15 must-watch players on USA TODAY Sports? preseason men's college basketball All-America teams - USA TODAY

The 2021-22 men’s college basketball season is here. And so are the top-rated players. USA TODAY Sports examines 15 must-watch players with our preseason All-America list.

After a COVID-affected 2020-21, this year’s veteran-laden cast of stars is heavy on returnees who either bypassed the NBA or are taking full advantage of an extra year of eligibility.

There are still one-and-done freshmen on the list (Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren will be the most talked about), although fewer than previous years. The transfer portal means that several names on the list haven’t even suited up for their respective teams yet but are poised to make an immediate impact.

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C Kofi Cockburn, Illinois. The big man (17.7 ppg, 9.5 rpg) explored the transfer portal, but then opted to return, making the Fighting Illini a top 10 team despite the key loss of first-team All-American guard Ayo Dosunmu. Cockburn will be the face of this year’s seasoned roster, looking to avenge an earlier-than-expected NCAA Tournament loss after garnering a No. 1 seed last March.