1. Luka Garza Iowa
Garza is the best big man in college basketball and is a dominant force with his ability to score at all three levels with the size and skill he brings. He’s physically imposing but his feel and ability to move great with his back to the basket is great. Also, he has the ability to face up and attack very effectively with his short jumper and ability for a drop step. Furthermore, he’s dynamic in ball screen action with the ability to step out to the three-point line where he is very good. Next, his overall mobility and footwork is exceptional and is what really makes him so good and difficult to guard, as well as being a really good screener opening himself and others well. Additionally, his touch around the rim is elite and the positioning by Garza is better than any big in the country. As for defensively, he could improve his post positioning and overall technique, as well as moving more effectively on the defensive is key for his growth there. Garza will be the lead for National Player of the Year and helping Iowa compete for the National Championship and Big Ten title next season.
2. Xavier Tillman Michigan State
Tillman brings great toughness and moves very well on offense for Michigan State with the ability to roll and pop impactfully. Also, he has a really good touch around the basket and is extremely effective in transition as a rim runner. Next, he has the ability to make mid-range jumpers effectively and has solid hands as well. Furthermore, he gets really good post positioning and plays well with his back to the basket. Additionally, he could improve his smoothness with the basketball and be a bit more skilled with the ball to really take the next step. On the defensive end, he brings good physicality and posts defense, as well as the ability to get out on the perimeter if need be. Tillman will be one of the best big men in the country if he returns to Michigan State.
3. Oscar Da Silva Stanford
Da Silva had a really good season and was extremely effective for Stanford this past season. Furthermore, he has good size and the ability to face up and attack effectively. Continued, he moves well and has good feel around the basket. Also, he can stretch out to the perimeter and make a three to be harder to guard. The ability to attack off the dribble is solid, as well as flashing to the high post and operating well with shots and drives. He’s a solid rebounder but could get stronger to be even more successful in post-ups and on the glass. Da Silva is really good interior presence and will have a lot of help with Tyrell Terry and Ziaire Williams on the perimeter. Defensively, he gets in really good positioning and reads the offenses very well. Next, he moves well to get out on the perimeter and can protect the basket. Da Silva will be one of the best players in the PAC 12 and leading Stanford to the NCAA tournament.
4. Kofi Cockburn Illinois
Cockburn is a very physical interior presence that is very impactful with his scoring and rebounding ability. If Cockburn gets two feet in the paint with the basketball it is nearly an automatic two points. Further, he does a very good job of sealing his defender with very good hands to secure the basketball consistently. The activity that Cockburn brings in the post with reposting and his footwork is very solid. Continued, his mobility and ability to keep fighting for position are very good, which allows him to be a dominant post scorer. His exceptional size and toughness make him a very difficult matchup for teams in the paint. He’s got good touch around the basket and can finish with contact. As for the defensive end, he must improve his ability to guard face-up bigs and consistently having active hands. Also, he brings really good physicality and does a solid job defending the post. Cockburn will be one of the best bigs in the country next season for Illinois.
5. Sandro Mamukelashvili Seton Hall
Mamukelashvili had a very good season despite being injured in the middle of the season due to a broken wrist. Next, he brings very good versatility and size with the ability to make perimeter shots at a high level with his three-point shooting being exceptional. Furthermore, he’s got really good mobility and cuts strong with the ability to post up well with good touch around the basket. Additionally, he can attack off the dribble really effectively with his size and athleticism. Continued, his ability to play at the rim is very effective with the athleticism and size he brings. Further, he will be the go-to option for Seton Hall now with the departure of Myles Powell. He’s a difficult player to the defender with all he brings to the table and will be one of the best Big East players next season. Now, defensively his quickness and mobility on the defensive end need to improve. There are too many times when he is off-balanced and gives up easy shots. Mamukelashvili should have a very good season for Seton Hall next season as the go-to option.
6. John Fulkerson Tennessee
Fulkerson made great improvements for Tennessee becoming a reliable interior scorer. Further, he is really active on the offensive end and plays really well with his back to the basket, as well as being able to attack off the dribble with his quickness against slower bigs. Next, he can consistently make mid-range jumpers he’s in great control and takes them with ease. Also, he has a great spin on drives that allows him to create separation and finish at the rim strong. He plays with a great amount of freedom and confidence with the basketball is impressive. His strength could improve to be even more effective inside but his shot-making and efficiency were excellent. Fulkerson has an opportunity to be the best frontcourt player in the SEC next season. As for defensively, he does a decent job of defending the ball but can get blown by quicker forwards and guards. He utilizes his hands well at the basket to contest drives well. Fulkerson will look to lead Tennessee to the SEC title as the favorites going into the season.
7. Grant Golden Richmond
Golden fits in perfectly to the Richmond offensive scheme as they run the Princeton offense and he is the center point of the offense. Further, that is because of his ability to pass the basketball and his overall skill level, The IQ that Golden brings is elite and can score at a high level within the offense. His ability to make plays facing up to the basket is great. The A-10’s best player will have a great impact on Richmond next season trying to secure a bid to the NCAA tournament.
8. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Villanova
Robinson-Earl had a very good freshman campaign for Villanova. He’s active offensively and can stretch the defense on the perimeter with his shot, but must take the next step to be a more consistent shooter. He’s very efficient around the basket with really good touch and being in the right spot with his activity on the glass. Also, he can make turnaround jumpers and the ability to face up and make mid-range jumpers. Next, defensively he brings good energy and activity with the ability to defend multiple positions. He is more effective on the ball in perimeter situations and needs to increase his strength to guard bigs more effectively in the post. Robinson-Earl will be an even more well-rounded player for Villanova and could an All-Big East First team player next season.
9. Trevion Williams Purdue
Williams started to take off in the Big Ten play he is very capable of being a dominant force. Further, he is physically imposing with having really good hands and feel around the basket. Also, he has the ability to go with a jump hook on either side being very effective. As well as, being the primary option offensively for Purdue. The continued development of his body will allow him to be one of the best bigs in college basketball. On the defensive end, he must continue to develop his post defense and footwork. The rebounding ability on the boards is solid. Williams will be a major factor for Purdue next season the interior.
10. Evan Mobley USC
Mobley is the highest-rated incoming center in the 2020 recruiting class looking to have a massive impact for USC in his likely only season. Next, he will bring very good mobility and athleticism for USC being a massive factor inside for USC. He has good touch and footwork around the basket on a consistent basis. Also, he can stretch the defense by making mid-range jumpers at a very good rate. The overall skill level is elite and will be one of the most productive bigs next season at USC.
Images Courtesy of, MSU Athletics, Rocky Top Insider, Sports Illustrated
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