KJ Adams Jr. endured a breakout season in 2022-23 and has never looked back. Perhaps no player in college basketball is as versatile as Adams, who stands at just 6-foot-7 yet has the physicality, strength and footwork to guard one-through-five all while shooting 60% from the field. Adams does all of the little things right. He’s a top returnee in 2024-25.
The former five-star recruit has been in college longer than anticipated, however, there is no denying the tantalizing upside in the 6-foot-7 forward. Mitchell, who saw an increase in his usage offensively last season at Texas, oozes with NBA upside thanks to his wiry, athletic frame. He shot over 80% at the rim, increased his range offensively and is an excellent rebounder. That’s the perfect mold for an elite returning big in college basketball.
Randy Bennett lost some key pieces to the transfer portal yet Augustas Marciulionis was not one of them. The reigning 2023-24 WCC POY returns to Moraga after a breakout junior season where he led the Gaels in assists (5.3) and was a top defenders in the country. Another big season lies ahead for Marciulionis who will be the focal point for the Gaels in 2024-25.
Chris Youngblood has been the staple for Amir Abdur-Rahim both at Kennesaw State and South Florida, starting in 118 games over his four-year career. The 2023-24 AAC POY shot nearly 42% from three and is an excellent downhill scorer at the rim. Returning for his final year of eligibility, Youngblood’s style of play offensively is the perfect fit in Nate Oats’ system, making Youngblood a top returnee in CBB.
Desmond Claude quickly became one of college basketball’s best second-year breakout players. After a reserve role during his freshman season behind Colby Jones and Souley Boum in the backcourt, the door became open for Claude to make a major impact last season. And he took advantage of it. Now off to USC, Claude expects to be the focal point on a new-look USC roster behind first-year HC Eric Musselman.
