It’s one thing to lose players projected to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. That happens to college basketball programs every year — especially Kentucky, which lost multiple first-round picks after each of the first 10 seasons John Calipari coached the Wildcats.
The total is actually 29 through 10 years.
That’s obviously a lot.
For the most part, though, Calipari has endured without issue because he often returns meaningful pieces who aren’t projected first-round picks. But that largely won’t be case next season now that Immanuel Quickley has announced he’s hiring an agent and entering the 2020 NBA Draft.
“It saddens me that my brothers and I were not able to compete for the national championship this year due to circumstances beyond our control,” Quickley tweeted Monday morning. “But after praying about it and discussing with my family, I’ve decided to forgo my remaining eligibility.”
Assuming Nick Richards eventually joins Quickley and Ashton Hagans in the draft, which is the projection here, the Wildcats will be losing their top four scorers, three of whom (Richards, Quickley and Hagans) are projected second-round picks. And that’s why Kentucky has dropped to No. 9 in Version 6.0 of the 2020-21 CBS Sports Preseason Top 25 And 1. As previously noted, what I’ve done is assume all consensus projected first-round picks will enter the NBA Draft, made educated guesses about other underclassmen, projected relevant uncommitted prospects — like Greg Brown and Joshua Christopher — to enroll where 247Sports currently projects them to enroll, and omitted all traditional sit-out transfers.
As always, when I need to adjust, I’ll adjust. Version 7.0 is likely right around the corner. But, for now, Mark Few’s Gonzaga Bulldogs remain No. 1 in the Top 25 And 1 based on the idea that everybody who can return from a team that finished 31-2 will return from a team that finished 31-2. If that happens, the Zags will be led by All-American Filip Petrusev, have three of their top five scorers back, and benefit from a top-10 recruiting class highlighted by 5-star guard Jalen Suggs.
(NOTE: For those who have asked, right now, Arkansas would be No. 27, Florida would be No. 28, Indiana would be No. 29, and Louisville would be No. 30 if this were the Top 25 And 5.)
Top 25 And 1 rankings Top 25 And 1 roster analysis 1. Gonzaga
Coach: Mark Few
2019-20 record: 31-2
Notable players definitely gone: Killian Tillie, Ryan Woolridge, Admon GilderNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Filip Petrusev, Corey Kispert, Joel Ayayi, Drew Timme, Anton Watson, Pavel Zakharov, Martynas Arlauskas, Will Graves, Matthew LangExpected additions: Jalen Suggs, Julian Strawther, Dominick Harris, Oumar Ballo, Aaron Cook
2. Baylor
Coach: Scott Drew
2019-20 record: 26-4
Notable players definitely gone: Freddie Gillespie, Devonte BandooNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Jared Butler, MaCio Teague, Davion Mitchell, Mark Vital, Matthew Mayer, Tristan Clark, Flo ThambaExpected additions: Dain Dainja, LJ Cryer, Zach Loveday, Adam Flagler, Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua
3. Villanova
Coach: Jay Wright
2019-20 record: 24-7
Notable players definitely gone: N/ANotable players expected to also leave: Saddiq BeyNotable players expected to return: Collin Gillespie, Justin Moore, Jermaine Samuels, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Cole Swider, Brandon Slater, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Bryan AntoineExpected additions: Caleb Daniels, Eric Dixon
4. Virginia
Coach: Tony Bennett
2019-20 record: 23-7
Notable players definitely gone: Mamadi Diakite, Braxton KeyNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Kihei Clark, Jay Huff, Tomas Woldetensae, Casey Morsell, Kody Stattman, Francisco Caffaro, Justin McKoyExpected additions: Sam Hauser, Jabri Abdur-Rahim, Reece Beekman, Carson McCorkle, Kadin Shedrick
5. Houston
Coach: Kelvin Sampson
2019-20 record: 23-8
