The (updated) consensus too early Top 25

Have some time? We’re just a few weeks away from the NBA Draft, which means there’s only a handful of NBA prospect profile videos we’ll be able to run in The Daily — and there are 39 total videos already done, with more on the way.

Let’s get to the news.

1. On second thought …

The major transfer portal moves are complete. Players have withdrawn from the NBA Draft.

Seems like an ideal time for an updated look at various Top 25s.

I trimmed it a bit from the early April edition, but with eight outlets covered, it’s still a fairly comprehensive look at which teams should comprise the sport’s best teams next season.

Quick thoughts:

• Kansas replaced Marquette as the team to beat. The Jayhawks’ average ranking in April was nine. This time? It’s 1.5. The Golden Eagles’ average ranking is now 7.5.

• I like Purdue (Zach Edey plus a backcourt that took its lumps) and FAU (call me crazy for loving a team that won 35 games and reached the Final Four) more than most. I’ll live with that.

• Duke is the consensus No. 2 team, just beating out Purdue. Michigan State rounds out the top 4.

• Tennessee is once again a computer darling. FAU is not. And Kevin Sweeney feels the same way.

• Is Jeff Goodman ashamed of his alma mater?

• Villanova’s transfer moves propelled the Cats back into most Top 25s. Now it’s up to Kyle Neptune to make everything work.

• It’ll be interesting to see if Kentucky can jump back up with a few transfers.

I’ll do another one in September, which probably won’t have much variance from this version, barring any waiver surprises or injury setbacks. Until then, if you can find some decent odds on the Vols, grab ‘em.

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2. Andre Curbelo opts for some Sun (Belt)

Maybe the third stop will be the charm for Andre Curbelo.

The former Illinois and St. John’s guard announced Monday that he intends to transfer to Southern Miss. Golden Eagles assistant Juan Cardona has ties to Puerto Rico, which played a part in getting Curbelo, a Puerto Rico native, to the Sun Belt.

Whether he’s eligible — Curbelo’s already used his free transfer and isn’t registered as a graduate transfer — and productive are the big questions.

He was the 2021 Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year as a freshman, averaging 9.1 points and 4.2 assists for an Illinois squad that ended as a No. 1 see in the NCAA Tournament. But he struggled during his sophomore season, only playing in 19 games. He played at St. John’s last year but was plagued by inconsistent play and a non-existent outside shot, and he often clashed with the coaching staff.

Curbelo’s got the talent as a former Top 50 recruit. Now we’ll see what Southern Miss coach Jay Ladner gets.

Other transfer portal news:

• Baylor and West Virginia are reportedly the options for Olivier Nkamhoua.

• Ex-UC Riverside guard Zyon Pullin is down to either Florida or LSU.

• Nate Calmese (Lamar) will play at Washington.

• C.J. Noland (Oklahoma) will head to North Texas.

• David Jones (St. John’s) is going to Memphis.

• Lado Laku (Cal State Fullerton) is off to Arkansas State.

• Malique Ewin (Ole Miss) will go to South Florida.

• Jordan O’Neal (Alabama State) is transferring to Jackson State.

3. Runnin’ for the Rebs a little early

Dedan Thomas Jr. couldn’t wait to get to college. So he’ll head to UNLV a year early.

Ranked by 247 as the No. 2 point guard in the class of 2024, Thomas Jr. will re-classify to the class of 2023, the school announced Monday. The rookie floor general, whose dad, Dedan, played at UNLV from 1991-94, also promoted the move on his social media channels.

It’s a bold move. Thomas Jr. is seen as a 5-star recruit for the class of 2024, but he’ll likely end up as a 4-star for the class of 2023, which is also loaded with more point guard talent. He averaged 22.8 points and 5.1 assists as a junior in Vegas and was the Nevada Gatorade POY.

"Reclassing up is the best decision for me and I believe I am ready for it," Thomas Jr. said in a release. "I have accomplished each one of the goals that I had set for myself during my high school career. The situation at UNLV for me to come into right now is a great one and will benefit me most for my long-term goals.'“

He’s viewed as a crafty player and a guard who controls the pace of games. He’ll have experienced players around him at UNLV to help the transition, too. Oklahoma transfer Jalen Hill and Oklahoma State transfer Kalib Boone will be reliable options in the frontcourt and on the wing.

Taylor made for the NBA

Taylor Hendricks’s mix of production at UCF (15.1 ppg, 7 rpg, 39 percent from beyond the arc) and physical gift (6-9 and athletic) makes him an ideal pro prospect. Matt McCall and Rob Dauster explain why the freshman can make the jump to the pros and what’s next for him.

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Links as you fire up Saving Private Ryan for tonight.

• Kansas released its non-conference schedule, which may have a Wichita State game added later.

• On3.com has Dylan Harper atop its 2024 prospect rankings.

• The top three roster spots on Power 5 and Big East teams averaged $75K in NIL earnings last year.

• Getting creative when it comes to sponsoring college athletes.

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