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Notre Dame is one of these Power 5 college basketball teams that returns a leading scorer

Notre Dame is one of these Power 5 college basketball teams that returns a leading scorer
NCAA BASKETBALL

Notre Dame is one of these Power 5 college basketball teams that returns a leading scorer

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 13: Markus Burton #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots the ball against Cameron Hildreth #2 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Second Round of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The men’s college basketball season starts tonight for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at home against Stonehill.

The rebuilding Irish are one of 20 Power 5 teams that will return the previous season’s leading scorer.

Sophomore guard Markus Burton had 17.5 points per game last year for the Fighting Irish, and he’s expected to help drive the Irish’s offensive attack this year as the team works to get back into NCAA Tournament competition.

Here’s a look at Burton and the other 19 top scorers that are returning for Power 5 teams.

Notre Dame – Markus Burton

Notre Dame guard Markus Burton (3) looks to shoot the ball as Maryland Eastern Shore guard Devon Ellis (11) defends during the Maryland Eastern Shore-Notre Dame NCAA Men s basketball game on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana.Notre Dame guard Markus Burton (3) looks to shoot the ball as Maryland Eastern Shore guard Devon Ellis (11) defends during the Maryland Eastern Shore-Notre Dame NCAA Men s basketball game on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana.

Notre Dame guard Markus Burton (3) looks to shoot the ball as Maryland Eastern Shore guard Devon Ellis (11) defends during the Maryland Eastern Shore-Notre Dame NCAA Men s basketball game on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana.

Burton had 17.5 ppg and 3.3 rebounds per game in 33 games last season.

Florida State – Jamir Watkins

Oct 9, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State player Jamir Watkins during ACC Media Days at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesOct 9, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State player Jamir Watkins during ACC Media Days at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Oct 9, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State player Jamir Watkins during ACC Media Days at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Redshirt senior Jamir Watkins had 15.6 ppg for the Seminoles last season.

North Carolina – RJ Davis

Mar 5, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) brings the ball up court against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY SportsMar 5, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) brings the ball up court against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 5, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) brings the ball up court against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Davis had 21.2 ppg and 3.6 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels last season.

Wake Forest – Hunter Sallis

Mar 13, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Hunter Sallis (23) drives to the basket past Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tae Davis (13) in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesMar 13, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Hunter Sallis (23) drives to the basket past Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tae Davis (13) in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Mar 13, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Hunter Sallis (23) drives to the basket past Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tae Davis (13) in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Sallis averaged 18 points a game last season and just over four rebounds per game at 4.1

Arizona – Caleb Love

Jan 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Caleb Love (2) on the court in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsJan 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Caleb Love (2) on the court in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Caleb Love (2) on the court in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Love had 18 ppg for the Arizona Wildcats in 2023-2024.

Cincinnati – Dan Skillings Jr.

Cincinnati Bearcats guard Dan Skillings Jr. (0) drives against Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions forward Dennis Asoro (15) in the second half of the NCAA mens basketball game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions at Fifth Third Arena on the University of Cincinnati campus on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. The Bearcats won 109-54.Cincinnati Bearcats guard Dan Skillings Jr. (0) drives against Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions forward Dennis Asoro (15) in the second half of the NCAA mens basketball game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions at Fifth Third Arena on the University of Cincinnati campus on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. The Bearcats won 109-54.

Skillings averaged 12.9 ppg for the Bearcats in the 2023-2024 campaign.

Houston – L.J. Cryer

Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard L.J. Cryer (4) dribbles against the Jackson State Tigers in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn ImagesNov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard L.J. Cryer (4) dribbles against the Jackson State Tigers in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images

Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard L.J. Cryer (4) dribbles against the Jackson State Tigers in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images

Cryer, a guard, averaged 15.5 points for the Cougars last season.

Iowa State – Keshon Gilbert

Iowa State cyclones guard Keshon Gilbert (10) drives to the basket against Mississippi Valley State during first half in the NCAA men’s basketball home opening at Hilton Coliseum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.Iowa State cyclones guard Keshon Gilbert (10) drives to the basket against Mississippi Valley State during first half in the NCAA men’s basketball home opening at Hilton Coliseum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.

Iowa State cyclones guard Keshon Gilbert (10) drives to the basket against Mississippi Valley State during first half in the NCAA men’s basketball home opening at Hilton Coliseum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.

Keshon Gilbert had an average of 13.7 points per game for the Cyclones last season.

Butler – Pierre Brooks II

Butler Bulldogs forward Jahmyl Telfort (11) high-fives Butler Bulldogs forward Pierre Brooks II (21) on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, during the game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Butler Bulldogs defeated the Missouri State Bears, 72-65.Butler Bulldogs forward Jahmyl Telfort (11) high-fives Butler Bulldogs forward Pierre Brooks II (21) on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, during the game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Butler Bulldogs defeated the Missouri State Bears, 72-65.

