St. John's forward Donnie Freeman will miss the remainder of the season after doctors confirmed a torn Achilles that required surgery.
Freeman arrived in New York as a highly anticipated transfer from Syracuse, where he averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season, giving the Red Storm a versatile inside presence.
The early Top 25 preview released by CBS Sports places Florida at No. 1, with Duke, Illinois, UConn and Michigan State rounding out the top five, setting the stage for a competitive season.
St. John's, once projected to finish well inside the top ten, drops to No. 17 in the rankings, a slide that reflects both the loss of Freeman and the increased competition among other programs.
What the Rankings Reveal
The early Top 25 serves as a barometer for how teams adapt to roster changes, with Freeman's absence opening a vacancy that could benefit emerging talents across the nation.
Among the notable moves, Duke adds John Blackwell, a sharpshooting guard who transferred from Wisconsin, while Illinois welcomes Stefan Vaaks, a forward who spent last year at Providence, bolstering their frontcourt depth.
UConn, fresh off a national championship appearance, retains a core group of returners and augments its roster with several high‑profile transfers, positioning the Huskies as a perennial contender.
Michigan State, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Gonzaga and Virginia each showcase a blend of seasoned veterans and impact newcomers, underscoring the depth of talent expected across the conference.
Coaches and analysts alike note that the mix of returning players and high‑profile transfers could lead to unexpected breakthroughs, especially for programs that have historically relied on steady recruitment pipelines.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, the projected top teams will be tested against tougher schedules, and St. John's will look to rebound from the setback by developing younger players and adjusting its offensive schemes.