Kansas: Hunter Dickinson
Photo Cred: ESPN
Hunter Dickinson, has been a dominant presence over the last three seasons at Michigan Wolverines. He has now brought his talents to Kansas. Dickinson has consistently delivered impressive performances during his tenure at Michigan. His journey began with an All-American nod as a freshman and he continued to shine, averaging 18.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during his most recent season in the Big Ten. Notably, he has expanded his skill set, particularly in shooting.
With his versatility and strength in the frontcourt, he will play a pivotal role in Bill Self’s program in the upcoming season. Dickinson was undoubtedly one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal during the previous offseason. The center’s decision to join Kansas has provided a boost to the team’s already formidable roster. His presence in the paint promises to bring versatile skills.
Texas: Max Abmas
Photo Cred: Texas
Max Abmas is set to embark on a new chapter in his college basketball career as he joins the Texas Longhorns in a highly competitive conference for his fifth and final season. Abmas, known for his outstanding performance during his four-year stint with Oral Roberts, has already established himself as a formidable force in the NCAA. Notably, he maintained an impressive scoring average of at least 21 points per game for the last three seasons, amassing a career total of 2561 points.
His three-point shooting prowess is commendable, with a career shooting percentage of just under 39%. He will now contend regularly against formidable power conference opponents, quite different from his previous matchups with mid-major teams. As the season unfolds, the basketball community eagerly anticipates how Abmas’ game will adapt to this new environment. His combination of raw talent, invaluable experience, and a remarkable track record make him a rare find in college basketball, making him a player to watch this season.
Houston: LJ Cryer
Photo Cred: Houston
Houston faced the challenging task of rebuilding their backcourt after losing key players, but they managed to secure a significant addition in the form of LJ Cryer. Cryer is a versatile combo guard with extensive Big 12 experience. As a junior, he made his mark by averaging an impressive 15.0 points per game while boasting excellent shooting percentages. He steps onto the court to partially fill the void left by the departures of Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark, showcasing his ability to play both guard positions for the Cougars.
His remarkable outside shooting skills were on full display, as he maintained a 41% success rate from beyond the arc last season. The upcoming season places a heavier burden on Cryer to assume a prominent scoring role, especially given Houston’s new venture into the Big 12 conference. This season promises to be an intriguing chapter in his collegiate career as he strives to impact both ends of the court.
