Texas – Freshman guard Tre Johnson

Having lost their top four scorers in the 2023-24 season, the Longhorns will look for new players to take a big step.

Enter Johnson.

The five-star recruit, who found the bottom of the basket with ease in high school, is believed to do the same at the next level. He was named to the Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List, the Jerry West Award preseason Watch List and the coaches’ preseason All-SEC third team.

Of course, the Longhorns will expect veteran transfers like guard Tramon Marks and forward Arthur Kaluma to make an impact, but Johnson could be what separates Texas from the pack.

ONE MORE #HookEm | @iamtrejohnson1 pic.twitter.com/yuRoroqiGP

— Texas Men’s Basketball (@TexasMBB) April 3, 2024

Ohio State – Junior guard Bruce Thorton

While the Buckeyes only return two starters from last season, they arguably return their most important piece in Thornton.

The 2024 All-Big Ten third-team selection leads the team in points (15.7), assists (4.8) and steals per game (1.2) while having the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio (42 to 168). ) happened. in the country. There’s a reason why he was named to Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List.

It’s clear that Ohio State’s production has gotten past Thornton in the past, underscoring why his success is imperative for OSU this year and against ranked opponents like Texas.

He is one of the best guards in the country and he wears red and grey

Congratulations to our man BT on being named to the 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List #Team126 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/V1y6c3ohHF

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 30, 2024