*From NCAA Official Website
Players to Watch:
Grayson Allen(G, Duke):
Fasten your seatbelts because we're coming in for a landing. The most polarizing player in the NCAA is back and he's ready to perform for the top ranked Blue Devils this year. Allen finished his junior campaign averaging 14.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 1.0 TPG(trips per game). As demonstrated during his sophomore year, Allen has all the skills to be a top player in the NCAA, but if his behavioral antics continue then it could be another down season for the senior. Whether you love or hate Duke, Allen is a player that you cannot hide from your eyes.
Allonzo Trier(G, Arizona):
Returning for his junior season, Trier finished his sophomore year averaging 17.2 PPG while shooting 46% from the field and 39% from 3-point range. Trier made the smart move in returning to Arizona for his junior year and not entering the NBA Draft. After missing Arizona's first 19 games serving a drug related suspension, the then sophomore product would have been a 2nd round pick. Known for his scoring ability, Trier will be looking to polish the rest of his game during his junior year. In an abbreviated sophomore year, Trier showed his ability to get to the charity stripe as he attempted 116 free throws and made 81% of them. He has all the physical qualities to be a star in the NBA and if Trier can get his mental game going, expect to hear his name called early during the draft.
Miles Bridges(G/F, Michigan State):
After one of the more shocking announcements of the NCAA season, Miles Bridges will be returning for his sophomore year at Michigan State. The freshman guard/forward averaged 16.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 2.1 APG. Bridges was pegged by many to be a back end lottery pick, but decided to stay with the Spartans in hopes of winning the NCAA Championship. Bridges' main flaw is his individual defense. The 6-7, 230 pound framework he possesses needs to be used to its full potential. Now that he's a year older and more mature, many believe Bridges will improve on these deficiencies and elevate himself to possibly winning the Naismith Player of the Year.
Devonte' Graham(G, Kansas):
It's not going to be easy for coach Bill Self to replace Wooden Award recipient Frank Mason III, but you can expect Devonte' Graham to carry most of that load. Going into his senior season, Graham averaged 13.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 4.1 APG last season with the Jayhawks. Graham is one of the most complete players in the country with the ability to score anywhere on the court and very rarely overextends on defense. His ability to switch gears on command gives him an advantage over most of the defenders that guard him. He is quick with his hands, averaging 1.5 SPG and rarely turns the ball over at 1.8 TOPG. If he is able to elevate his shooting stroke, expect Kansas to be in the running for back to back Wooden Award recipients.
Jalen Brunson(G, Villanova):
Welcome to the spotlight Mr. Brunson. With Josh Hart no longer in the picture, it's now Brunson's turn to run the Wildcats. Coming off a sophomore season where he averaged 14.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 4.1 APG, Villanova coach Jay Wright believes that Brunson will now be able to demonstrate his full potential as the top man for the Wildcats. One thing that separated Brunson from the rest of his recruiting class was his high level of maturity. Couple that with winning experience, he was apart of the 2015-2016 championship team, and Brunson is a force to be reckoned with. He may not post the flashiest numbers in the country, but expect Brunson to lead his team on another March Madness run.
Michael Porter Jr.(F, Missouri):
It wouldn't be the NCAA unless some freshmen made this list. Porter, along with fellow freshmen teammates Jontay Porter and Jeremiah Tilmon will being doing their best Houdini impression in hopes of removing the Missouri Tigers from the ashes. Michael Porter Jr. averaged 24.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 2.5 APG while at Nathan Hale High School in Washington. He is a well rounded player who excels while in transition and hitting shots when called upon. He has a soft touch to his shot and prefers to catch and shoot off the bounce. However, he is a bit thin and lacks the ability to make moves while driving, forcing him to drive in a straight line. His pros carry much more weight than his cons though and may be able to carry him to the number one slot in the draft if he decides to go one and done. Will this be the third straight year the number one pick emerges from a struggling program?
Marvin Bagley III(F, Duke):
After a reclassification, Marvin Bagley III will enter the 2017-2018 NCAA season as one of the top two prospects. As a junior at Sierra Canyon High School in California, Bagley averaged 24.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 2.0 BPG. A seemingly rare talent find, Bagley has all the tools to succeed in the NCAA and NBA. He possesses supreme athleticism and the ability to score while in the paint or by utilizing his mid-range jumper. He often draws double teams and is willing to pass the ball and create opportunities for his teammates. He has the ability to shoot the 3, but rarely does because of his continued success in getting to the basket. He is also projected to be an anchor on Duke's defense this year. Bagley is going to be a key contributor in what figures to be a championship run for the Blue Devils this year.
-Bruise (@jabbruzzi16)
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