Notable players definitely gone: Chris HarrisNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Caleb Mills, Quentin Grimes, Nate Hinton, Fabian White, DeJon Jarreau, Marcus Sasser, Justin Gorham, Brison Gresham, Cedrick AlleyExpected additions: Tramon Mark, Jamal Shead, Kiyron Powell, Cameron Tyson, J’Wan Roberts
6. Iowa
Coach: Fran McCaffery
2019-20 record: 20-11
Notable players definitely gone: Ryan Kriener, Bakari Evelyn, Cordell PemslNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Luka Garza, Joe Wieskamp, CJ Fredrick, Jordan Bohannon, Joe Toussaint, Connor McCaffery, Jack NungeExpected additions: Ahron Ulis, Tony Perkins, Josh Ogundele, Keegan Murray, Kris Murray
7. Kansas
Coach: Bill Self
2019-20 record: 28-3
Notable players definitely gone: Devon Dotson, Udoka Azubuike, Isaiah MossNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, David McCormack, Christian Braun, Silvio De Sousa, Tristan Enaruna, Mitch LightfootExpected additions: Bryce Thompson, Tyon Grant-Foster, Gethro Muscadin, Latrell Jossell
8. Duke
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
2019-20 record: 25-6
Notable players definitely gone: Vernon CareyTre Jones, Cassius Stanley, Alex O’Connell, Javin DeLaurier, Jack WhiteNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Matthew Hurt, Wendell Moore, Joey Baker, Jordan GoldwireExpected additions: Jalen Johnson, Jeremy Roach, DJ Steward, Mark Williams, Jaemyn Brakefield, Henry Coleman
9. Kentucky
Coach: John Calipari
2019-20 record: 25-6
Notable players definitely gone: Immanuel Quickley, Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans, Nate Sestina, Johnny JuzangNotable players expected to also leave: Nick RichardsNotable players expected to return: EJ Montgomery, Keion BrooksExpected additions: Terrence Clarke, BJ Boston, Devin Askew, Isaiah Jackson, Lance Ware, Cam’Ron Fletcher, Davion Mintz
10. Creighton
Coach: Greg McDermott
2019-20 record: 24-7
Notable players definitely gone: Kelvin Jones, Davion MintzNotable players expected to also leave: Ty-Shon Alexander, Notable players expected to return: Marcus Zegarowski, Denzel Mahoney, Mitch Ballock, Jacob Epperson, Damien Jefferson, Christian Bishop, Shareef Mitchell, Jalen Windham, Jett CanfieldExpected additions: Antwann Jones, Ryan Kalkbrenner
11. Wisconsin
Coach: Greg Gard
2019-20 record: 21-10
Notable players definitely gone: Brevin PritzlNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Nate Reuvers, Micah Potter, Brad Davison, D’Mitrik Trice, Aleem Ford, Tyler Wahl, Trevor AndersonExpected additions: Ben Carlson, Johnny Davis, Lorne Bowman, Steven Crowl, Jordan Davis
12. Michigan State
Coach: Tom Izzo
2019-20 record: 22-9
Notable players definitely gone: Cassius Winston, Kyle AhernsNotable players expected to also leave: Xavier TillmanNotable players expected to return: Aaron Henry, Rocket Watts, Gabe Brown, Malik Hall, Marcus Bingham, Thomas Kithier, Foster Loyer, Julius MarbleExpected additions: Joey Hauser, Mady Sissoko, AJ Hoggard
13. Tennessee
Coach: Rick Barnes
2019-20 record: 17-14
Notable players definitely gone: Jordan Bowden, Jalen JohnsonNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: John Fulkerson, Yves Pons, Santiago Vescovi, Josiah-Jordan James, Olivier Nkamhoua, Uros Plavsic, Davonte GainesExpected additions: Jaden Springer, Keon Johnson, Corey Walker, Malachi Wideman, Victory Bailey, E.J. Anosike
14. West Virginia
Coach: Bob Huggins
2019-20 record: 21-10
Notable players definitely gone: Jermaine Haley, Chase Harler, Brandon Knapper, Logan Routt, Notable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Oscar Tshiebwe, Derek Culver, Miles McBride, Emmitt Matthews, Sean McNeil, Taz Sherman, Jordan McCabe, Gabe OsabuohienExpected additions: Isaiah Cottrell, Taj Thweatt, Kedrian Johnson, Jalen Bridges
15. North Carolina
Coach: Roy Williams
2019-20 record: 14-19
Notable players definitely gone: Brandon Robinson, Christian Keeling, Justin PierceNotable players expected to also leave: Cole AnthonyNotable players expected to return: Garrison Brooks, Armando Bacot, Anthony Harris, Leaky Black, Andrew Platek, Jeremiah Francis, K.J. SmithExpected additions: Day’Ron Sharpe, Walker Kessler, Caleb Love, Puff Johnson, R.J. Davis
16. San Diego State
