The College basketball season is right around the corner, and there’s a bevy of talented players ready to become household names this year. There’s a solid crop of upperclassmen returning and newcomers ready to make their debuts that will make this year’s college basketball season one rife with juicy storylines. Here’s a preview of five players to watch this upcoming season:
Drew Timme, F- Gonzaga
Timme enters the season as the favorite for National Player of the Year. At 6′ 10, Timme has a soft touch around the rim and averaged 19 points per game for the Bulldogs last year. Timme helped lead Gonzaga to a 31-1 record in 2020 ultimately falling short to Baylor in the Finals. The forward is a key part of the Bulldogs defense which is often overlooked owing to their prolific scoring. Timme may very well be the best player on the best team in the nation
Johnny Juzang, G- UCLA
Juzang averaged 23 points per game for UCLA in the NCAA Tournament and helped lead the Bruins to the Final Four. He is one of many returning players coming back to a UCLA team that should contend for the title. Juzang is known for making tough contested shots and should be someone NBA scouts will be keeping tabs on throughout the year. Don’t be surprised to see him in the running for Player of the Year as well.
Paolo Banchero, F- Duke
Banchero is a freshman with tremendous upside. At 6’10 240 pounds he’s a handful for opposing defenders. But he can also handle the ball and hit three-point shots meaning he’s a matchup nightmare for opposing bigs. Banchero can score in the low post while also possessing a solid defensive side to his game as well. Banchero will make Coach K’s final season a memorable one.
Kofi Cockburn, C- Illinois
Cockburn has length and the ability to finish inside. He was second-team All-American last year and will be a focal point of the Illini offense and defense this season. Cockburn averaged 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last year while shooting 65% from the field. The 7 footer should dominate inside this year for Illinois but could be sidelined for the first three games of the year due to an NCAA violation where he reportedly sold memorabilia before the new NIL rules came into effect.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, F- Indiana
Jackson-Davis burst onto the scene last year, averaging 19 points and nine rebounds per game on his way to being named first-team All-Big Ten. The Hoosier forward showed the ability to create his own shot even when surrounded by lesser talent. Under coach Mike Woodson, look for Jackson-Davis to improve his perimeter shot to have a more well-rounded game. Heading into his 3rd year in Indiana, there’s little doubt now that the Hoosier offense will run through Trayce.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83