Ranking every starter in the men's Final Four

Arizona, Michigan, UConn and Illinois each have a representative in the top five -- but one semifinalist has two.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:00pm

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The top of every player ranking we've done this season has been littered with freshmen. But as we descend on Indianapolis for the Final Four, our final edition of the season features plenty of veterans and former transfers. Of the 20 starters ranked below, only six are freshmen, and half of them play for one of the four teams (Arizona). Half were projected lottery picks in ESPN's latest NBA mock draft, released before the NCAA tournament tipped. The rest are seniors (six) and former transfers (nine).

Why it matters

Like the matchups themselves -- Arizona vs. Michigan and Illinois vs. UConn -- it's a balanced group from a personnel classification perspective. The Final Four features a mix of veteran leadership, NBA-caliber talent, and rising young stars, making for an intriguing clash of styles and experience levels.

The details

We should note that you won't find the likes of Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic, Arizona's Tobe Awaka or Anthony Dell'Orso, or Michigan's Trey McKenney or Roddy Gayle Jr. on the following list. Although Stojakovic and Awaka would certainly make an expanded ranking of the best players in the Final Four, as would McKenney as one of the most talented two-way freshmen in the country, we've focused only on the projected starters.

  • The NCAA men's basketball tournament tipped off in March 2026.
  • The Final Four will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana in April 2026.

The players

Jett Lendeborg

The first-team All-American and best transfer in the country has been incredible in the NCAA tournament, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the Midwest Region.

Jayden Wagler

Wagler has the ability to score in traffic and create space for himself in iso situations. The 6-foot-5 guard has done his best work this season with his back against the wall.

Adama Reed

Reed has been an absolute force in the NCAA tournament and has a case for the most dominant performance throughout the entirety of the Big Dance.

Kylan Burries

The 6-foot-4 freshman has been as steady and consistent as any young guard in America. He also has proved he can step up on big stages.

Jalen Peat

Peat is arguably playing his best basketball since the season opener against Florida, when he announced his arrival in college with 30 points in a win over the Gators.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.