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The Top 12 Glue Guys in College Basketball

Everyone loves All-Americans and top flight NBA prospects, but there’s nothing like a great Glue Guy. 

Check out our list of 12 below.

In no particular order:

Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee: Mashack received national headlines last weekend for his buzzer beater against Alabama, but the true college basketball junkies are well aware of daily impact. The toughest player in the sport, this 6-4 guard makes more “non scoring” big plays than anyone in the country and is in the pole position to be the National Defensive Player of the Year. If I was going to a fight, Mashack would be my first pick.

Sion James, Duke: Built like a Greek God, the 6-4 James has completely stabilized the Blue Devils’ perimeter after transferring from Tulane. A capable ball handler and stalwart defender, James’ physicality has had a major hand in Duke’s best defensive team yet under Jon Scheyer. Remember this guy’s name over the next few weeks as the Blue Devils aim to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament.

J’Wan Roberts, Houston: There were moments this season when Roberts looked like he had graduated from Glue Guy status, but it just wouldn’t feel right making a list like this without him. The all-time winningest player in the history of the Cougars’ program, the 6-9 Roberts has been a consistent interior presence for Houston under Kelvin Sampson by regularly dethroning opponents with the biggest weapon he has — his heart.

Andersson Garcia, Texas A&M: Known as “The Dominican Rodman”, the 6-7 Garcia has become a fan favorite in College Station thanks to relentless ability to go after the basketball. His 11-point, 11-rebound, five-assist performance in Tuesday night’s win over Auburn was a tremendous highlight to what has already been a terrific run with the Aggies. Garcia has been a key part of Texas A&M’s rise under Buzz Williams during the past two seasons.

Jaden Bradley, Arizona: Like a driver who always observes the speed limit, Bradley’s calming presence has been tangible since he transferred to Tuscon a few years ago. Capable of regularly filling the box score, the 6-3 Bradley touches all areas of game and is averaging career-highs in points (11.6), rebounds (3.4), assists (3.8), and steals (2.0). He’s been a major part of this program’s successful transition to the Big 12 this season under Tommy Lloyd.

Ian Schieffelin, Clemson: Schieffelin’s consistency inside has helped the Tigers get in position to secure a high seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The 6-8 power forward has tallied 17 games this season with at least eight point and rebounds. Schieffelin doesn’t get as much as attention as Chase Hunter (16.3 points) when people talk about Clemson, but he’s an indispensable piece for Brad Brownell. There’s absolutely no way that the Tigers are 24-5 without him.

Mouhamed Dioubate, Alabama: There are no 50/50 plays when Dioubate’s on the floor — they’re 90/10 in the Crimson Tide’s favor. The 6-7 forward has carved out an incredible role in Alabama’s rotation because he doesn’t demand shots on offense. This is the guy that regularly fills the mortar between the bricks in Tuscaloosa.

Aaron Scott, St. John’s: The Red Storm have three players — Kadary Richmond, R.J. Luis, and Zuby Ejiofor — who will earn All-Big East honors next week, but Scott has also had a major hand in this program’s revival under Rick Pitino. A capable defender and timely three-point shooter, the 6-8 Scott has regularly made big plays this season for St. John’s when his number was called. Keep a close eye on Scott during March Madness.

Hassan Diarra, UConn: A two-time national champion, the 6-foot Diarra has been pressed into extended minutes this season as a starter. It hasn’t stopped his intangibles or his ball security. A fierce defender, Diarra will enter tonight’s game against Marquette averaging a career-high 1.5 steals along with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.7:1. This guy has been rock solid for Dan Hurley over the past few seasons.

Tre Holloman, Michigan State: Tom Izzo’s decision to amplify Holloman’s minutes at the Maui Invitational ignited the Spartans’ ascension as a team. A capable ball handler and ball mover, Holloman immediately augments Michigan State’s rhythm, flow, and chemistry as soon as he steps on the floor. Another thing people don’t realize? When he plays well, so do the Spartans. Michigan State is 8-0 this season in games where Holloman has scored in double figures.

Stevie Mitchell, Marquette: Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones have gotten a lot of the attention regarding Marquette’s perimeter over the past few years, but it would be foolish to forget about Mitchell. Without his presence, this program doesn’t become what it’s become since it hired Shaka Smart in 2021. He’ll finish his college career with four NCAA Tournament appearances, at least one Big East regular season and Tournament title, and at least one trip to the Sweet 16. Expect Smart to be very emotional this Saturday during Senior Day at Fiserv Forum in what will be Mitchell’s final home game.

Cam Matthews, Mississippi State: The Bulldogs are on the verge on advancing to their third straight NCAA Tournament under Chris Jans and Matthews is a major reason why. Like a Queen on a chessboard, the 6-7 Matthews can defend all five positions on the court and is one of the most versatile players in the sport. He’s already tallied 11 games this season with at least four points, four rebounds, and four assists.

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