1. Drew Timme Gonzaga
Timme had a sensational season being one of the most effective and efficient players in the country. Furthermore, Timme was extremely effective in ball screen action being elite in diving to the basket and the touch around the basket to finish. Next, he can be utilized in handoff scenarios where he can fake the handoff and take it all the way to the basket well. He is continuously in transition with getting early post positioning and getting rim run opportunities. Also, his footwork on post-ups is as good as anyone in the country with the ability to operate quickly and effectively in the post. Now, the area in which he could get better is handling length and athleticism in the post with constant pressure. Therefore, is improvement in being more comfortable with the basketball will be a key factor for Timme. As for defensively, he needs to improve his ability to be out on the perimeter in ball screen actions especially. His improvement with mobility and positioning is necessary for Timme to improve defensively. Drew Timme will be one of the best players in college basketball looking to lead Gonzaga to a National Championship.
2. Trayce Jackson-Davis Indiana
Jackson-Davis returning to Indiana is a major win for the start of the Mike Woodson era as he will be one of the best players in the country. Next, his skill set is very good with his touch and feel around the basket. Continued, he gets very good post positioning with the ability to get to either side of the rim finishing with ease. Furthermore, he is very good at ball screens with his mobility and playmaking above the rim with his athleticism. Also, his activity on the offensive glass is greatly contributing to 2nd chance opportunities with his second jump ability. Additionally, he runs the floor hard in transition being a major factor as an outlet option. The skill level of Jackson-Davis is great and if he can further develop a jump shot he will be very difficult to slow down for defenses. Now defensively, his mobility is good and has the ability to alter shots at the rim. Further, his activity on the defensive glass is really good and impactful. Trayce Jackson-Davis will look to help Indiana return to the NCAA tournament and potentially be the best player in the Big Ten.
3. EJ Liddell Ohio State
Liddell had a very good sophomore season for Ohio State becoming one of the best bigs in the country. Next, Liddell can be really good in high-low situations having post positioning and finishes with great touch. Also, he extended his ability to shoot the three by stretching out bigs and being a threat as the trail shooting 33.8% from three. Additionally, he’s effective on the offensive boards with his activity providing 2nd chance opportunities. He continues, gets really good positioning in the post, and attacks with good feel finishing through contact. His mobility offensively makes Liddell a tough matchup defensively for opposing bigs and he can match their size. The improvement for Liddell would be continuing his shooting ability and being able to attack off the dribble. As for defensively, he brings the physicality in the post and can alter shots around the rim. The continued improvement of his mobility and ability to get out on the perimeter is the next for Liddell. E.J. Liddell will be one of the best players in college basketball and looking to lead Ohio State towards a National Championship.
4. Paola Banchero Duke
Banchero will be a major addition to Duke in the frontcourt adding scoring and athleticism on both ends. Additionally, he will be a perfect combination with Mark Williams playing in the mid-post area with the ability to make jumpers and drive to the rim. Next, he will be a good passer for a big and will be a consistent threat on the glass for extra possessions. Continued, the ability to develop his range at a high level could make him one of the most versatility scorers in the country next season. Paola Banchero should have a tremendous season at Duke before entering the NBA draft.
5. Timmy Allen Texas
Allen will be a massive contributor to his for Texas with his size and versatility as a player. Now, he’s good at pushing the ball in transition with the ability to finish directly at the rim. Further, he can play out on the perimeter and post up in the mid-post with the ability to attack the basket. Next, an area of improvement for Timmy Allen is as a perimeter shooter as he’s only shooting 26.8 3pt%. His ability to rebound really adds to his value as an offensive player being able to get easy looks around the rim. As for defensively, Allen has good size and the ability to guard multiple positions. His overall activity could improve to be an even better defender. Allen will have a big impact at Texas being a valuable addition with his versatility and scoring.
