College returners to keep an eye on next season 1.0

With quite a few withdrawals at the deadline of the 2023 NBA Draft, the returning class will be solid next year. Who are some names to keep an eye on? Here's the first edition of five!

Tristan da Silva

After receiving Pac-12 All-Conference honors, Tristan da Silva is set for another great year that’ll put him in serious draft conversations. At 6’9”, the modern NBA four has a reliable outside shot — 37.9% on 227 attempts in three years — and Coach Boyle will likely give him a bigger role.

Da Silva has soft touch around the rim and a polished game as a face-up scorer. On the defensive end, he should be able to guard multiple positions and improve as a weakside rim protector. If he shows improvement on that end, you’ll definitely see him rise up on draft boards.

Aidan Mahaney

At 6’3”, Mahaney finished his freshman year as a 14-point-per-game scorer. I expect him to take the reigns in year two as well. His scoring game can expand to all three levels and improve as a passer.

On the defensive end, his feel for the game and his competitive nature will be important to translate his scoring to another season where Saint Mary’s makes the tournament. What gives him the edge over ot…