Butler Bulldogs forward Jahmyl Telfort (11) high-fives Butler Bulldogs forward Pierre Brooks II (21) on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, during the game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Butler Bulldogs defeated the Missouri State Bears, 72-65.

Brooks, a guard, averaged 14.8 ppg for the Bulldogs in 2023-2024.

Georgetown – Jayden Epps

Mar 13, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Jayden Epps (10) drives on Providence Friars guard Devin Carter (22) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsMar 13, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Jayden Epps (10) drives on Providence Friars guard Devin Carter (22) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 13, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Jayden Epps (10) drives on Providence Friars guard Devin Carter (22) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Epps, a junior guard, averaged 18.5 ppg last season.

Villanova – Eric Dixon

Mar 14, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Dixon (43) is tied up by Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (2) and forward Oso Ighodaro (13) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsMar 14, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Dixon (43) is tied up by Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (2) and forward Oso Ighodaro (13) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Dixon (43) is tied up by Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (2) and forward Oso Ighodaro (13) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Dixon, a senior, averaged 16.6 ppg in last year’s Villanova campaign.

Iowa – Payton Sandfort

Iowa’s Payton Sandfort (20) brings the ball down court against Kansas State in a first-round NIT game Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.Iowa’s Payton Sandfort (20) brings the ball down court against Kansas State in a first-round NIT game Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa’s Payton Sandfort (20) brings the ball down court against Kansas State in a first-round NIT game Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Forward Payton Sandfort averaged 16.4 points per game for the Hawkeyes last season.

Ohio State – Bruce Thornton

Nov 4, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) shoots in front of Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesNov 4, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) shoots in front of Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Nov 4, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) shoots in front of Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Thornton had a 15.7 ppg average for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2023-2024.

UCLA – Dylan Andrews

Nov 4, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Dylan Andrews (2) defends Rider Broncs guard Andre Young (12) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn ImagesNov 4, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Dylan Andrews (2) defends Rider Broncs guard Andre Young (12) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Nov 4, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Dylan Andrews (2) defends Rider Broncs guard Andre Young (12) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Guard Dylan Andrews had 12.9 ppg for the Bruins last year.

Alabama – Mark Sears

Mar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsMar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sears, a guard, averaged 21.5 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Crimson Tide last season.

Auburn – Johni Broome

Mar 17, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) and forward Chris Moore (5) celebrate in the second half against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsMar 17, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) and forward Chris Moore (5) celebrate in the second half against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 17, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) and forward Chris Moore (5) celebrate in the second half against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Forward Johni Broome averaged 16.5 points for the Tigers in the 2023-2024 season.

Florida – Walter Clayton Jr.

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) penetrates against South Florida Bulls guard Kasen Jennings (13) during the first half of an NCAA men’s basketball matchup Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) penetrates against South Florida Bulls guard Kasen Jennings (13) during the first half of an NCAA men’s basketball matchup Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) penetrates against South Florida Bulls guard Kasen Jennings (13) during the first half of an NCAA men’s basketball matchup Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Gators guard Clayton Jr. averaged 17.6 points per game last season.

Mississippi State – Josh Hubbard

Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (13) brings the ball up the court against Tennessee during their SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024.Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (13) brings the ball up the court against Tennessee during their SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024.

Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (13) brings the ball up the court against Tennessee during their SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024.

Josh Hubbard averaged 17.1 points per game for the Bulldogs in 2023-2024.

Ole Miss – Matthew Murrell

Nov 4, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Matthew Murrell (11) shoots between Long Island Sharks forward Shadrak Lasu (22) and guard Malachi Davis (0) during the second half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesNov 4, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Matthew Murrell (11) shoots between Long Island Sharks forward Shadrak Lasu (22) and guard Malachi Davis (0) during the second half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Nov 4, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Matthew Murrell (11) shoots between Long Island Sharks forward Shadrak Lasu (22) and guard Malachi Davis (0) during the second half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Murrell averaged 16.2 ppg last season, along with 3.6 rebounds per game and 2.4 assists per game.

Texas A&M – Wade Taylor IV

Mar 24, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) shoots between Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead (1) and guard Mylik Wilson (8) during over time in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY SportsMar 24, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) shoots between Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead (1) and guard Mylik Wilson (8) during over time in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 24, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) shoots between Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead (1) and guard Mylik Wilson (8) during over time in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Wade Taylor IV had 19.1 points per game for the Aggies in 2023-2024.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame is one of these Power 5 college basketball teams that returns a leading scorer



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