Sam's Top 100: 20-11

By Sam Federman

20. Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten)

Indiana is a team that I didn't realize how high I ended up being on. I love the offensive upside with Tucker DeVries and Reed Bailey in the frontcourt. Lamar Wilkerson brings even more scoring, while Tayton Conerway has the chops to be a Big Ten point guard. While Darian DeVries will get this team to fight, they will be really bad defensively, and it could cap their ceiling at something below this spot.

19. Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC)

Devin McGlockton might be the single most underrated player in the country. His combination of inside out two-way play makes him extremely valubale whenever he's on the floor. The Commodores tried to clone him as well with AK Okereke from Cornell. Watch out for a breakout season from Tyler Tanner at point guard.

18. Gonzaga Bulldogs (WCC)

Even if Tyon Grant-Foster is unable to play, the Zags should be one of the top teams on the west coast. Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supery form a strong point guard duo, while the returning frontcourt of Braden Huff and Graham Ike is one of the best in the sport. It'll be awesome to see Steele Venters on the floor after missing two full seasons.

17. Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC)

Any bet on Arkansas is a bet on freshman point guard Darius Acuff to have a big year. I'm a huge fan of his game, but I do have concerns about shooting for this roster. The Razorbacks do return Karter Knox, DJ Wagner, and Billy Richmond, as well as bringing in Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle for year two under John Calipari.

16. San Diego State Aztecs (MWC)

Yes, Magoon Gwath is currently dealing with injury, but the Aztecs are a very deep team this year. Sean Newman running the show with Miles Byrd and Reese Waters on the wing, along with BJ Davis, Latrell Davis, Pharoah Compton, Jeremiah Oden, and Taj DeGourville can all be contributors. Byrd is the preseason pick for MWC Player of the Year.

15. Arizona Wildcats (Big 12)

The Cats freshman class, featuring Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, will have to carry a big load. Veteran point guard Jaden Bradley and big men Mo Krivas and Tobe Awaka provide the bookends for a talented lineup. Whether Arizona reaches its ceiling depends on if the young bench pieces, like Ivan Kharchenkov, can pull their weight.

14. Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12)

Darryn Peterson has an argument to be the very best player in the country. With him running the show, anything is possible for the Jayhawks. It's a massive change of pace from the Harris/Dickinson/Adams teams of the last few years. Flory Bidunga is one of the most athletic rim protectors in the country.

13. St. John's Red Storm (Big East)

I'm not sure who in this backcourt is going to defend or create for others, but I do know that the frontcourt defense will be as good as anybody in the country, and there are enough talented players to make it work. Zuby Ejiofor is the Preseason Big East Player of the Year.

12. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)

Returning LaBaron Philon from the NBA Draft process was a major late coup for the Crimson Tide, who will pair him with Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell, and Houston Mallette for a backcourt that will shoot at a very high level once again. Taylor Bol Bowen and Aiden Sherrell will have to hold up in the frontcourt.

11. Louisville Cardinals (ACC)

Arguably the best backcourt in the country, Louisville has four guards that can take over a game for certain stretches. Freshman Mikel Brown Jr. will run the show while Adrian Wooley, Ryan Conwell, and Isaac McKneely will space the floor and score. J'Vonne Hadley brings experience on the wing, while Aly Khalifa's return gives Pat Kelsey some post playmaking alongside Sananda Fru.