An additional 12 returning players have been graded and added to my big board. As a reminder, incoming freshman will not be assigned a grade or ranking until the 2026-27 basketball season begins. You can see the updated rankings on tripleproplaybook.com/copy-o….

I really enjoyed breaking down the Pistons opener vs. the Celtics. I detailed 3 critical moments during the game and how Thompson's presence and absence impacted the result.

As a PT, I’m so glad to hear Kenny the Jet Smith got his knees replaced. This is an upgrade I can get behind. #InsideTheNBA

If I had to vote one person to drop out from this 5, Tanner would have my vote.

Tyler Tanner is an exciting guard but his size creates questions as to how his game will translate to the next level. He is a my 26th ranked returning prospect. Heading into the season, he grades as a reserve guard who plays between 8-12 minutes a game with the potential to develop into a rotational asset who ramps his playing time to 16-24 minutes a night. Strengths: Quick/explosive, Toughness, Defensive footwork/technique, Shifty/changes speeds well, Hustle/effort, Crafty finisher near the rim, Offensive footwork, Draws fouls, Self-creation, Intense ball pressure, Lateral agility, Penetration ability, 3-point potential, Transition threat, Decisive Areas of Growth: 3-point volume/efficiency, Off/on-ball screen negotiation, Defensive discipline/fouls, Off-ball awareness/attention, Over helps, Undersized/overpowered easily, Rim finishing efficiency, Strength, Ball security, Defensive effectiveness/consistency/finished over, Spatial awareness

Alvaro Folgueiras is a fan favorite within the analytics community and worth monitoring during this season. He is my 81st ranked returning prospect. Heading into the season, he grades as a G League level talent with the potential to develop into a quality reserve who plays 12-18 minutes a game. Strengths: 3-point potential, Offensive footwork, Transition ability/Outlet passing, Court awareness, Decisiveness, Active hands, Defensive footwork, Screen versatility, Works two-man game well, Length, Rebounding effort, Ready hands to receive passes Areas of Growth: Limited rim protection, Athleticism/balance, Below rim finishing, Defensive discipline/fouls, Off-ball defensive positioning/over helps, 3-point efficiency, Self-creation, Strength/physicality, Ball security, Spatial awareness

Paulius Murauskas follows his coach from Saint Mary's to Arizona State and displays enticing size and tools to see how he plays in the Big 12 this season. He is my 135th ranked returning prospect. He grades as a G League level talent but has the potential to develop into a quality reserve who plays 10-14 minutes a game. Strengths: Size/length, Offensive footwork, Patience while posting up, 3-point ability, Catch and shoot threat, Screen setting/pick and pop ability, Rebounding production, Unselfish, Methodical attacker, Foul drawing ability/crafty Areas of Growth: Physicality, Burst/speed, Fluctuating confidence/aggressiveness, Off-ball defense, Slow while covering ground and closing out, Rim finishing efficiency, Perimeter defense/defending in space, Limited self-creation, Ball handling/security, Shooting efficiency, Elevation/athleticism

Nolan Winter is worth monitoring at Wisconsin this season. He is my 120th ranked returning prospect. Heading into the season, he grades as a G League talent competing to earn an NBA roster spot. He has the potential to develop into a quality reserve who plays 10-16 minutes a game. Strengths: Floor spacing ability, Activity on the defensive glass, Boxout effort/consistency, Pick and pop threat, Offensive awareness, Offensive footwork, Active hands, Rim protection, Effort/physicality, Defensive footwork/technique Areas of Growth: Lateral agility, Strength, Delayed rotations, Rim finishing/shooting efficiency, Rebounding production, Lacks aggressiveness, Defensive discipline, Ball handling/control

Ruben Prey made a big impact within his limited role last season. With an expanded role, it will be interesting to see if he can maintain the same level of impact. He is my 116th ranked returning prospect. Heading into the season, he grades as a limited reserve who fights for increased playing time. He has the potential to develop into a quality reserve who plays 10-14 minutes a game. Strengths: Length, Active hands, Wide/low defensive stance, Intensity/aggressiveness/engagement, Physical, Unselfish, Help defense, Decisive, DHO ability, Rebounding activity, Rim protection, 3-point ability Areas of Growth: Lateral agility/difficulty changing directions, Self-creation, Rim finishing efficiency, Exposes his front foot while defending on the perimeter, Strength, Ball handling/control, Foul trouble, Defensive balance

I'm expecting Davis Fogle to showcase his versatile ability next season for Gonzaga. He is my 31st ranked returning prospect. Heading into the season, he grades as a limited reserve who plays 6-10 minutes a game with the upside to develop into a quality rotational piece who plays up to 20-24 minutes a night. Strengths: Decisive, Offensive footwork, Size/length, Ability to space the floor, Court awareness, Midrange confidence, Competes on the glass, Ball handling with size, High release point, Transition ability, Long striding ability, Unselfish Areas of Growth: Off-ball defensive positioning, Physicality/strength, Athleticism, Quickness/speed, Lateral agility/perimeter defense, Self-creation/separation, Off-ball screen negotiation, Ball security/passing decisions, Ability to penetrate, Shooting efficiency, Defensive discipline

Before he David Mirkovic decided to return to school, I had him as a borderline 1st rounder last draft season. xitter.cf/jamesrinjuries/status/…

Finley Bizjack will draw more attention at West Virginia this season. He is my 124th ranked returning prospect. Heading into the season he grades as a G League level talent competing to earn a roster spot at the next level. He has the potential to develop into a low leverage reserve who plays 10-14 minutes a game. Strengths: Hustle/effort, Off-ball defensive stunting/helping, Crafty foul drawer, Deceptive shot fakes, Use of ball screens, 3-point ability, Decisive, Confidence, Deep shooting range Areas of growth: Rim finishing efficiency, Ball security vs. pressure, Physicality/strength, Penetration ability, Lateral agility, Speed/burst/athleticism, Shot selection, Shooting efficiency, Struggles to get open vs. NBA length

Arrinten Page demonstrates a lot of potential but struggled last season with consistency and nagging lower body injuries. He is my 45th ranked returning prospect. Due to inconsistencies, heading into the season he grades as a limited reserve who fights for increased playing time at the next level. He has the potential to develop into quality rotational fixture who plays 20-24 minutes a game. Strengths: Offensive footwork, 3-point potential, Rim protection, Active hands, Strength/physicality, Screen versatility, Ambidextrous finisher around the rim, Rebounding production, Passing/court vision, Soft hands to receive passes, Unselfish passer Areas of growth: Fatigue/endurance, Health/mobility, Shooting efficiency, Lateral agility/foot speed, Rim finishing efficiency, Shot selection, Inconsistent effort, Defensive discipline/fouls, Body language/composure