Texas – Freshman guard Tre Johnson

Losing their top four scorers from the 2023-24 season, the Longhorns will be looking for new players to step up their efforts.

Enter Johnson.

The five-star recruit found the bottom of the field with ease in high school and is already thought 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 sets Texas apart from the pack.

ANOTHER #Hang Them | @iamtrejohnson1 pic.twitter.com/yuRoroqiGP

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

Ohio State — Junior guard Bruce Thorton

Even though the Buckeyes only return two starters from last season, they bring back arguably 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), as well as second best assist/turnover ratio (168 vs. 42). in the country. There’s a reason 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 run through Thornton in the past, highlighting why his success is imperative for OSU this year and against ranked opponents like Texas.

He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the country and he wears red and gray

Congrats to our guy BT for 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