He’s also the player most responsible for making sure the Wildcats don’t take a dramatic step backwards in 2019-20. His shot-blocking skills and improved jump shot proved essential to his team’s success. His ability to score with finesse and distribute to a host of quality three-point shooters gave San Diego State one of the country’s most potent attacks, to accompany an equally staunch defense. That’s welcome news for a guy who seems willing to pull up from just about any spot across halfcourt. Find players No. Few players anywhere work harder on both ends of the floor and set the tone the way he does, and had had Kansas poised to thrive in March as a result. He might be the best finishing guard in college basketball, and few mid-major players meant more to their programs. Already one of the top interior defenders in college basketball, Teske became a legitimate offensive threat for the first time in his college career last season. He was the most punishing player in the country, and perhaps the least enjoyable matchup in college basketball. He’s the only returning starter from last year’s 20-win team, and should be the Orange’s No. Dosunmu’s fingerprints are all over Illinois’s resurgence as the first big recruit to commit to Brad Underwood, and his decision to stay in college proved fruitful. 100 through No. Assuming Jordan Bohannon is never healthy enough to play this season, Wieskamp is going to be the guy for Fran McCaffery. A deep West Virginia team bounced back in a big way this year, and Tshiebwe was a consistent, physical force during his minutes, leading the country in offensive rebounding rate, finishing well around the rim, shooting respectably from the foul line and turning in a strong year on whole. Western Illinois’ Final Four run in Year 22, continued, UNC Basketball will play in the Maui Invitational... in Asheville, A college basketball bubble appears to be coming to Louisville. 64 Here at SI, we set out to rank the best of the best, the Top 50 of a men's season that's was filled with twists and turns. *Freshman Qualifiers are not … The rankings were determined with a number of things in mind—stats, of course, were a primary factor, but talent level, importance to team, supporting cast, team success and any other unique circumstances were also given consideration. Marquette finished the season in a funk, but Howard’s individual brilliance remains of note. Although Perry’s shot selection can still be frustrating at times, he remained one of the most productive rebounders and stat-stuffing players in the country, and Mississippi State remained mostly successful on the strength of his play. Mays was the only LSU player to start all 35 games last season, averaging 13.4 points per game for the SEC regular season champions. Smart had an ... interesting ... freshman season in which he averaged 11.1 points and 2.4 assists per game. 51, This pro wrestler pooped himself mid-match, then turned it into the promo of the year, "I’m going to have to check my underwear because I may have sharted.". Repeating his outstanding 2018-19 was always going to be tough for Winston, and that was before his world was rocked by the death of his brother just days into his senior season. Rakocevic may suit up for a program that has a reputation for being a little bipolar, but personally he’s about as reliable a player as there is in the Pac-12. Cowan cemented his legacy as a four-year starter and top-10 scorer in Maryland history, showing improved decision-making along the way. His instincts, long limbs and aggressiveness around the ball were a key component for the Seminoles, and his improved individual shot-making skills supplied an equal-opportunity attack with much-needed scoring punch and spacing. Quickley bounced back from an underwhelming freshman year to become the most consistent contributor on another good Kentucky team, leading the Wildcats in scoring and become their only major threat shooting from the perimeter. No player left their stamp on this season quite like Toppin did, which often took place in mid-air, with flourish and emphasis. — ed. Bey probably didn’t get enough credit as the versatile backbone for what was largely a good Colorado team, and as one of the best high-energy bigs in the country. Naji Marshall is going to be the frontman for this year’s Xavier team, but Scruggs showed glimpses down the stretch of last season that he has the ability to be an All-Big East performer. The presumptive No. Henry entered the starting lineup midway through last season, and every now and then provided Michigan State fans with a glimpse into a very bright future. Before that, he was the driving force for two highly successful Aggie teams. Without Okongwu, USC likely wouldn’t have been sniffing anywhere close to an at-large bid, with his superb efficiency (61.2% FG) and elite interior defense (2.7 blocks per game) granting his teammates a comfortable margin for error.