11. Ochai Agbaji Kansas
Agbaji had a very good junior season showing major growth in his game being the go-to option offensively. Next, he showed the ability to be a great catch and shoot three-point shooter in the half-court as well as in transition at 37.3% from three. Also, he does a good job of moving without the basketball getting into scoring areas effectively. Additionally, he is really good off the dribble with getting penetration for mid-range jumpers and finishes strong around the basket. The ability for Agbaji to be a three-level scorer with his size and shooting makes him a very difficult matchup for defenders. Continued, Agabaji’s ability to play in the open floor is great with the attacking and shooting ability. The area Agbaji could become a greater factor would be on the boards on both ends of the floor. Now defensively, he’s very good on the perimeter with his on-ball pressure and size. The effort for Aagbaji defensively is consistently there and his activity matched with physical traits makes him a lockdown perimeter defender. Ochai Agbaji will have a tremendous Senior season for Kansas next season.
12. Jahvon Quinerly Alabama
Quinerly had a very good sophomore season for Alabama fitting in perfectly with the style of play. Now, the biggest change for Quinerly was his shooting ability from three at 43.3% off the dribble and catch effectively. Next, he is very good off the dribble creating space for his shot and has the ability to get to the basket with ease. Furthermore, he has a really good feel in ball screens with the ability to use them to get downhill to the basket. Continued, his finishing around the basket is really good. Additionally, the ability to use either hand is impressive from Quinerly and makes him very efficient around the basket. Continued, the area he could have greater growth would be as a playmaker for others being their primary point guard. Also, he has the capabilities to be dynamic in transition with the basketball with the pace he plays with. As for defensively, he brings good effort on the basket and has solid positioning. He could become even more active on the basketball and force turnovers more often. Quinerly will be the most exciting point guard in the country with his pace and finishing ability.
13. Buddy Boeheim Syracuse
Boeheim had a breakout season for Syracuse and by the NCAA tournament was one of the best scorers in the country. Furthermore, he has really good size to get shots over defenders and his movement on the perimeter off screens consistently gets him great position on the perimeter. Also, he has improved his ability to put the ball down for pull-up jumpers along with being able to get to the rim. Next, his footwork on the perimeter is impressive being able to use head fakes as well to create separation for his shot. Additionally, his quick shot release is really good matched with his effectiveness at 38.3% from three. Continued, he is a great threat in transition with the shooting range. Boeheim has the ability to be a knockdown catch and shoot player. Now defensively, he is solid in the 2-3 zone with his positioning and size. Boeheim will be one of the best scorers in college basketball entering next season for Syracuse.
14. Terrance Shannon Jr. Texas Tech
Shannon Jr. had a very good sophomore season for Texas Tech elevating his offensive game to another level. First off, he showcased his improvement from shooting from three at 35.7%. Additionally, he has a very good size and skill level with the basketball to get downhill and finish at the rim. Next, his versatility to play on and off the basketball is really good being able to be diverse in how he gets his offense. Also, his body control around the basket with the ability to finish effectively is good. Furthermore, he needs to continue to develop his game by making shots off the dribble in the midrange area. The improvement of being able to space the floor as a shooter is an added element to his game. As for defensively, he has the physical traits with his length and size to be disruptive on and off the basketball. Also, the ability to continue to improve his positioning would allow him to take the next step on this end. Shannon Jr. will be in contention for Big 12 Player of the Year and looking to bring Texas Tech back to the NCAA tournament.
15. Jalen Duren Memphis
Duren is one of the most highly touted freshmen in the country and will look to have a significant impact on Memphis. Now, he will be an imposing force for Memphis in the interior which will draw extra attention on post touches. Furthermore, his athleticism will be showcased around the basket with his finishing and rebounding, as well as, his ability to run the floor effectively in transition. Next, he will have solid touch around the basket and being a consistent force Memphis will be vital. Also, defensively, he has the athleticism and motor to be a major force protecting the lane and basket. Therefore, Duren will be the anchor of the Memphis defense with his shot-blocking presence. Duren will look to be a focal point for Memphis to have a deep NCAA tournament run.
Images Courtesy of, Fox Sports, Syracuse University Athletics
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