Have I said I can't wait for basketball season?!
As the clock ticks down to the opening tip (Nov. 2), I'm breaking down my preseason All-Rolls-Royce and Diaper Dandy teams, so you know who to watch.
The All-Rolls-Royce teams are a collection of elite players who have the look, game and star power to become the faces of men's college basketball. From opening night through March Madness, these veterans and future lottery picks will give us highlight after highlight while proving why they belong among the nation's elite.
As for the Diaper Dandies? Every year I get fired up talking about the next generation of stars, the young guns who are ready to light up scoreboards, fill arenas and have NBA scouts camping out courtside. That's what my Dazzling Diaper Dandies are all about.
The class of 2026 might not have the overwhelming hype as the previous recruiting cycle, but don't let anybody tell you this group lacks talent. We've got future lottery picks, explosive scorers, lockdown defenders and versatile forwards who can do it all.
It's going to be a sensational season, baby!
Jump to:
First team | Second team |
Third team | Diaper Dandies
FIRST-TEAM ALL-ROLLS-ROYCE
Jeremy Fears Jr., G, Michigan State
2025-26 stats: 15.2 PPG, 9.4 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Are you serious?! 9.4 assists per game?!
Tom Izzo's floor general orchestrates the Michigan State offense like a maestro conducting a symphony. Fears is the nation's premier setup man, leading college basketball in assists while controlling tempo, creating opportunities and delivering in clutch moments.
The Spartans go as Fears goes. His vision, leadership and maturity make him one of the most impactful guards in America.
Vitale's verdict: Pure point guard perfection, baby!
Thomas Haugh, F, Florida
2025-26 stats: 17.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 BPG
Talk about versatility!
Haugh is the Swiss Army knife for a Florida team that will make noise all season. He can score inside, stretch defenses, rebound, defend multiple positions -- and he consistently delivers winning plays.
He is one of the strongest candidates for national player of the year honors.
The Gators need a star and Haugh answers every challenge.
Vitale's verdict: An All-American with a complete game. That's awesome, baby!
Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
2025-26 stats: 19.5 PPG, 5.1 APG, 3.6 RPG, 2.4 SPG
Music City Madness!
Tanner emerged as one of the most electrifying guards in America last season, averaging nearly 20 points and better than five assists. He has elite defensive production and tremendous efficiency.
He plays much bigger than his size, too. He attacks the rim fearlessly, creates offense from nothing and is the heartbeat of Vanderbilt basketball. His unique athleticism and all-around impact project an even bigger season ahead.
When the Commodores need a play, Tanner delivers.
Vitale's verdict: A certified PTPer.
Flory Bidunga, F, Louisville
2025-26 stats: 13.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.6 BPG, 64.0 FG%
Every championship-caliber team needs a defensive anchor, and Bidunga is exactly that.
The Louisville big man controls the paint, dominates the glass and alters countless shots. His 64% shooting from the field reflects remarkable efficiency, while averaging nearly a double-double showcases his consistency.
Coaches love players who impact winning without demanding the spotlight. Bidunga will do that all season.
Vitale's verdict: A major difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
Robert Wright III, G, BYU
2025-26 stats: 18.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 41.0% 3PT
Lights out!
Wright combines scoring punch with elite perimeter shooting, knocking down over 41% of his shots from beyond the arc while serving as a primary creator. Every defense knows he's the focal point and still struggles to stop him.
His shotmaking, efficiency and leadership have made him one of the nation's most dangerous offensive performers.
Vitale's verdict: A scorer's scorer.
SECOND-TEAM ALL-ROLLS-ROYCE
DeRidder is a steady and reliable frontcourt star, averaging 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field last season.
Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
The young guard flashes tremendous upside and future star potential.
The skilled big man anchors the paint with 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, giving Arizona a powerful interior presence.
Tyran Stokes, G, Kansas
The freshman phenom arrives in Lawrence with enormous expectations, and NBA scouts already view him as a potential No. 1 pick. He's one of the sport's elite young talents entering the national spotlight.
Mirkovic is a rugged and productive forward who posted 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season.
THIRD-TEAM ALL-ROLLS-ROYCE
Amari Allen, F, Alabama
Allen is a versatile performer who stuffs the stat sheet with scoring, rebounding and playmaking.
