This is March!
That means it’s time for some end of season awards.
Check out below for an in-depth list of the top sixth men in college basketball during the 2022-23 season:
College Hoops Today National Sixth Man of the Year
Sir’Jabari Rice, Texas: The Longhorns have the best bench in college basketball and Rice is a major reason why. A transfer from New Mexico State, the 6-4 Rice is averaging 12.6 points and 3.5 rebounds this season while shooting a career-high 38.2 percent from three-point range. He’s also averaging 18 points in his last five games and is a two-way threat because of his defensive prowess. Remember: Rice also has NCAA Tournament experience and was part of a team last season at New Mexico State that beat UConn in the in the Round of 64.
Other Finalists
David Singleton, UCLA: Singleton has always been an elite shooter during his career in Westwood, but he’s really emerged as a leader and improved defender in his fifth season of college basketball. His defense was key to the Bruins’ win at Colorado last Sunday when they wrapped up the Pac-12 regular season title and he scored 17 points in Saturday night’s win over Arizona at Pauley Pavilion. The 6-4 Singleton is averaging career-highs in points (9.4), rebounds (2.8), and steals (1.1) while shooting 43.4 percent from long distance.
Pelle Larsson, Arizona: Tommy Lloyd’s decision to put Cedric Henderson in the Wildcats’ starting lineup and make Larsson a key reserve has been a revelation for Arizona. A “swiss army knife” type player, the 6-5 Larsson plays with great pace and regularly fills the box score. Larsson is currently averaging 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists.
Donovan Clingan, UConn: The best backup center in America, Clingan is an all-conference player who happens to play behind an All-American in Adama Sanogo. Nevertheless, he’s still super productive. The 7-1 freshman has tallied 26 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks in his last 54 minutes played. This kid will be an All-Big East player next season as a sophomore and could play a major role for the Huskies during the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
David Joplin, Marquette: Joplin isn’t just one of the best sixth men in college basketball — he’s one of the the sport’s most improved players. After averaging just 2.8 points last season as a freshman, the 6-7 Joplin has made a quantum leap as a sophomore as he now averages 9.2 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 38.4 percent from three-point range. He’s scored eight or more points in 11 of Marquette’s 20 conference games this season.
Honorable Mention
- Jahvon Quinerly, Alabama
- Malachi Smith, Gonzaga
- Jakobe Coles, TCU
- Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern
- Reese Dixon-Waters, USC
Leftovers
- Maryland, South Carolina to meet on Dec. 19th in Baltimore
- INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW (6/9): Guest — Utah State’s Ben Jacobson
- Oklahoma, SMU to begin home-and-home series next season in Dallas
- Matchups set for 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge
- INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW (6/4): Guest — Oregon State’s Justin Joyner
