CBS Sports recently released its ranking of the top 25 returners for the upcoming college basketball season, a list that has sparked conversation among analysts and fans alike. Among the notable absences is Braden Huff, the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ standout big man who posted a 17.8‑point average last year while shooting 69.7 percent on two‑pointers and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.
The Omission Raises Questions
Huff’s statistical profile would suggest a place on the roster, yet the publication chose to exclude him, a decision that appears tied to his injury history. The 6‑10 forward missed the final 17 games of Gonzaga’s campaign with a left‑knee issue, a setback that kept him sidelined when the Bulldogs were vying for a deep tournament run.
Coach Mark Few has indicated that Huff is fully expected to be ready for the season opener against Purdue on November 2, and he projects a 20‑point, 65‑percent shooting line for the new year. The Bulldogs have also bolstered their frontcourt with the addition of Massamba Diop, a move that should ease Huff’s rebounding burden and reinforce his defensive presence.
The omission is all the more striking because the list deliberately omitted transfers, a category that includes several high‑profile players. Texas Tech’s JT Toppin, another elite big man, suffered a similar injury and was left off the rankings, while guards Mason Falslev of Utah State and Arizona’s Mo Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov earned spots ahead of Huff.
Looking Ahead
Fans and commentators have pointed out that Huff’s combination of size, shooting efficiency and experience makes him a prime candidate for an All‑American nod, and his projected impact could be pivotal for Gonzaga’s title aspirations. Whether the oversight reflects a bias toward transfer narratives or simply a miscalculation of health timelines remains to be seen, but the upcoming season will provide the ultimate answer.