One of the nation's most underrated scorers, Sandfort averaged 18.1 points while shooting 41.6% from 3.
Braden Huff, G, Gonzaga
An efficiency producer, Huff's 66.2% field goal percentage ranks among the best marks for high-volume scorers in college basketball.
Silas Demary Jr., G, UConn
Demary is a dynamic two-way guard who contributes across the board with 10.1 points, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game last season.
The Wildcats forward is one of college basketball's premier shooters, posting an eye-popping 48.7% from 3-point range last season.
Not Forgotten
JT Toppin, G, Texas Tech
Toppin remains one of the nation's most respected stars and is among the few returning All-Americans. With no timeline on his return from a torn ACL in February, I couldn't put him on the preseason team. Should he play this season, though, his impact should be felt immediately.
DIAPER DANDY TEAM
Tyran Stokes, F, Kansas
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the king of the freshmen class.
Bill Self follows up Darryn Peterson with another superstar in Lawrence. He's described as a player who is "too strong for most wings and too skilled for most big men," capable of impacting every aspect of the game. His passing vision, ability to get to the foul line and versatility make him the complete package.
At Kansas, the expectations are simple: win big and contend immediately. He can help with that.
Vitale's verdict: He's got national player of the year potential written all over him.
Jordan Smith, G, Arkansas
John Calipari scored one of the biggest recruiting victories of the cycle when he beat Duke for Smith's commitment. He might be the best guard in the class.
And though the Razorbacks are loaded, Smith will be the engine.
Elite defender. Elite athlete. Elite competitor.
Vitale's verdict: This kid is built for SEC battles. Primetime Player material.
Marcus Spears Jr., F, Texas
The reclassification story that shook recruiting.
Spears moved up from the 2027 class and instantly transformed Texas into a national contender. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-2 wingspan, he possesses the size, mobility and defensive versatility NBA teams crave.
Sean Miller landed a superstar.
Vitale's verdict: Big-time talent with lottery pick potential.
Cameron Williams, F, Duke
The Blue Devils always seem to find elite frontcourt talent, and Williams might be the next great one.
He's one of the highest-upside players in the class. At 6-11, he protects the rim, stretches defenses with perimeter shooting and projects as a future lottery pick -- a scary combination.
Vitale's verdict: Duke fans will fall in love with this kid in a hurry.
Christian Collins, F, USC
Eric Musselman landed a game changer.
Collins brings size (6-8, 200 pounds), athleticism and scoring versatility. He creates matchup nightmares because of his ability to score in numerous ways while using his physical gifts to dominate.
The Trojans needed a star. They got one.
Vitale's verdict: Hollywood is going to love this freshman sensation.
Miikka Muurinen, F, Arkansas
Here's a name everybody better learn quickly.
Although not ranked in the traditional ESPN 100 because he developed overseas, his scouting grade would place him among the top-five prospects nationally. He's described as a high-ceiling frontcourt player with enormous upside.
Calipari struck gold again.
Vitale's verdict: International flavor with NBA potential. Watch out!
Deron Rippey Jr., G, Duke
If you love explosive point guards, this is your guy.
Rippey has the ability to attack the rim at will while also providing ferocious on-ball defense. His speed and aggression fit perfectly with Duke's up-tempo style.
Vitale's verdict: The Cameron Crazies are going to erupt every time he gets downhill.
Jaxon Richardson, G/F, Alabama
Talk about athletic bloodlines.
Richardson is the son of former NBA standout Jason Richardson and younger brother of NBA player Jase Richardson. He has the best vertical of any athlete in the class, and he'll immediately help Alabama defensively.
He makes momentum-changing plays, and crowds rise when he rises.
Vitale's verdict: Above-the-rim excitement every night!
Taylen Kinney, G, Kansas Don't sleep on this young floor leader.
Kinney brings size (6-3, 190), scoring ability and advanced playmaking instincts. He has the ability to score in multiple ways while creating matchup problems for smaller guards.
Pairing him with Tyran Stokes gives Kansas one of the nation's most exciting freshman combinations.
Vitale's verdict: Bill Self hit a home run.