These are the highest-impact juniors in all of men's college basketball for this upcoming season ranked by Andy Katz. This is not necessarily a best-of list; instead these are the most vital to their teams' success.
1. Mike Miles, TCU: Miles is the Big 12 preseason player of the year. He could have stayed in the NBA Draft. Instead, he’s got a shot to lead TCU to a Big 12 title.
2. Hunter Dickinson, Michigan: Dickinson is the only starter back for the Wolverines. He wasn’t ready to leave Michigan. If he can be a dominant player at both ends of the court then the Wolverines will be back in contention in the Big Ten.
3. Zach Edey, Purdue: Edey no longer has Trevion Williams to alternate inside with for Purdue. This is his frontcourt now. He said he’s up for the challenge of being a dominant force.
4. Julian Strawther, Gonzaga: Strawther declared for the draft but returned to take his turn as the next elite Zag. If he can be a consistent scorer then the Zags have a real shot to get back to a Final Four.
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5. Adama Sanogo, UConn: Sanogo was picked to be the Big East player of the year. He’s a throwback to big men under Jim Calhoun — rim protectors, finishers, and players who can alter the flow of the game.
6. Jalen Wilson, Kansas: Wilson could have stayed in the draft, but he decided to return and be the go-to player for the Jayhawks. He’s no longer a role player. He’s got to produce.
7. Kris Murray, Iowa: Murray takes over the main offensive role from his twin brother Keegan, who is on the Sacramento Kings. Kris Murray had chances last season and Fran McCaffery does a great job of putting players in a position to succeed when they are ready. Kris Murray’s time is now.
8. Caleb Love, North Carolina: Love came in with plenty of hype and has had his moments in Chapel Hill. Now that he’s played for a title, he’s ready to be even more of a focal point on the perimeter.
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9. Cliff Omoruyi, Rutgers: Omoruyi is no longer just an athletic freak. He has refined his game to where he can be relied upon to finish in the half-court. But wow his athleticism can be a game-changer at both ends of the court.
10. Jamal Shead, Houston: Shead will lead the Cougars from the perimeter and be the perfect compliment again to Marcus Sasser. He is the perfect gritty Kelvin Sampson-type player.
11. Yuri Collins, Saint Louis: Collins was one of the best playmakers in the country last season. If he produces at a similar clip then there is no reason why the Billikens can’t compete for an NCAA Tournament berth.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.
