It’s never too early to start looking ahead to next season!
Check below for our list of 10 Glue Guys to watch for the 20-21 college basketball season.
In no particular order:
Mark Vital, Baylor: This undersized power forward doesn’t get the consistent attention he deserves when it comes to Baylor’s success, but those in Waco know that Vital is the gas in the Bears’ engine. 6-5 and versatile, Vital is an elite defender who possesses the ability to guard multiple positions.There’s no way Scott Drew’s squad would have won 26 games last season without him.
Brock Cunningham, Texas: Can a player who only averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds really be on this list? Only if that player is Cunningham. This 6-6 forward had an integral role in Texas’ surge towards the NCAA Tournament last February, as evidenced by an eight-point, 11-rebound performance in a late-season win at Oklahoma. How tenacious is this guy? Think Russell Crowe in Gladiator.
Kyle Young, Ohio State: Chris Holtmann loves Young almost as much as he loves his own daughter. The 6-8 forward always seems to be in the right place at the right time for Ohio State, providing intangibles in critical moments. There’s no such thing as a 50-50 play when Young is on the floor; those plays are 90-10 in favor of the Buckeyes.
Gabe Osabuohien, West Virginia: People from the periphery know all about Oscar Tshiebwe and Derek Culver, but only the true die hards know about Osabuohien. The 6-7 forward leads the nation in floor burns and loose balls won, often tantalizing opponents with the biggest weapon he has — his heart.
Connor McCaffery, Iowa: Like a swiss army knife, McCaffery can complete many different tasks. If you need him to rebound, he’ll rebound. If you need him to pass, he’ll pass. And if you need him to take care of the ball, there’s not many better. McCaffery only committed 27 turnovers in 933 minutes played last season; that’s one turnover every 34.5 minutes.
Da’Monte Williams, Illinois: Illinois is on track to have its best season since 2005 and needs to have somebody on the floor that doesn’t need the ball to have an impact. That’s Williams. The 6-3 guard shut down Lamar Stevens in a late-season win at Penn State, holding the talented forward to 13 points. He’ll have a major role for the Illini in 20-21.
Darryl Morsell, Maryland: Markus Howard was college basketball’s leading scorer last season, but he only tallied six points when Marquette lost to Maryland. Why? Morsell. A ruthless competitor, the 6-5 Morsell thrives on challenges. He’ll play a big role in whether or not the Terps can reach the NCAA Tournament in 2021.
Jaime Jaquez, UCLA: UCLA’s chemistry completely changed last season when Mick Cronin inserted Jaquez into the Bruins’ starting lineup as a small ball four-man. The 6-6 wing can rebound, defend, pass, and make shots when needed. UCLA was 10-4 last season in games where Jaquez played 30 minutes or more.
Jordan Goldwire, Duke: You can’t measure Goldwire’s impact with a box score. A valuable ball mover and defender, this 6-2 guard knows how to impact a team without demanding shots. How much does Duke value Goldwire? He played 15 minutes or more in every single ACC game last season.
Brad Davison, Wisconsin: Davison is passionate about two things: Wisconsin’s basketball program and winning. Much like former Badgers like Josh Gasser and Zak Showalter, Davison does all the little things needed that contribute to success. He may not be well liked by opponents, but this 6-4 guard is beloved in Madison.
