College basketball’s 20 best men’s players right now

Key Points:

• The 2027 NBA Draft class is considered weaker than the 2025 and 2026 classes, but college basketball remains strong due to veteran talent staying in school, largely driven by increased NIL spending exceeding $20 million per season for top programs.
• Thirteen potential first-round NBA picks have returned to college this season, opting to remain amateur because of better financial incentives, highlighting the impact of NIL deals on player decisions.
• The top 20 players in men's college basketball for the 2026-27 season feature a mix of returning stars and promising talent, with notable players including Motiejus Krivas (Arizona) as the top-ranked defensive anchor, Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State) as an elite point guard, and Patrick Ngongba II (Duke) as a well-rounded big man.
• Key players to watch include Braden Huff (Gonzaga) recovering from injury, Aden Holloway (Alabama) returning from suspension with strong offensive skills, and Tyran Stokes (Kansas) as a potential breakout freshman with high upside but some concerns about consistency.
• The landscape of college basketball is shaped by a blend of physical defenders, skilled facilitators, and versatile wings, with NIL money playing a pivotal role in retaining top talent and elevating the overall competitiveness of the sport this season.