Coach: Brian Dutcher
2019-20 record: 30-2
Notable players definitely gone: Yanni Wetzell, KJ FeaginNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Malachi Flynn, Matt Mitchell, Jordan Schakel, Nathan Mensah, Trey Pulliam, Aguek Arop, Adam Seiko, Keshad Johnson, Joel MensahExpected additions: Che Evans, Lamont Butler, Keith Dinwiddie, Terrell Gomez
17. Michigan
Coach: Juwan Howard
2019-20 record: 19-12
Notable players definitely gone: Zavier Simpson, Jon Teske, David DeJulius, Colin CastletonNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Isaiah Livers, Franz Wagner, Eli Brooks, Brandon Johns, Austin DavisExpected additions: Joshua Christopher, Isaiah Todd, Hunter Dickinson, Zeb Jackson, Terrance Williams, Jace Howard, Mike Smith
18. Texas Tech
Coach: Chris Beard
2019-20 record: 18-13
Notable players definitely gone: TJ Holyfield, Chris ClarkeNotable players expected to also leave: Jahmi’us RamseyNotable players expected to return: Davide Moretti, Kyler Edwards, Terrence Shannon, Kevin McCullar, Clarence Nadolny, Avery Benson, Russsel Tchewa, Andrei SavrasovExpected additions: Nimari Burnett, Micah Perry, Chibuzo Agbo, Joel Ntambe
19. Ohio State
Coach: Chris Holtmann
2019-20 record: 21-10
Notable players definitely gone: Andre Wesson, D.J. Carton, Luther Muhammad, Alonzo GaffneyNotable players expected to also leave: Kaleb WessonNotable players expected to return: Duane Washington, CJ Walker, Kyle Young, E.J. Liddell, Justin AhrensExpected additions: Seth Towns, Eugene Brown, Zed Key, Justice Sueing
20. Texas
Coach: Shaka Smart
2019-20 record: 19-12
Notable players definitely gone: N/ANotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Matt Colemam, Andrew Jones, Courtney Ramey, Jericho Sims, Jase Febres, Gerald Liddell, Kai Jones, Donovan Williams, Kamaka Hepa, Royce Hamm, Will Baker, Brock CunninghamExpected additions: Greg Brown
21. UCLA
Coach: Mick Cronin
2019-20 record: 19-12
Notable players definitely gone: Prince Ali, Alex OlesinskiNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Chris Smith, Jalen Hill, Jaime Jaquez, Cody Riley, Tyger Campbell, Jules Bernard, Jake Kyman, David SingletonExpected additions: Daishen Nix, Jaylen Clark, Kenneth Nwuba
22. Oregon
Coach: Dana Altman
2019-20 record: 24-7
Notable players definitely gone: Payton Pritchard, Shakur Juiston, Anthony MathisNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Chris Duarte, Will Richardson, N’Faly Dante, Addison Patterson, Chandler Lawson, C.J. Walker, Francis OkoroExpected additions: Jalen Terry, Eric Williams, Eugene Omoruyi, Amauri Hardy
23. Rutgers
Coach: Steve Pikiell
2019-20 record: 20-11
Notable players definitely gone: Akwasi Yeboah, Shaq CarterNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Ron Harper Jr., Geo Baker, Jacob Young, Myles Johnson, Montez Mathis, Caleb McConnell, Paul MulcahyExpected additions: Cliff Omoruyi, Mawot Mag, Dean Reiber, Oskar Palmquist
24. Stanford
Coach: Jerod Haase
2019-20 record: 20-12
Notable players definitely gone: Isaac WhiteNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Oscar da Silva, Tyrell Terry, Spencer Jones, Daejon Davis, Bryce Willis, Jaiden Delaire, Lukas Kisunas, James KeefeExpected additions: Ziaire Williams, Max Murrell, Noah Taitz, Brandon Angel
25. LSU
Coach: Will Wade
2019-20 record: 21-10
Notable players definitely gone: Skylar Mays, Trendon Watford, Marlon Taylor, Marshall GravesNotable players expected to also leave: N/ANotable players expected to return: Emmitt Williams, Javonte Smart, Darius Days, Charles Manning, James Bishop, Aundre Hyatt, Courtese CooperExpected additions: Cameron Thomas, Jalen Cook, Bradley Ezewiro, Eric Gaines, Mwani Wilkinson, Shareef O’Neal, Josh LeBlanc
26. Florida State
Coach: Leonard Hamilton
2019-20 record: 26-5
Notable players definitely gone: Devin Vassell, Trent Forrest, Dominik OlejniczakNotable players expected to also leave: Patrick WilliamsNotable players expected to return: M.J. Walker, Malik Osborne, RaiQuan Gray, Anthony Polite, Balsa Koprivica, Wyatt Wilkes, Nathanael Jack, Rayquan EvansExpected additions: Scottie Barnes, Sardaar Calhoun