6. Isaiah Mobley USC
Mobley had a very good season becoming more of an offensive threat and really being a factor on the boards. Furthermore, his growth in his game with the ability to stretch defenses with his improved three-point shooting at 43.6%. Next, he was really good in the dunker spot for cuts and high low opportunities being efficient around the basket. Also, he is good in the post getting to his right hand either with a drop step or a jump hook. Continued, he is really good on the catch from the perimeter and can be a major factor as the trail in transition. Additionally, he plays with a great amount of confidence and has the ability to take it from the perimeter into post-ups and to the rim. Mobley is effective in ball screens being able to short roll from jumpers and being able to dive all the way to the basket. Now defensively, he has the size and toughness to defend the post well and brings mobility to guard out on the perimeter. He has the length as well to alter shots around the basket and rebounds consistently. Isaiah Mobley will be one of the best bigs in college basketball if he returns after testing NBA draft waters.
7. Jabari Smith Auburn
Smith will be a great addition for Auburn offensively adding athleticism and scoring ability. Continued, he has the ability to stretch defenses with his shooting ability from the perimeter. Additionally, he will be able to post up effectively and play in the mid-range complementing well with Walker Kessler. Furthermore, he has a lot of potential on the defensive end with his size and athletic ability protecting the basket especially. Auburn will be getting an impact player in Jabari Smith.
8. Kevin McCullar Texas Tech
McCullar had a tremendous sophomore season for Texas Tech being a major difference in his team’s success with the consistency he provided. Furthermore, he brings great physicality to the interior being a major factor in the lane with defense and scoring. Additionally, he is very good at attacking from the perimeter and midrange with a quick first step matched with physicality. Also, he has a really good touch around the basket and can make mid-range shots at a consistent rate. The next step in his game would be extending his range to the three-point line. Continued, he makes a significant impact on the offensive glass providing 2nd chance opportunities. The motor McCullar plays with is tremendous impacting winning at its highest level and he can make plays for others as well. McCullar runs the floor hard in transition with the ability to finish as a rim runner. As for defensively, McCullar provides the versatility to guard multiple positions and plays hard. Also, he brings the ability to defend the post and rebounds extremely well. Kevin McCullar will be one of the best players in the Big 12 next season for Texas Tech.
9. Zach Freemantle Xavier
Freemantle showed major growth in his game last season with the ability to score in multiple ways. Furthermore, the versatility to play out on the perimeter and in the post allows him to attack specific mismatches. Next, he shows good skill in the post with his footwork and touches around the basket. Also, he is effective in being involved in ball screen and handoffs which enhances his mobility offensively. Additionally, an area he needs to clean up is his passing which can lead to unforced turnovers too often. Continued, he has great efficiency offensively with his finishing around the basket and the ability to make mid-range jumpers consistently. He’s also stretched out to the perimeter shooting a solid 32.1% from the perimeter with having the ability to drive as well. The rebounding ability of Freemantle is really good on both ends averaging 8.9 a game. As for defensively, he needs to improve his consistent effort out on the perimeter and utilizing his mobility. Also, he needs to improve his ability to guard the post effectively especially against greater size. Zach Freemantle is very skilled offensively and will be looking to lead Xavier back to the NCAA tournament.
10. Quincy Guerrier Oregon
Guerrier will have a major impact on the frontcourt for Oregon. He brings the ability to be a major factor around the basket providing scoring and rebounding. Furthermore, he has improved his ability to space the floor shooting 31.1% from three and attacking off the dribble. Continued, he has a physicality to his game that makes him be able to draw fouls and power up to around the rim for layups. Also, in the low block, he faces up well with a good feel to attack bigs around the basket. Additionally, he can provide 2nd chance opportunities with his rebound ability, however, he must improve his ability to finish through contact consistently. As well, the growth of his perimeter skills will go a long way in his development. As for the defensive end, he can provide physicality around the basket even though he’s undersized. The improvement needs to come with his ability to guard out on the perimeter. Quincy Guerrier will be one part of a top 10 team in the country at Oregon.
Images Courtesy of, Cleveland.com, Sports Illustrated, Wreck’Em Red
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