RJ Hampton's announcement that he's reclassifying and planning to play college basketball next season is a massive development in the sport. The 5-star guard is a dynamic scorer, a likely lottery pick and, at this point, projected by most to eventually enroll at the University of Memphis.
That reality has impacted the Top 25 And 1.
Since the moment the CBS Sports 2019-20 Preseason Top 25 And 1 college basketball rankings first posted, just hours after Virginia beat Texas Tech to win the national title, I've been assigning the best uncommitted Class of 2019 prospects to the schools most likely to enroll them, according to the Crystal Ball predictions at 247Sports. It's why I had Matthew Hurt on Duke's projected roster well before he committed to Duke, and Cole Anthony on North Carolina's projected roster well before he committed to UNC. Now that Hampton is officially in the Class of 2019, it's time to assign him to the school where most recruiting analysts believe he'll play. And, right now, that school is Memphis.
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Combine that fact with the fact that the Crystal Ball predictions also have Memphis as the favorite to land 5-star forward Precious Achiuwa, and 4-star guard Lester Quinones, and Penny Hardaway's Tigers are now projected to have a seven-player class featuring six top-100 recruits — among them the prospects ranked No. 1 (James Wiseman), No. 7 (RJ Hampton) and No. 14 (Precious Achiuwa) in the Class of 2019. If it goes down that way, Memphis would have the nation's top-ranked recruiting class and be the lone program with three players projected to go in the top 10 of the 2020 NBA Draft, according to Jonathan Givony's latest mock draft at ESPN. So, for those reasons and more, the Tigers are now No. 5 in the Top 25 And 1 — behind Michigan State, Duke, Kentucky and Louisville.
Top 25 And 1
| 1 | |
| Coach: Tom Izzo 2018-19 record: 32-7 Notable players definitely gone: Nick Ward, Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Cassius Winston, Joshua Langford, Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry, Kyle Ahrens, Gabe Brown, Foster Loyer, Thomas Kithier, Marcus Bingham Expected additions: Malik Hall, Rocket Watts, Julius Marble | |
| 2 | |
| Coach: Mike Krzyzewski 2018-19 record: 32-6 Notable players definitely gone: Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Tre Jones, Marques Bolden, Alex O'Connell, Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Jordan Goldwire, Joey Baker Expected additions: Vernon Carey, Wendell Moore, Matthew Hurt, Cassius Stanley | |
| 3 | |
| Coach: John Calipari 2018-19 record: 30-7 Notable players definitely gone: Reid Travis, PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Jemarl Baker Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, Nick Richards, EJ Montgomery Expected additions: Jaden McDaniels, Nate Sestina, Kahlil Whitney, Tyrese Maxey, Johnny Juzang, Keion Brooks, Dontaie Allen, Brennan Canada | |
| 4 | |
| Coach: Chris Mack 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players definitely gone: Christen Cunningham, Khwan Fore Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton, Steven Enoch, Malik Williams, Ryan McMahon, Darius Perry, V.J. King Expected additions: Lamarr Kimble, Samuell Williamson, Aidan Igheion, David Johnson, Josh Nickelberry, Jaelyn Withers, Quinn Slazinski | |
| 5 | |
| Coach: Penny Hardaway 2018-19 record: 22-14 Notable players definitely gone: Jeremiah Martin, Kyvon Davenport, Kareem Brewton, Raynere Thornton, Mike Parks, Antwann Jones Other expected departures: Victor Enoh Notable players expected to return: Tyler Harris, Isaiah Maurice, Alex Lomax Expected additions: James Wiseman, Precious Achiuwa, Boogie Ellis, D.J. Jeffries, Lester Quinones, Malcolm Dandridge, Damion Baugh, Lance Thomas, Ryan Boyce | |
| 6 | |
| Coach: Mark Turgeon 2018-19 record: 23-11 Notable players definitely gone: Bruno Fernando, Ivan Bender Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Anthony Cowan, Jalen Smith, Darryl Morsell, Aaron Wiggins, Serrel Smith, Eric Ayala, Ricky Lindo Expected additions: Makhi Mitchel, Makhel Mitchell, Donta Scott, Chol Marial, Hakim Hart | |
| 7 | |
| Coach: Roy Williams 2018-19 record: 29-7 Notable players definitely gone: Coby White, Cameron Johnson, Luke Maye, Kenny Williams, Nassir Little, Seventh Woods Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Garrison Brooks, Sterling Manley, Brandon Robinson, Leaky Black Expected additions: Cole Anthony, Armando Bacot, Anthony Harris, Jeremiah Francis, Christian Keeling, Justin Pierce | |
| 8 | |
