Jared Butler
The emergence of Jared Butler has been on its way and this weekend it cemented his arrival. His poise and ability to knock down shots consistently is leading the way for Baylor thus far. Further, his ability to control the offense against Villanova showed the capabilities for Baylor’s ceiling as a team. In addition, he is averaging 19.3 points a game along with shooting 52.5% from three-point range. The success of Butler will give Baylor a great opportunity to compete for the Big 12 title. Jared Butler is the player to know for Baylor and the Big 12 as he will make an impact all season long.
Wendell Moore and Cassius Stanley
These two wings for Duke in Moore and Stanley are the keys for this team to win a national championship. Furthermore, the ability to make big perimeter jumpers to open up the lanes for Tre Jones and Vernon Carey inside is vital. In addition, both provide great versatility and can help Tre Jones give havoc to opponents perimeters. Also, in transition, Moore and Stanley are dynamic athletes who can get to the basket strong and make cry so jumpers. The growth of Moore and Stanley will only continue over the course of the season especially offensively. If Moore and Stanley develop into consistent offensive threats for Duke they will be the favorites come to the NCAA tournament.
Utah State Longevity
The grit and toughness that Craig Smith’s Utah State team has displayed set up well for this team. In addition, the strength of this team is the complementary players with great games from Justin Bean as he shows capabilities to provide offense and help out extremely well on the boards. Also, Diogo Brito is giving great minutes off of the bench as a scorer and along with the ability to hit threes. The frontcourt has done well without Neemias Queta with Alphonso Anderson and Kuba Karwowski stepping up. Brock Miller provides really good consistency at the point for them and can make big shots. Furthermore, Sam Merrill is one of the best players in the country and with the eventual return of Neemias Queta, Utah State is capable of much more. This team will be the Mountain West favorite and have an opportunity to have a top four seed in the NCAA tournament.
Emmitt Williams
The growth of Emmitt Williams from last season to now is dramatic. He was a very good athlete and contributed well on the boards and second-chance opportunities. Now, he has become a well rounded offensive threat. He has the ability to get to the basket with force and finish with good touch. His activity on the glass continues to grow giving LSU extra possessions. Further, he has the ability to now hit perimeter jumpers which elevated his potential. His overall efficiency as a player is really good and gives him the opportunity to continue to develop offensively. Emmitt Williams is a changed player and will continue to be a force for LSU this season.
Oregon
The play of Payton Pritchard has Oregon going over to a great start. He is in full control of the team with his steadiness and ability to make big shots. Furthermore, the overall athleticism of Oregon is really good especially off the bench with C.J. Walker and Chandler Lawson in the frontcourt. Also, the toughness of Shakur Juiston inside has been very effective for Oregon along with Francis Okoro inside. Next, the shooting of Anthony Mathis is a knockdown shooter who can provide really consistent scoring. Chris Duarte is giving really good minutes on the perimeter with his play on both ends. Oregon is playing as good as any team in the country and will get N’Faly Dante who could elevate this team to another level.
Images Courtesy of, Duke Athletics, Naples Daily News,
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