The 2015-16 NCAA Basketball season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to take a look at the best players in the country. Below we give you the top ten best college basketball players you’ll need to keep an eye on. If you love college hoops, then you can’t miss out on this collection of talented young men. Who knows? You may even find these bright young men in the NBA as soon as next year.
Delve deeper into the upcoming college basketball season. Check out our collection of the best backcourt players with the top 10 point guards and top 10 shooting guards.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]The Top Ten Best College Basketball Players in the Country
10. Tyler Ulis (Kentucky)
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Tyler Ulis played a pivotal role in Kentucky’s march to the Final Four last season, making 42 percent of his three pointers. He had a 3.6-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio as he was clearly the Wildcats’ best point guard despite coming off the bench in relief of the more heralded Andrew Harrison. With the Harrison twins now, as well as the twin towers of Karl Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky is Ulis’ for the taking.
9. Melo Trimble (Maryland)
Melo Trimble was just a freshman last season, but he led the Terrapins with 16.2 points per game on 44 percent shooting. Trimble was efficient from beyond the arc, making 41 percent of his three-pointers. He also made regular trips to the line, making 207 of 240 free throw attempts. Expect Trimble to get even better this year in an attempt to boost his draft stock.
8. Jaylen Brown (California)
A versatile freshman guard Jaylen Brown makes his way to California, boosting the Golden Bears’ chances of winning the Pac-12. Brown is a powerful, but graceful athlete who could play anywhere from the 2 to 4 spots. He’s expected to be the best player in California, which makes him one of the players to watch this season.
7. Skal Labisssiere (Kentucky)
Think of Jahlil Okafor when taking a look at rookie Kentucky forward/center Skal Labissiere. While he may not have the same post moves, Labissiere has more range in his jumper. He’s the top-ranked freshman in college basketball and could also become the first overall pick in next summer’s NBA Draft.
6. Jamal Murray (Kentucky)
Jamal Murray has made a name for himself as one of the best players in his age group. He was impressive at the Basketball Without Borders camp as well as the Nike Hoop Summit. Murray was also spectacular in the Pan-American games this summer, putting up expectations that he’ll be Kentucky’s No. 1 option to score this year.
5. Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga)
Gonzaga big man Kyle Wiltjer is about to have a huge season much like last year. He averaged 16.8 points per game, while shooting 46 percent of his three-pointers and 54 percent overall as a transferee from Kentucky. Wiltjer should be more than enough to give his team another WCC title.
4. Buddy Hield (Oklahoma)
Buddy Hield is Oklahoma’s unquestioned leader heading into the 2015-16 NCAA Basketball season. The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, Hield is a dual-threat guard who’s comfortable in the paint or on the perimeter. He’s gotten better and better as the years have gone by, most recently putting up career-highs of 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season.
3. Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
Denzel Valentine was a big reason while Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans made the Final Four for the seventh time. Valentine averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists last season as he shot 42 percent from three-point range.
2. Kris Dunn (Providence)
Kris Dunn is arguably one of the best guards in college basketball entering the upcoming season. He’s a high-energy point guard with disruptive defense and NBA size to boot. He improved heavily last season, putting up 15.6 points and 7.5 assists per game after avergaging just 3.8 points and five assists in his rookie year. Expect bigger things from Dunn this time around.
1. Ben Simmons (LSU)
Ben Simmons is the unanimous best player entering the new college basketball season. He’s already been proclaimed “tank-worthy” for struggling NBA teams. Simmons is a talented point forward who could direct fast breaks. While he may struggle to create his own opportunities, he has the passing to find open teammates to sink buckets.
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