Coach: Bill Self 2018-19 record: 26-10 Notable players definitely gone: Dedric Lawson, Lagerald Vick, KJ Lawson, Charlie Moore, Quintin Grimes Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson, Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, David McCormack, Mitch Lightfoot Expected additions: R.J. Hampton, Isaac McBride, Christian Braun, Tristan Enaruna | |
| 9 | |
Coach: Mark Few 2018-19 record: 33-4 Notable players definitely gone: Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, Zach Norvell, Josh Perkins, Geno Crandall, Jeremy Jones Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Corey Kispert, Killian Tillie, Filip Petrusev, Joel Ayayi Expected additions: Admon Gilder, Drew Timme, Anton Watson, Pavel Zakharov, Oumar Ballo, Martynas Arlauskas, Brock Ravet | |
| 10 | |
| Coach: Tony Bennett 2018-19 record: 35-3 Notable players definitely gone: De'Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, Jack Salt Other expected departures: Marco Anthony Notable players expected to return: Mamadi Diakite, Braxton Key, Jay Huff, Kihei Clark Expected additions: Kadin Shedrick, Casey Morsell, Justin McKoy, Tomas Woldetensae | |
| 11 | |
| Coach: Kevin Willard 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players definitely gone: Michael Nzei Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Darnell Brodie, Myles Powell, Myles Cale, Romaro Gill, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quincy McKnight, Anthony Nelson, Taurean Thompson Expected additions: Ikey Obiagu (transfer), Tyrese Samuel, Dashawn Davis | |
| 12 | |
| Coach: Jay Wright 2018-19 record: 26-10 Notable players definitely gone: Phil Booth, Eric Paschall, Joe Cremo, Jahvon Quinerly Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Collin Gillispie, Saddiq Bey, Jermaine Samuels, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Cole Swider, Brandon Slater, Tim Delaney Expected additions: Bryan Antoine, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Justin Moore, Eric Dixon | |
| 13 | |
| Coach: Bruce Pearl 2018-19 record: 30-10 Notable players definitely gone: Bryce Brown, Jared Harper, Malik Dunbar, Horace Spencer Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Chuma Okeke, Samir Doughty, Austin Wiley, Anfernee McLemore, J'Von McCormick, Danjel Purifoy Expected additions: Isaac Okoro, Tyrell Jones, Jaylin Williams, Babatunde Akingbola, Allen Flanigan, Jamal Johnson | |
| 14 | |
| Coach: Dana Altman 2018-19 record: 25-13 Notable players definitely gone: Bol Bol, Louis King, Paul White, Ehab Amin Other expected departures: Miles Norris Notable players expected to return: Payton Pritchard, Victor Bailey, Kenny Wooten, Will Richardson, Francis Okoro Expected additions: CJ Walker, Isaac Johnson, Chandler Lawson, Chris Duarte | |
| 15 | |
| Coach: Sean Miller 2018-19 record: 17-15 Notable players definitely gone: Justin Coleman, Ryan Luther Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Brandon Randolph, Brandon Williams, Chase Jeter, Dylan Smith, Ira Lee, Devonaire Doutrive, Alex Barcello Expected additions: Max Hazzard, Nico Mannion, Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji, Terry Armstrong, Christian Koloko, Stone Gettings | |
| 16 | |
| Coach: John Beilein 2018-19 record: 30-7 Notable players definitely gone: Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole Other expected departures: Ignas Brazdeikis Notable players expected to return: Jon Teske, Zavier Simpson, Isaiah Livers, Eli Brooks, Austin Davis, David DeJulius, Brandon Johns Expected additions: Jalen Wilson, Cole Bajema | |
| 17 | |
Coach: Fran McCaffery 2018-19 record: 23-12 Notable players definitely gone: Nicolas Baer, Isaiah Moss, Maishe Dailey Other expected departures: Tyler Cook Notable players expected to return: Jordan Bohannon, Luka Garza, Ryan Kriener, Connor McCaffery, Joe Wieskamp, Jack Nunge, Cordell Pemsl Expected additions: Patrick McCaffery, Joe Toussaint | |
| 18 | |
| Coach: Kelvin Sampson 2018-19 record: 33-4 Notable players definitely gone: Corey Davis, Breaon Brady, Galen Robinson Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Dejon Jarreau, Cedrick Alley, Armoni Brooks, Brison Gresham, Fabian White, Chris Harris, Nate Hinton Expected additions: Caleb Mills, Justin Gorham | |
| 19 | |
| Coach: Matt Painter 2018-19 record: 25-8 Notable players definitely gone: Carsen Edwards, Ryan Cline, Grady Eifert Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Nojel Eastern, Eric Hunter Jr., Aaron Wheeler, Matt Haarms, Trevion Williams, Evan Boudreaux, Sasha Stefanovic Expected additions: Brandon Newman, Isaiah Thompson, Mason Gillis, Jahaad Proctor | |
| 20 | |
| Coach: Mike Rhoades 2018-19 record: 25-8 Notable players definitely gone: Michael Gilmore Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Marcus Evans, Isaac Vann, Deriante Jenkins, Marcus Santos-Silva, Sean Mobley, Vince Williams, Mike'L Simms, P.J. Byrd, Malik Crowfield Expected additions: Jarren McAlister | |
