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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:

Mason Gillis, Purdue: The Boilers are 85-17 over the past three seasons and this guy is a major reason why. Arguably the top intangible player in the sport, Gillis provides spacing on offense and does dirty work on defense. Purdue’s best lineup features the 6-6 Gillis as a stretch power forward alongside Zach Edey in the pivot. The Boilers are 38-4 over the past four seasons in games where Gillis has made multiple three-point shots.

Harrison Ingram, North Carolina: People from the periphery know all about R.J. Davis and Armando Bacot, but Ingram has also had a major hand in the Tar Heels’ turnaround season. A transfer from Stanford, the 6-7 Ingram has provided bounce, athleticism, and defensive versatility. He’s already grabbed 63 more rebounds than the highest rebound total he tallied in a single season at Stanford. Ingram also already has 45 steals — he had 55 combined during his first two seasons with the Cardinal. Keep your eye on this guy during March Madness.

Adou Thiero, Kentucky: The Wildcats’ offense has captivated college basketball, which is directly related to playing someone like this guy as a small ball power forward. Thiero is one of the few players on Kentucky’s roster that can have a great impact on the game without demanding shots. The 6-8 sophomore is averaging 12 points and seven rebounds this season in games where he’s played 30 minutes or more.

Stevie Mitchell, Marquette: No player epitomizes what Shaka Smart has built in Milwaukee more than Mitchell. Cut from the same cloth as some of the guys that Smart coached when he was at VCU, the speedy Mitchell is unapologetic for who he is every day. A fierce competitor who boasts cheetah like speed in the open floor, this 6-3 guard is an absolute pest defensively. Opposing players should take it as a major compliment if Mitchell is the one that’s guarding them.

Anton Watson, Gonzaga: It may feel like Watson will be eligible for Social Security in a few years, but he’s just a fifth-year veteran who knows what he’s good at and is good at what he knows. While he’s become more of an offensive threat in his fifth season of college basketball, the 6-8 Watson is still most valuable as a blend guy on offense who can guard multiple positions on defense. During his tenure in Spokane, the Bulldogs have won 89 percent of their games.

K.J. Adams, Kansas: Adams played out of position at center last season, but moved back to power forward when the Jayhawks landed Hunter Dickinson out of the transfer portal. He hasn’t looked back since. 6-8 and bouncy, Adams is averaging career-highs in points (12.2), rebounds (4.5), assists (3.2), and steals (1.2). For Kansas, he’s an invaluable piece.

Josiah-Jordan James, Tennessee: The Vols’ decision to primarily play James at the four has allowed better rhythm and flow to their offense. Rick Barnes calls James a “fix it” guy. He couldn’t be more right. Whatever Tennessee needs done, this guy does. A valuable ball mover on offense and versatile defender on defense, the 6-6 James will have a major role in whether or not the Vols can wind up as a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.

Ian Schieffelin, Clemson: If you thought that the Tigers’ front court was only about PJ Hall then you’re surely mistaken. The rugged Schieffelin has made a massive jump from his sophomore to junior season and at 6-8, has given Clemson a physical presence next to Hall up front. He’s already tallied nine double-doubles this season. There’s no way that the Tigers would be going to the NCAA Tournament without him.

Richie Saunders, BYU: Have you ever had someone that made you want to do a pushup on a picket fence? That’s the way I feel when I watch Saunders play. Many people didn’t expect the Cougars to play in the NCAA Tournament in their first season in the Big 12, but they didn’t know that BYU had players like this on its roster. A versatile piece who refuses to be outworked, the 6-5 Saunders often out wills the opponent with the biggest weapon that he has — his heart.

Cam Matthews, Mississippi State: Chris Jans is on the verge of taking Mississippi State to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. It wouldn’t have happened without Matthews. Of all the players that personify Jans’ tough-minded approach, Matthews is at the top of the list. Capable of guarding five different positions, Matthews is a 6-7 swiss army knife who gets a little better each and every time that he takes the floor.

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