Every season the popularity of college basketball seems to grow. In some parts of the country it’s even rumored to be a bigger hit with fans than the NBA itself. One of the reasons for this is that it gives people the chance to spot the stars of tomorrow – the ones who they are sure will be some of the first to be picked in the annual draft.
Of course, there are a huge number of teams to follow, so it’s hard to keep track of all the really big talents waiting for the next step up into the professional game. But here’s a list of eight candidates who might well make that progression.
Ryan Davis, Vermont Catamounts
You only have to look at the stats for Ryan Davis to see why many people are tipping him to be the Player of the Year in the America East Division. He averages 18.5 PPG in a team that is having a phenomenal season. He’s also high up in the conference rankings in terms of scoring and rebounds and has made 58% of his three-point attempts. Together with Vermont born team-mate Ben Shungu, he forms the heart of the team.
Emoni Bates, Memphis
From the American Athletic Congress we have the 6’9” freshman Emoni Bates whose stick-thin physique belies his huge power on the court. He’s also arguably the most hyped 17 year old to come into the world of college basketball for quite some time. But, from the performances that he’s put in so far for the Tennessee team, it certainly looks like it is justified.
Ochai Agbaji, Kansas Jayhawks
At the end of last season, the Jayhawks player had the option of heading straight into the NBA draft, if he chose to do it. But he took the decision that the time wasn’t quite right and that he could benefit from another year at college. It’s paid off and his stunning stats – including a 22.0 PPG in conference games – have made him a shoo-in as a first round pick this year for the lucky team that secures his services.
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
When it comes to college basketball odds, Gonzaga are often one of the teams offering the surest bet. In a team full of potential future stars, freshman Holmgren has played a key role in maintaining the Gonzaga’s winning ways. He’s also being tipped to become only the fourth freshman ever after Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durantto to clinch the prestigious John Wooden Award.
Aaron Estrada, Hofstra Pride
Estrada has been a player who seems to have found it hard to settle in the past. But, after stints at Oregon and St Peter’s he finally seems at home now at Hofstra Pride. He’s consistently averaged over 24 PPG and made 59% of shots within the arc, which says a lot for his accuracy. He’s a true team player too and shows, time and time again, that he’s a real playmaker as well.
Antoine Davis, Detroit Mercy Titans
All season, Davis has proved to be one of the Titans’ most consistent and reliable players, notching up well over 94% floor time in games. But what else would you expect from the son of Mike Davis, the head coach at Detroit? The figures back him up in other ways too with 23.3 PPG and 88% of his free throw efforts coming good. And, when it comes to senior guards, it would be hard to single out a better one in any college team
Nelly Junior Joseph, Iona Gaels
Coach Rick Pitino was set the task of rebuilding Iona after what can only be described as a checkered past. But, thanks to players like Joseph, it’s made his job considerably easier. The sophomore is never less than solid in defence, helping to hold opponents to just 91 points per100 possessions while also scoring over 12 PPG in league play and leaving the offense to do the rest.
Mark Sears, Ohio Bobcats
Last, but not least, we have Mark Sears. While he spent much of last season in the shadow of Jason Preston, this year the point guard has been allowed to excel in his own right. The result has been both personal glory for him with 21.3 PPG and 4.5 APG as well as a great record of victories, and very few losses, for the team. It’s just another example of how, in basketball, it’s often a case of waiting for your chance to shine.
While all of these players are great at college level, there’s no underestimating just how hard it is to make that leap up to the NBA. So some will make it, others may fall by the wayside. But we can be sure that they’ll all be giving 100% to succeed.