| 21 | |
| Coach: Rick Barnes 2018-19 record: 31-6 Notable players definitely gone: Admiral Schofield, Kyle Alexander Other expected departures: Grant Williams, Jordan Bone Notable players expected to return: Lamonte Turner, Jordan Bowden, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons, Jalen Johnson, Derrick Walker Expected additions: Josiah-Jordan James, Drew Pember, Davonte Gaines | |
| 22 | |
| Coach: Chris Beard 2018-19 record: 31-7 Notable players definitely gone: Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens, Brandone Francis, Norense Odiase Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Davide Moretti, Kyler Edwards, Deshawn Corprew, Khavon Moore, Andrei Savrasov Expected additions: Jahmius Ramsey, Kevin McCullar, Russel Tchewa, Terrence Shannon, Clarence Nadolny | |
| 23 | |
| Coach: Scott Drew 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players definitely gone: Makai Mason, King McClure Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Devonte Bandoo, Jared Butler, Tristan Clark, Freddie Gillespie, Mario Kegler, Matthew Mayer, Flo Thamba, Mark Vital Expected additions: Davion Mitchell, Macio Teague, Jordan Turner | |
| 24 | |
| Coach: Greg McDermott 2018-19 record: 20-15 Notable players definitely gone: Kaleb Joseph, Connor Cashaw, Samson Froling Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Martin Krampelj, Ty-Shon Alexander, Mitch Ballock, Marcus Zegarowski, Davion Mintz, Damien Jefferson, Christian Bishop Expected additions: Tristan Enaruna, Sedrick Hammonds | |
| 25 | |
| Coach: Chris Holtmann 2018-19 record: 20-15 Notable players definitely gone: CJ Jackson, Keyshawn Woods Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Kaleb Wesson, Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Duane Washington, Kyle Young, Justin Aherns, Musa Jallow, Jaedon LeDee Expected additions: DJ Carton, Alonzo Gaffney, EJ Liddel, Ibrahima Diallo, CJ Walker | |
| 26 | |
| Coach: Bob McKillop 2018-19 record: 24-10 Notable players definitely gone: Nathan Ekwu Other expected departures: Dusan Kovacevic Notable players expected to return: Kellan Grady, Jon Axel Gudmundson, Luka Brajkovic, Luke Frampton, Kishawn Pritchett, Carter Collins, David Czerapowics, Bates Jones Expected additions: N/A | |
Top 25 And 1 analysis
Biggest Movers
14
1
| Rk | Teams | Chg | Rcrd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | -- | 10-2 | |
Cassius Winston's decision to return to Michigan State for his senior season was enough to keep Tom Izzo's team No. 1 in the Top 25 And 1. The Spartans are returning three of the top four scorers from a 32-win team that won the Big Ten regular-season title and Big Ten Tournament title before advancing to the Final Four.
| |||
| 2 | -- | 10-2 | |
The Blue Devils are enrolling the nation's top-ranked recruiting class for the fourth consecutive year - one that's highlighted by five-star prospects Vernon Carey, Matthew Hurt and Wendell Moore. The return of Tre Jones will give Mike Krzyzewski the type of experience in the backcourt most great teams possess.
| |||
| 3 | -- | 10-2 | |
Ashton Hagans announcing he'll return to Kentucky for his sophomore season qualified as a big development for the Wildcats. He'll be a key piece on what should be the SEC's best team.
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| 4 | -- | 7-5 | |
Jordan Nwora has declared for the NBA Draft but left open the option of returning to Louisville. If he does, he'll be the leading returning scorer for a program set to enroll a top-10 recruiting class - not to mention graduate transfer Lamarr Kimble, who averaged 15.6 points per game at Saint Joseph's this season.
| |||
| 5 | 14 | 9-3 | |
This ranking is based on Memphis eventually securing commitments from 5-star prospects RJ Hampton and Precious Achiuwa. If Penny Hardaway does it, and pairs them with 5-star center James Wiseman, the Tigers will arguably have the nation's most talented roster and be the obvious favorite in the American Athletic Conference.
| |||
| 6 | 1 | 10-2 | |
The early loss of Bruno Fernando should mostly be offset by the return of Jalen Smith and addition of former five-star prospect Chol Marial. The Terrapins will be talented, experienced and a real threat to Michigan State at the top of the Big Ten.
| |||
| 7 | 1 | 7-5 | |
The loss of Coby White after one season stings a little considering he didn't project as a one-and-done prospect coming out of high school. But the enrollment of five-star guard Cole Anthony should fill any hole UNC might otherwise have in the backcourt.
| |||
| 8 | 1 | 9-2 | |
The Jayhawks aren't enrolling the type of recruiting class they typically enroll. But Kansas is returning enough to enter the season as the Big 12 favorite.
