Which guys in college basketball aren’t receiving enough appreciation?
Check out our list of 10 below.
In no particular order:
Tre Scott, Cincinnati: Scott has gone from role player to all-conference guy in what has turned out to be a memorable senior season for the gritty forward. Hard playing and always filled with bounds of energy, the 6-8 Scott is averaging a double-double — 11.2 points and 10.4 rebounds — for the Bearcats in their first season under John Brannen.
Nate Hinton, Houston: The best rebounding guard that Kelvin Sampson has ever coached gives new meaning to the word relentless. Despite only standing 6-5, Hinton averages 9.0 rebounds and has had 10 games this season with 10 or more rebounds. Nobody in college basketball plays harder than this kid.
Remy Martin, Arizona State: If Payton Pritchard wasn’t having the type of year he’s having for Oregon, Martin would have a real chance to be the Pac-12 Player of the Year. The 6-foot guard scores, defends, and gets his teammates opportunities. Martin has scored 22 or more points in three of his last four games.
Samir Doughty, Auburn: A starter on last year’s team that reached the Final Four, Doughty still isn’t getting enough credit for his attributes. A capable defender that can score or initiate things offensively, Doughty has had a major hand in Auburn’s ability to remain atop the SEC standings.
Chris Clarke, Texas Tech: There’s no better “swiss army knife” in college basketball than Clarke, who has found a home in Lubbock under Chris Beard. A versatile point forward at 6-6 that can facilitate, score, and rebound, Clarke isn’t necessarily great at any one thing. He is though, very good at everything. This is the type of player that could shine during the NCAA Tournament thanks to his versatility.
Jalen Harris, Nevada: Steve Alford is running out of adjectives for this transfer from Louisiana Tech, who would be the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year if Malachi Flynn wasn’t at San Diego State. The 6-5 Harris is a mismatch nightmare for bigger opponents and regularly carves up the opposition. He’s scored 28 or more points in six straight games.
Colbey Ross, Pepperdine: This 6-1 junior guard is second the WCC in scoring (20.3) and first in assists (7.2). Ross also averages 4.4 rebounds for a Pepperdine team that could play spoiler in late February and March.
Jayden Gardner, East Carolina: Imagine this kid played for a blue blood? The 6-7 forward has produced at a high level throughout his collegiate career and that’s only continued this season. A below the rim front court player, Gardner has already posted 11 double-doubles in 19-20 and is averaging 19.9 points and 9.5 rebounds.
Mason Jones, Arkansas: Eric Musselman knew immediately that Jones would have to play a big role when he took the Arkansas job last April and that’s come to fruition. The 6-5 Jones is up in all major statistical categories from last season and has emerged into one of the best players in the SEC.
Jhivvan Jackson, UTSA: College basketball’s leading scorer behind Marquette’s Markus Howard is a hidden gem. The 6-foot Jackson is averaging 26.9 points and has already had two games this season where he scored 40 or more points.
