24. LSU
Projected Starting Lineup: G Adam Miller, G Xavier Pinson, F Darius Days, F Tari Eason, C Efton Reid
LSU entered the offseason needing to replace a considerable amount of production. Cameron Thomas (23.0 PPG), Trendon Watford (16.3 PPG), and Javonte Smart (16.0 PPG) are all gone. Forward Darius Days =- the team’s fourth leading scorer in ’21 — did announce he’d return to LSU after flirting with entering the NBA Draft. With several holes to fill, Will Wade went to work. The result is a roster that could potentially contend for an SEC title.
Wade acquired two transfer guards who will make up the newly formed starting backcourt. Former Missouri starting guard Xavier Pinson will create a dynamic tandem alongside one of the top transfers in all of college basketball, Adam Miller. Miller was a starter for an elite Illinois team last season. Many believe he was reduced to a smaller role offensively due to the Illini boasting a bevy of other strong ball handlers (Andre Curbelo, Trent Frazier, and future NBA Draft pick Ayo Dosunmu). Given the keys to an offense, the highly-touted Miller could emerge as one of the best players in the country.
Image Source: Elsa-USA TODAY, Kirby Lee-Getty Images