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| 9 | 1 | 9-3 | |
The late addition of Texas A&M graduate transfer Admon Gilder will give the Zags an experienced and reliable option at the lead guard spot. He'll combine with a top-10 recruiting class, and several nice returning pieces, to keep Gonzaga a part of the national conversation.
| |||
| 10 | 1 | 7-5 | |
The Cavaliers are losing the top three scorers from their national championship team, all of whom are entering the NBA Draft early. But Tony Bennett still has enough to keep Virginia nationally relevant.
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| 11 | 1 | 5-8 | |
Kevin Willard spoke with Virginia Tech about its opening but ultimately remained at Seton Hall. He has a roster good enough to take the Pirates to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year.
| |||
| 12 | 1 | 8-5 | |
In a bit of a twist, Villanova will not be the favorite to win the Big East. But the Wildcats, thanks to a top-five recruiting class, should still operate near the top of the sport.
| |||
| 13 | 1 | 11-1 | |
Jared Harper's decision to withdraw from school and enter the NBA Draft means Auburn is losing its top two scorers from a Final Four team. Bryce Brown, whose eligibility is exhausted, combined with Harper this season to average 31.2 points and 7.7 assists that must now be replaced.
| |||
| 14 | 1 | 11-1 | |
Louis King's decision to enter and remain in the NBA Draft was a blow to Oregon. But four of the top six scorers are still expected back -- and they'll pair with a top-15 recruiting class that should make the Ducks the Pac-12 favorites.
| |||
| 15 | 1 | 6-5 | |
Sean Miller, even with an NCAA cloud hovering over his program, has secured a top-five recruiting class that should return the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament. The addition of grad-transfer Max Hazzard was a nice late development.
| |||
| 16 | 1 | 9-3 | |
It appears the Wolverines are losing their top three scorers - most notably Ignas Brazdeikis. But, remember, they lost three of their top four scorers the year before and still managed to earn a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
| |||
| 17 | 1 | 9-3 | |
Tyler Cook is determined to remain in the NBA Draft, which isn't ideal for Iowa. But the Hawkeyes are still returning four of their top-five scorers - most notably Luka Garza.
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| 18 | 1 | 8-3 | |
Houston reaching a deal on a contract extension for Kelvin Sampson was a massive development for the AAC program. The Cougars will be capable of winning back-to-back league titles.
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| 19 | 1 | 8-4 | |
The loss of Carsen Edwards is obviously a big deal. But Matt Painter has proven capable of running a competent program even when he loses key pieces.
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| 20 | -- | 10-3 | |
Every relevant piece from a VCU team that won the Atlantic 10 by two games should be back. That includes four players who averaged double-digits in points this season.
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| 21 | -- | 12-0 | |
If Grant Williams and/or Jordan Bone return, Tennessee will be significantly higher in the Top 25 And 1. But if they both remain in the NBA Draft, as expected, the Vols will have to replace the top three scorers from a team that lost in the Sweet 16.
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| 22 | -- | 9-2 | |
The Red Raiders are expected to lose four of their top five scorers - most notably Jarrett Culver early to the NBA Draft. But, remember, they lost five of their top seven scorers from last season's team, and that didn't stop Chris Beard from getting Texas Tech to this season's national title game.
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| 23 | -- | 7-3 | |
The Bears are losing Makai Mason and King McClure. But they'll get Tristan Clark back and likely make the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in a seven-year span.
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| 24 | -- | 8-5 | |
The Bluejays are returning all five starters from a team that closed the season by winning seven of their final nine games. That should be enough to help Creighton advance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.
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| 25 | -- | 8-4 | |
Five of the top seven scorers from a team that spent part of last season ranked are expected back - including Kaleb Wesson, who averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 rebounds as a sophomore. Those returnees, combined with a top-15 recruiting class, should have Chris Holtmann in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight year.
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| 26 | -- | 9-3 | |
The top six scorers from a Davidson team that finished 14-4 in the Atlantic 10 are expected back - including A-10 Player of the Year Jon Axel Gudmundson. As long as Kellan Grady stays healthy, the Wildcats will be good enough to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
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