Texas — Freshman guard Tre Johnson

Losing its top four scorers from the 2023-24 season, the Longhorns will search for new players to step up in a big way. 

Enter Johnson.

The five-star recruit found the bottom of the basket with ease in high school are is already 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, Jerry West Award preseason Watch List and 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 sets Texas apart from the pack.

ANOTHER ONE 🤯🤘#HookEm | @iamtrejohnson1 pic.twitter.com/yuRoroqiGP

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

Ohio State — Junior guard Bruce Thorton 

Even though the Buckeyes return just two starters from last season, they arguably bring back their most important piece in Thornton. 

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

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

He’s one of the best guards in the country and he wears scarlet & gray 🌰

Congrats to our guy 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