Can the season just start already?

Look, people knew what Andrew Wiggins was capable of years ago. But it is impressive to watch him do his thing during the NBA Finals. At this rate, Kansas fans are gonna be more insufferable than ever before. (Read: Me.)

In the meantime, we’ve got plenty to tide over college hoops fans thanks to an impact transfer, Team USA vibes and much more.

Let’s get to the news.

STARTING FIVE

1. The world saw (some of) what awaits college hoops

Team USA winning gold at the U18 Americas Championship was never really in question. They outscored opponents 105-55 in six games, including a 102-60 thrashing of Brazil in the final. It’s the sixth straight time Team USA claimed gold.

More interesting are the 2022 recruits and how they performed.

Half the 12-man roster will play college hoops next season. A snapshot:

• Mark Armstrong (6-3 guard / Villanova): 10.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.8 spg, 45% shooting, 117 total minutesArmstrong’s minutes steadily increased, thanks in no small part to consistent shooting (he was 45% from beyond the arc). If not for a 1-for-9 game vs. Puerto Rico, he would’ve shot better than 50 percent from the field. He could start for new coach Kyle Neptune.

• Anthony Black (6-7 forward / Arkansas): 4.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.8 spg, 32% shooting, 119 total minutesBlack never found his shot during the tourney, but he did just about everything else. His line vs. Puerto Rico — 10 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals in 19 minutes — is a thing of beauty.

• Ty Rodgers (6-6 forward / Illinois): 5.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 72% shooting, 108 total minutesRodgers impacted the game with defense. He held Brazil’s leading scorer, Reynan Santos, to a miserable first quarter during, which was an extension of his entire tournament. He only took 18 shots and was content to do everything else for Team USA. (I’m sure Brad Underwood is smiling.)

• Seth Trimble (6-2 point guard / UNC): 9.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1 spg, 53% shooting, 122 total minutesThis nasty dunk during the gold medal game displayed Trimble’s explosiveness, which was part of the reason why coach Tad Boyle played him more than anyone else. He’ll push R.J. Davis and Caleb Love for time in Chapel Hill.

• Kel’el Ware (7-0 forward / Oregon): 15.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 67% shooting, 117 total minutesWe did a deeper dive into Ware’s tournament performance yesterday and what it might mean for Oregon. Put succinctly, his physical gifts set him apart from most freshmen — which is why he’s also the highest rated recruit among these six.

• Cam Whitmore (6-6 wing / Villanova): 18.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 21 apg, 63% shooting, 105 total minutesNamed tourney MVP, Whitmore did everything, did it well and did it efficiently. He drove the lane, dunked on defenders, hit 10 of 22 from deep, rebounded, and did it all playing fewer total minutes than the rest of the incoming freshmen. He’ll be an incredible piece for Neptune.

2. Out of the pits?

Today’s big portal news sent a (minor) shudder through the ACC.

Dior Johnson, a consensus Top 50 recruit who decommitted from Oregon last week, declared he’s heading to Pittsburgh this fall, giving Jeff Capel’s program a much-needed boost as the fourth-highest rated guard in the program’s history. In four seasons, Capel has yet to win more than six conference games or finish above .500. He needed an impact player.

From noted Pitt enthusiast Tristan Freeman: “It’s the ultimate risk/reward move for Capel. Dior has the talent to help Pitt finally make a postseason appearance or could flame out, potentially costing the coach his job.”

Also? “Funny how Pittsburgh fans were upset about losing Judah Mintz to Syracuse. And now, they end up with a five-star talent and former Orange commit. Safe to say, the Panthers won that trade easily.”

Now we’ll see if Pitt ends up winning games as well.

3. The Michigan question

Michigan hasn’t targeted many (any?) players in the transfer portal. When former Duke wing Joey Baker visited last week, fans assumed he’d be a lock given the Wolverines could use experience and shooting after the NBA departures of Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabete.

Well, Baker’s gonna visit George Washington this week. And the fans are getting worried. So now’s when the sleuthing begins.

Emoni Bates logged an underwhelming freshman season at Memphis, but his scoring ability makes him perhaps the top player remaining in the portal. He’s been seen as a Louisville lock for weeks. Yet that wasn’t the case by Monday, and starting the initial speculation for Bates to Ann Arbor.

