Teams that are undervalued, overvalued in latest ESPN college basketball rankings

The 2024 NBA Draft is in the books and the NCAA's transfer portal has long been closed.

That means, for the most part, college basketball rosters are set for the 2024-25 season.

On Monday, ESPN college basketball writer Jeff Borzello updated his Way-Too-Early top 25 college basketball rankings for the season.

Topping the list were Kansas and Alabama, respectively, and neither of those picks is a surprise. The Jayhawks and Crimson Tide have the pieces to contend for a national title, as each returns talented veterans while welcoming quality transfers and touted freshmen.

And what about two-time defending national champion UConn? Danny Hurley's squad is third on Borzello's list and in line for another stellar season, buoyed by the return of junior Alex Karaban.

Of course, in the portal era, it's tough to project what the top 25 will look like, as roster turnover is now the rule, not the exception.

That said, here's a look at three teams that as of today are undervalued on Borzello's list and three that are overvalued.

Undervalued

Baylor, No. 6

At No. 6, there isn't much room for the Bears to climb. But Scott Drew's work in the portal could put his team in line for another title run. Transfers Jeremy Roach (Duke) and Norchad Omier (Miami) are All-America candidates, and Baylor should have one of the nation's best backcourts. The key will be finding quality minutes in the frontcourt alongside Omier.

Ole Miss, No. 20

Chris Beard did a solid job in his first season in Oxford and it's a good bet the Rebels will make a jump in his second. Beard is among the best coaches in college basketball and has talent to work with, including backcourt transfer additions Sean Pedulla (Virginia Tech) and Dre Davis (Seton Hall), as well as returning wing scorer Matthew Murrell.

Illinois, NR

The Fighting Illini didn't make Borzello's top 25, which is understandable. Only Ty Rodgers returns as a rotation player from last year's Elite Eight squad. That said, while Brad Underwood essentially will have a brand-new team, it's one loaded with talent and versatility. Key among Illinois' additions are Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell and Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous, who has NBA upside.

Overvalued

Iowa State, No. 7

It's easy to be excited about the Cyclones, who earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament last season and return most of those pieces. An argument can be made, however, that Iowa State overachieved. Will that happen again? It might. Tamin Lipsey is one of the best point guards in the country and Milan Momcilovic is in line for a big sophomore campaign. No. 7 seems ambitious, however.

North Carolina, No. 10

Getting R.J. Davis back was huge for the Tar Heels. He's the centerpiece of a strong backcourt that also includes Elliot Cadeau and star recruit Ian Jackson. Where things get tricky for UNC is up front. Cade Tyson and Ven-Allen Lubin are quality transfers. But if that duo emerges as the starting frontcourt, the Heels could be vulnerable defensively and on the glass.

Indiana, No. 18

The Hoosiers should have one of the best frontcourts in the country with Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako teaming with Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo. But will the backcourt be good enough? Transfers Myles Rice, Kanaan Carlyle and Luke Goode will need to knock down shots, and it remains to be seen if Mike Woodson has the coaching chops to deliver a Big Ten contender.