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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:

Sam Hoiberg, Nebraska: The Huskers are one of the great stories of the 2025-26 college basketball season and Hoiberg is a major reason why. A stalwart defender, timely three-point shooter (38.9 percent), and capable ball mover, this 6-foot senior boasts an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 5:1. The son of Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, Sam Hoiberg does all the little things that affect winning and often dethrones opponents with the biggest weapon he has — his heart.

Dillon Mitchell, St. John’s: Rick Pitino’s decision to amplify Mitchell’s minutes completely changed the trajectory of the Red Storm’s season. A versatile forward who can have a major impact without demanding shots, the 6-8 Mitchell can guard all five positions and has thrived for St. John’s as a point forward. More than capable of filling all areas of the box score, Mitchell has had six games this season with at least five points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Urban Klavzar, Florida: The Gators are 15-2 in games this season where Klavzar scores in double figures and he’s going to be an incredibly critical piece in this team’s quest to win a second straight national title. A tremendous floor spacer and ball mover in the flow of an offense, Klavzar’s ability to add offensive spacing and make open shots has been a major reason for Florida’s massive success in SEC play. He’s made three or more three-point shots in eight of the Gators’ 17 games in conference play.

Ivan Kharchenkov, Arizona: The unsung member of the Wildcats’ freshman class in the preseason is definitely not unsung anymore. One of the best defenders in college basketball, the 6-7 Kharchenkov is as comfortable in his own skin as any player in the sport. Throughout Arizona’s 28-2 season, he’s made an impact as a defender, rebounder, and even lately as a scorer as he’s hit double figures in five of his last seven games.

Maliq Brown, Duke: Brown is the least heralded member of the Blue Devils’ front court, but he’s still very, very important to the overall operation in Durham. Blessed with the versatility of a Queen on a chessboard, the 6-9 Brown can guard different spots on the floor and also cover up holes in the cracks of Duke’s defense. You can’t measure what this guy does in a box score.

Nate Heise, Iowa State: T.J. Otzelberger has felt all season that Heise was the Cyclones’ X-Factor and that could wind up coming to fruition in this year’s rendition of March Madness. A sixth-year senior who has seen just about everything in his college career, the 6-5 Heise is an excellent rebounder for a guard and has had 14 games this season with five or more rebounds. He also made a huge three-point shot late in the game when Iowa State beat Houston last month at Hilton Coliseum. Whatever “it” is, Heises possesses.

Billy Richmond, Arkansas: People have nicknamed the 6-6 Richmond “Billy Goat” and that’s for good reason. A fan favorite at Bud Walton Arena, Richmond is a coach’s dream because he plays harder than anyone else on the floor and can also single handedly elevate a team without being an offensive focal point. There’s not a better intangible guy in the sport.

Jake Davis, Illinois: Pat Riley once said that “injury is opportunity”. Davis was obviously listening. When the Illini lost Kylan Boswell for a month with a hand injury, Davis stepped in and has since amplified his game. A lethal three-point shooter (41.6 percent) at 6-6, Davis can drill shots from long distance, but he never forces anything within the confines of Illinois’ offense. This guy knows what he’s good at and is good at what he knows.

Jalen Warley, Gonzaga: How have the Bulldogs remained afloat with Braden Huff (17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds) out of the lineup since early January with a knee injury? This guy has had a lot to do with it. Warley plays much bigger than his 6-7 frame and has logged a plethora of minutes this season as a small-ball power forward. Not many people know about this guy, but he’s unequivocally one of the best utility players in the sport.

Chendall Weaver, Texas: Sean Miller got an up close look at Weaver last year when the Longhorns lost to Xavier — who Miller was coaching at the time — in the First Four in Dayton. One year later, the 6-3 guard has been a linchpin in another run for Texas to the NCAA Tournament under Miller. An elite defender who can also connect a team on both sides of the floor, Weaver is the epitome of a guy who truly fills the mortar between the bricks.

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