Although the college basketball season ended just over a month ago, the work never truly stops. For those of us who live and breathe the game, now is the perfect time to dig into the details that shape next season’s outlook. Player development, transfers, returning stars—everything matters. As we gear up for 2025–26, let’s take an early look at some players who could be difference-makers when the ball tips again.

1. Bennett Stirtz – Iowa (via Drake & NW Missouri State)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Wing
• 2024 Stats (Drake): 13.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 51.2% FG, 44.6% 3PT
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 200 lbs

Stirtz is a sharpshooter and floor spacer with one of the best stories in college basketball. After dominating Division II at Northwest Missouri State, he excelled at Drake and now reunites with Coach Ben McCollum at Iowa. His basketball IQ, shooting touch, and calm demeanor make him a perfect fit for Big Ten competition.

2. Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan (Forward, 6’9″, 240 lbs)

2024–25 Stats at UAB: 17.7 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.7 SPG, 53.8% FG

I’ve watched Yaxel since he came off the bench as a raw Juco freshman—and now, this young man is a walking double-double with a pro-ready frame and elite timing. At 6’9″, 240 lbs, with a wingspan rumored around 7’3″, he’s built like a modern-day hybrid forward. What separates him isn’t just the physicals—it’s how he uses them.

He crashes the boards relentlessly, switches defensively with ease, and runs the floor like a wing. His transition game is deadly: filling lanes, finishing through contact, or dishing off to the open man. If he joins Michigan next season (pending his NBA draft decision), I believe he’ll be one of the most impactful transfers in the country—a two-way anchor who brings toughness, maturity, and a relentless motor.

3. Morez Johnson Jr. – Illinois (Forward, 6’9″, 255 lbs)

High School Senior Stats: ~20 PPG, 15 RPG, 4 APG, 3 BPG

Morez is one of those rare high school prospects who already looks like he belongs on a college floor. Physically dominant at 6’9″, 255 lbs, he’s a throwback big with modern versatility. He eats glass for a living, controls the paint on both ends, and has underrated passing instincts. What intrigues me most is his leadership and motor—he plays every possession like it’s personal. At Illinois, he’ll be a foundational piece—likely starting as a freshman and anchoring the paint alongside an already tough frontcourt. The upside here is massive, and I expect his presence to be felt immediately in the Big Ten.

4. Andrej Stojakovic – Illinois (Guard/Forward, 6’7″, 205 lbs)

2024–25 Stats at Stanford: 7.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.0 APG (in limited minutes as a freshman)

This is a fascinating pick-up for Illinois. Andrej, the son of NBA great Peja Stojakovic, brings high-level shooting and a deep feel for the game. At 6’7″, 205 lbs, he has great positional size for a wing, and when you watch him, you see how much of the game he inherited from his father: the footwork, the shot mechanics, the calm under pressure. His freshman numbers at Stanford don’t tell the full story—he was stuck in a limited role. At Illinois, in a faster-paced, more free-flowing system, he has a chance to break out. His spacing and decision-making will be key for a team loaded with interior talent.

5. Donovan Dent – UCLA (Guard, 6’2″, 185 lbs)

2024–25 Stats at New Mexico: 20.4 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.3 RPG, 40.9% 3PT

Dent is a certified bucket and one of the most electric guards in the country. At 6’2″, he may not have elite size, but he makes up for it with quickness, balance, and a downhill gear that few can match. His efficiency jump last season—especially from three—was a testament to his work ethic and feel for the game. He’s not just a scorer either: 5.6 assists per game with a 35.8% assist rate shows you he can run a team. Right now, he’s in the portal, and whichever program lands him will be getting a true playmaker who thrives in big moments. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up at a blue-blood or a Top 25 team with Final Four aspirations.

6. Isaac McKneely – Louisville (Guard, 6’4″, 180 lbs)

2024–25 Stats: 13.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 41.8% 3PT, 88.5% FT

Isaac is one of the smoothest guards in college basketball. At 6’4″, he has a solid frame, clean shooting mechanics, and the kind of basketball IQ that made Virginia’s system sing. What makes him dangerous is how well he moves off the ball—he doesn’t need a lot of touches to change a game. His shooting splits are elite, and he’s shown flashes as a secondary ball handler and decision-maker. I see him stepping into a leadership role next season as Louisville looks to blend experience with a new offensive identity. Expect Isaac to be their closer—and maybe one of the best shot-makers in the conference.

Final Thoughts

These six players represent more than just stat lines—they’re key pieces to their team’s identity this upcoming season. From national title contenders to under-the-radar risers, each has a story worth following and a game that could shape the 2025–26 college basketball landscape.

Stay tuned—this is going to be a season of surprises.