Jon Rothstein is one of the more plugged-in national writers when it comes to Kentucky Basketball, which is why I’m sharing yet another set of preseason rankings with you. In his first “Early Rothstein 45,” the college hoops insider has Kentucky No. 23 heading into next year, with Keion Brooks in the projected starting five and Davion Mintz listed among the “expected losses.” Brooks and Mintz, of course, are still deciding whether or not to return to Kentucky next season. Hmm.
Rothstein predicts Brooks, Nolan Hickman, Kellan Grady, Daimion Collins, and Oscar Tshiebwe will be the starting lineup this fall, with Jacob Toppin, Bryce Hopkins, Dontaie Allen, and Lance Ware coming off the bench.