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The Top 10 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 10 below.

In no particular order:

Andre Jackson, UConn: Arguably the top intangible player in the sport, the 6-6 Jackson can affect a game by rebounding, facilitating, or defending. More than capable of playing multiple positions, Jackson often impacts the game with the biggest weapon that he has — his heart.

Jamal Shead, Houston: Shead averaged 15 points and 4.5 assists during last year’s NCAA Tournament, but had to recalibrate his role because the Cougars got both Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark back from injury. He’s still had a major hand in things for Houston. Shead is currently leading the Cougars in assists (5.5) and is tied for first in steals (1.7). He’s a big piece to the puzzle for Kelvin Sampson’s team, who is now 27-2.

Mason Gillis, Purdue: Zach Edey is obviously the focal point of Purdue’s front court, but Gillis is the one that truly fills the cement in between the cracks. Capable of diving for a loose ball, taking a charge, or hitting a timely three-point shot to extend the defense, Gillis has proven to be a quality complement to Edey and the other members of the Boilers’ baseline. This is truly a selfless member of Purdue’s basketball program.

Kyle Bowen, Saint Mary’s: There’s always players in college basketball that opponents “love to hate”. That’s Bowen in a nutshell. Tough, feisty, and downright stubborn, this 6-8 forward personifies Saint Mary’s overall toughness. He’s also had four games this season with 12 or more rebounds.

Kevin McCullar, Kansas: Bill Self knew that McCullar would be a perfect fit for his hard nosed style as soon as he landed him out of the transfer portal from Texas Tech. While everyone immediately thinks of Jalen Wilson, Gradey Dick, and now even Dajuan Harris when they think of the Jayhawks, the 6-6 McCullar is also an integral piece to Kansas’ operation. A stalwart defender, McCullar leads his team in steals (2.1) and is second in rebounding (7.3).

Stevie Mitchell, Marquette: The Golden Eagles are a breathtaking offensive team, but they still need someone to do their dirty work. That someone is Mitchell. A bundle of energy, the 6-2 sophomore is an elite defender and blends tremendously within this team’s makeup. Mitchell has 15 steals in his last four games.

Connor McCaffery, Iowa: Tougher than airport traffic on Thanksgiving Eve, McCaffery’s fifth season of college basketball has been a productive one. A fierce defender who always plays with an edge, the 6-6 McCaffery also is one of the best in the sport at taking care of the basketball. He currently has 104 assists to just 26 turnovers.

Matthew Nicholson, Northwestern: How does Chris Collins have the Wildcats in position to make the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history after losing both Pete Nance and Ryan Young to the transfer portal? This guy had a lot to do with it. The 7-foot Nicholson has been tremendous as an interior defender for Northwestern while also serving as a capabler finisher around the rim on offense. The Wildcats wouldn’t be headed to the NCAA Tournament without him.

Anton Watson, Gonzaga: Watson is having the best offensive season of his career as he’s averaging in double figures (11.2 points) for the first time, but that doesn’t mean that he’s ready to graduate from “Glue Guy” status just yet. A sensational defender who can guard perimeter players nearly as well as he can defend productive guys in the post, the 6-8 Watson has won multiple games this season for Gonzaga with his defense. He doesn’t get the same amount of attention as Drew Timme or Julian Strawther, but he’s quietly an indispensable piece in Spokane.

Caleb McConnell, Rutgers: The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is in position to play in his third straight NCAA Tournament at Rutgers. Think about that for a second. The 6-7 McConnell is never the focal point of an opponent’s scouting report, but continues to make life miserable for the best player on the other team. He got a critical defensive stop against Jalen Pickett late in Sunday’s win over Penn State in State College and completely neutralized the All-American for the bulk of the second half.

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