Kinziger<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Biggest preseason battle: Wisconsin&#8217;s interior defense is riding on Winter taking a huge step forward and becoming a defensive anchor. I&#8217;m buying all the Nolan Winter stock I can scoop up, but can anyone else emerge from Wisconsin&#8217;s depth options to provide real rim protection? The Badgers&#8217; frontcourt depth is extremely unproven and rather shaky. Good thing this offense is going to go vroom-vroom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Summer workouts are over, rosters are nearly set and the battles for playing time will ramp up in&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":97727,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[71661,71656,71677,1214,71652,71706,1414,45580,64,719,63,726,45582,71688,71712,71667,71709,71655,71644,71663,22566,71684,71700,71689,724,1403,71669,71657,71676,71682,71668,71702,71714,1407,71703,71673,71694,71701,1226,1216,1417,71659,1404,71681,1411,71643,71686,71697,71666,71683,71654,71651,71650,71678,71692,1412,71704,71696,71695,1416,71679,71710,71670,71693,71699,71664,71698,71705,1229,71665,71672,1224,713,71713,71707,71660,71711,71662,71687,1406,1219,71690,1409,71680,71658,71674,71647,71691,85,738,71653,71675,1221,710,1225,71671,71685,71646,71648,71708,1415,1410,71645,739,71649],"class_list":["post-97726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-basketball","tag-aday-mara","tag-aden-holloway","tag-aj-brown","tag-alabama-crimson-tide","tag-aly-khalifa","tag-amari-evans","tag-arizona-wildcats","tag-arkansas-razorbacks","tag-au","tag-auburn-tigers","tag-australia","tag-basketball","tag-boogie-fland","tag-braden-smith","tag-braeden-carrington","tag-braeden-smith","tag-brandon-lee","tag-bryce-hopkins","tag-byu-cougars","tag-camden-heide","tag-cameron-boozer","tag-cayden-boozer","tag-chendall-weaver","tag-cj-ingram","tag-college-basketball","tag-connecticut-huskies","tag-d-j-wagner","tag-dailyn-swain","tag-denzel-aberdeen","tag-devon-pryor","tag-dillon-mitchell","tag-divine-ugochukwu","tag-donovan-atwell","tag-duke-blue-devils","tag-dylan-darling","tag-elliot-cadeau","tag-eric-dailey-jr","tag-filip-jovic","tag-florida-gators","tag-florida-state-seminoles","tag-gonzaga-bulldogs","tag-henri-veesaar","tag-houston-cougars","tag-ian-jackson","tag-illinois-fighting-illini","tag-iowa-state-cyclones","tag-isaiah-evans","tag-j-p-estrella","tag-jaden-bradley","tag-jalil-bethea","tag-jarin-stevenson","tag-jaydon-young","tag-jaylen-carey","tag-kalifa-sakho","tag-kam-williams","tag-kansas-jayhawks","tag-karter-knox","tag-kasean-pryor","tag-keaton-wagler","tag-kentucky-wildcats","tag-kevin-overton","tag-khani-rooths","tag-kylan-boswell","tag-l-j-cason","tag-labaron-philon","tag-lassina-traore","tag-lejuan-watts","tag-london-jemison","tag-louisville-cardinals","tag-malique-ewin","tag-melvin-council-jr","tag-miami-fla-hurricanes","tag-michigan-wolverines","tag-milan-momcilovic","tag-nate-heise","tag-nick-pringle","tag-nikolas-khamenia","tag-nimari-burnett","tag-nolan-winter","tag-north-carolina-tar-heels","tag-oregon-ducks","tag-otega-oweh","tag-purdue-boilermakers","tag-ryan-conwell","tag-sean-stewart","tag-simeon-wilcher","tag-skyy-clark","tag-solo-ball","tag-sports","tag-st-johns-red-storm","tag-tarris-reed-jr","tag-taylor-bol-bowen","tag-tennessee-volunteers","tag-texas-longhorns","tag-texas-tech-red-raiders","tag-tobe-awaka","tag-tomislav-ivisic","tag-tramon-mark","tag-tre-white","tag-tyler-bilodeau","tag-ucla-bruins","tag-wisconsin-badgers","tag-xavier-musketeers","tag-zuby-ejiofor","tag-zvonimir-ivisic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97726"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97726\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97726"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97726"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}