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The 10 least appreciated players in college basketball

It’s never too early to start looking ahead to next season!

Check below for our list of the 10 least appreciated players in college basketball entering the 21-22 college basketball season.

In no particular order:

Nate Watson, Providence: It’s not an oversight, it’s an insult. If Watson played at Purdue or Michigan State and produced like he’s produced (16.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 60.2 percent from the field), he’d regularly be talked about like he was an All-American. Instead, he’s got to earn his respect. It says here that he’ll do it during his fifth season of college basketball.

Osun Osunniyi, St. Bonaventure: If Kyle Lofton is the lifeblood of St. Bonaventure’s veteran nucleus then Osunniyi is the veins and arteries. The 6-10 big man anchors the Bonnies’ defense on every single possession and had two games last season with seven blocks. Osunniyi is one of the main reasons why St. Bonaventure could be the top non power conference team in college basketball this season not named Gonzaga.

Trent Frazier, Illinois: The best on-ball defender in the Big Ten is back for a fifth season and hopefully he finally gets the recognition that he deserves. A two-way guard with a knack for scoring, Frazier has never averaged less than 9.1 points during his career at Illinois. Don’t be shocked if steps back into a more pronounced offensive role following the departure of Ayo Dosunmu.  

Alex Barcello, BYU: Barcello’s offensive numbers aren’t just good — they’re extraordinary. The 6-2 guard averaged 16.1 points last season while shooting 52.3 percent from the field, 47.7 percent from three-point range, and 85.6 percent from the free throw line. Barcello also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He’s a bonafide All-American candidate as a fifth-year senior. 

David Roddy, Colorado State: Roddy looks like an offensive lineman, but plays like he’s one of the best players in the Mountain West Conference. 6-5 and rugged, the broad shouldered Roddy had 12 double-doubles in 28 games last season for Colorado State en route to averaging 15.9 points and 9.4 rebounds. This kid is a stud. 

Jacob Gilyard, Richmond: Gilyard led Division 1 in steals (3.5) last season and has also made himself into a terrific playmaker, handing out 116 assists a.year ago to just 37 turnovers. Gilyard has also been a double-figure scorer for all four years of his college career. At 5-9, all of those accomplishments are incredible feats. 

Noah Kirkwood, Harvard: The Ivy League’s decision not to play last season due to COVID has left Kirkwood in a brief period of obscurity. It won’t stay that way for long. The 6-7 guard averaged 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists two seasons ago and could be the Ivy League Player of the Year in 21-22. Remember the name.

Kendric Davis, SMU: Davis led the American Athletic Conference in both scoring (18.8) and assists (7.4) last season, but rarely gets talked about nationally. He had three games last season with 20 or more points and 10 or more assists.

Taevion Kinsey, Marshall: Kinsey briefly flirted with the NBA Draft before opting to return to school for his senior season. Don’t be shocked if he’s the Conference-USA Player of the Year and emerges as a legitimate candidate to be an All-American. A tremendous athlete at 6-5, Kinsey refined his offense last season and averaged an impressive 19.5 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 53.2 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from three-point range, and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.

Justin Bean, Utah State: One Mountain West coach recently referred to Bean as the league’s Dennis Rodman. It’s hard to argue with that sentiment. The 6-7 forward has done everything for the Aggies over the past two seasons, tallying 26 double-doubles during that span. There’s no 50-50 plays when Bean’s on the floor — it’s 90/10 in favor of the Aggies’ unsung star.

Leftovers