Here’s how Michigan fans are feeling about the idea.

4. Texas Tech adds a shooter

If there’s one thing Texas Tech could use entering next season, it’s someone who can stretch the defense. Cue the tweet:

Walton hit 42 percent of his 3s as a North Carolina freshman (on 138 attempts), but saw his playing time and percentages dwindle last season under new coach Hubert Davis. Provided he can play defense — the priority under Mark Adams — Walton would be a welcome addition to a program adding 10 (!) new players, along with returnees Kevin Obanor, Daniel Batcho and Clarence Nadolny. Walton would likely be a sixth man off the bench for some instant offense.

“I really like the basketball atmosphere around Texas Tech,” Walton told On3. “I felt that I could make an immediate impact and help the team win and continue to grow as a basketball player.”

5. Who’s in the lottery?

Ten players reportedly got NBA Draft green room invitations last week. With Ochai Agbaji’s on Monday, that brings the total to 16.

So of these, which two are most likely to NOT be drafted in the Top 14? If you watch our special 2022 Mock Draft stream on Thursday at 7:30 pm ET, maybe you’ll get an answer.

LET’S GET SOCIAL

Who will be the breakout stars in 2022-23?

The Field of 68 social accounts (follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok if you aren’t already) will spend the summer posting weekly countdowns designed to foster engagement arguments for you and your friends.

Last week, it was the top returning players in college basketball. This week, it’s the players most likely to become stars. Think Johnny Davis as the perfect example (see below for more on Davis) and @ us for how we did each week.

FOUR QUESTIONS

Steve Prohm, back where he made his mark

After a year at college basketball’s premier media site, Steve Prohm decided that yes, you can go home again.

Prohm, 47, returns to the Murray State sideline this fall, where he was 104-29 in four seasons with the Racers before jumping to Iowa State in 2015. How’s Prohm feeling about it? He caught up with Rob Dauster for our latest Four Questions.

Q: What has been the best part about being back at Murray State?Steve Prohm: The best part of being back at Murray is rekindling all the special relationships we have here as a family and personally. We have a lot of great friends and family here so it’s great to be back around them.Q: How many attempts would you need to make “the ice cream shot”? More or less than 50?Steve Prohm: The Famous Ice Cream Shot. It’s been in our camp family 25 years. I used to be the camp coordinator for years so I shot it a lot. Under 50. Easy! Bet your house on the Bet Rivers line!

Q: If there was one thing you could change about the current structure of college hoops, what would it be?Steve Prohm: This is a tough question. I think college basketball is the best sport in the world. It’s provided my family with many blessings over the years. I would say that I hope we keep the causal attire for years to come!

Q: What is your go to beverage on a hot day when you’re at the lake or the beach?Steve Prohm: Corona or Bud Light Lime.

PREVIEWING THE NBA DRAFT

Where does Johnny Davis play in the pros?

Few players made a bigger jump last season than Wisconsin sophomore guard Johnny Davis. He played more minutes, became a more efficient scorer and playmaker, and hit big shot after big shot for the Badgers, earning All-America honors and had a case as the National Player of the Year.

But how do his skills translate to the NBA, where he can do so many things well, but isn’t a standout with any specific skill? Rob Dauster and Terrence Oglesby break it down.

Have you subscribed to The Field of 68 on YouTube?

THE FAST BREAK

Links as you prepare for the inevitable robot takeover.

• Penny Hardaway will make former Tulsa coach Frank Haith an assistant, per Jeff Goodman.

• Oklahoma picked up former Missouri post player Yaya Keita.

• The Sooners also secured a commitment from 4-star forward Jacolb Cole.

• Iowa State grabbed a Kansas transfer … former QB Conrad Hawley.

• 2023 prospect Mayar Wol committed to the College of Charleston.

• UNC Wilmington Athletic Director Jimmy Bass announced his retirement.

• Pick an art museum, any art museum. Odds are, it has a basketball exhibit.

• Apple and Nike are teaming up to make sports films. One can only hope there’s a college hoops movie (or two) in there. They always need photogenic sports writers for background shots. (Note to the producers: I don’t need a rider like that prima donna Rob Dauster.)

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