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Friday, August 23, 2013

Top 3 Players From Every NCAA Basketball Power Conference

ACC

3. P.J. Hairston, UNC
Hairston has been is a lot of legal trouble this offseason. He will most likely miss games, but his star power makes up for that. Hairston is a lights-out shooter from everywhere on the court. As his offense keeps getting better, his defense should improve as well.

2. Jabari Parker, Duke
Parker, an incoming freshman, is very highly rated. He landed a Sports Illustrated cover calling him the best high school basketball player since LeBron, and for good reason. He is a star offensive player and a stupendous defender.

1. C.J. Fair, Syracuse
Fair has been upping his game every single year he has been at 'Cuse, and no reason to stop now. With last year's "Big Three" of Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Triche, and James Southerland gone, the left-handed star will get more touches and more chances to score. Aside from leading Syracuse in scoring and rebounding last year, he provides excellent energy with his dunks and highlights.

Honorable Mentions: Rodney Hood(Duke), Dez Wells(Maryland), and Joe Harris(Virginia)

AAC

3. Shabazz Napier, UConn
Napier has been a big name over the years, and he is finally a senior. He will be leading a talented Connecticut team that could go deep into March. Napier is a great passer, a ball hawk, and a knockdown shooter.

2. Monztrel Harrell, Louisville
Harrell exploded in the final Big East tournament and the NCAA Tournament last year. He is a tough inside presence who can block shots and finish plays with stanchion-rattling slams. He has immense potential and could develop under Rick Pitino.

1. Russ Smith, Louisville
"Russdiculous" does much more than just give Coach Pitino gray hairs. He can knock down the outside shot and finish inside with ease. He gets in the passing lanes and picks pockets easily. He has turned into a good passer when he wants to pass.

Honorable Mention: Joe Jackson(Memphis), Ryan Boatwright(UConn), Keith Frazier(SMU)

Big East

3. Bryce Cotton, Providence
One word can describe Cotton. Scoring. Cotton led the talented Big East in scoring last year over players such as Russ Smith and D'Angelo Harrison. Cotton has the potential to lead the new Big East in scoring, but it will be tougher.

2. Ryan Arcidiacono, Villinova
Arcidiacono had nearly no talent surrounding him last year, but he still managed to lead the Wildcats to yet another NCAA Tournament berth. He is a great distributor and a sweet shooter. He can lead Nova to another tourney bid.

1. Doug McDermott, Creighton
McDermott, like Bryce Cotton, is a scorer. He shot nearly 50% from the three-point line. He was a good rebounder as well. He can score from everywhere on the floor and do it easily. He can go for 30 points on any night.

Honorable Mention: Semaj Christon(Xavier), D'Angelo Harrison(St. John's), Davante Gardner(Marquette)

Big 12

3. Cory Jefferson, Baylor
Jefferson is one of the best inside presences in the nation. He has monster ups, and with his 6'9", 220 lbs frame, that helps him block shot and dunk on people, which is how he scored over half of his points last season. Without Pierre Jackson, it will be tough for Jefferson and the Bears, but they should be able to contend.

2. Andrew Wiggins, Kansas
It will definitely surprise you that another player in the nation, especially in the Big 12, is better than Wiggins. But it happens. Anyways, Wiggins is one of the most complete players in the nation, even though he is a freshman. He can shoot, finish, defend, and rebound. He didn't earn the nickname "Canadian Jordan" for nothing.

1. Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State

Smart, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, is possibly the only player in the nation who can challenge Wiggins for the NPOY. Smart is a great finisher. He is a top defender (2 steals per game) and a great passer. He beat out a top Kansas player last year(Ben McLemore), and will beat out another one this year.

Honorable Mention: Markel Brown(OK State), Wayne Selden(Kansas), Isaiah Austin(Baylor)

Big 10

3. Andre Hollins, Minnesota
I am a huge fan of Andre Hollins. He can go off at any given moment, just ask Joe Jackson, who Hollins dropped 41 points on last year. Hollins averaged 26.5 points per game last year in the NCAA Tournament against the likes of UCLA and Florida. Hollins is losing two of his favorite targets from last year (Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams) but he will find ways to lead the Golden Gophers this year.

2. Gary Harris, Michigan State
Harris, who burst onto the scene last year as a freshman, is one of the best shooters in the nation. He shot 41% from 3-point land and averaged 13 points per game. He won Big 10 Freshman of the Year last year.

1. Adreian Payne, Michigan State
Payne is one of the best centers in the nation. He can shoot very well and rebound at the top of the Big 10. His main concern is foul trouble, but if he avoids fouls, he should get more time on the court to make plays.

Honorable Mention: Glenn Robinson III(Michigan), Aaron Craft(Ohio State), Roy Devyn Marble(Iowa)

SEC

3. Marshall Henderson, Ole Miss
"Jeminem" is truly a mix between Jimmer Fredette and Eminem. Like Jimmer, he can get baskets in a hurry, but he can also shoot you out of a game. Like Eminem, he is very arrogant, cocky, and just doesn't care. His biggest games came in the SEC Tournament, where he led the Rebels to an automatic tournament bid.

2. Jordan McRae, Tennessee
McRae is less cocky Henderson who takes some inside shots. The first team All-SEC star saved Tennessee's season and helped them score big victories over Florida and Missouri. McRae should have more of a green light this year and have a better supporting cast(Jarnell Stokes returns, Jeronne Maymon comes back from injury, and Antonio Barton will be eligible to play for UT).

1. Julius Randle, Kentucky
Randle is the best player in the nation outside the Big 12. At 6'9", Randle can has explosive hops and is a decent shooter. He pulls down rebounds and runs the floor better than most big men. Randle, along with the best recruiting class in the nation, should lead Kentucky to the Final Four

Honorable Mention: Andrew Harrison(Kentucky), Jarnell Stokes(Tennessee), Patric Young(Florida)

Pac-12

3. Spencer Dinwiddie, Colorado

Dinwiddie was the star of the Colorado team last year, because Andre Roberson underachieved. He will now have full control of the Buffs. He is a great shooter, but a rocky point guard. He needs to improve his assist-to-turnover ratio if he wants to be in contention for the National Player of the Year.

2. Aaron Gordon, Arizona

Gordon is probably the best player in the country no one is talking about. He is a great inside player, with Blake Griffin-like athleticism and the ability to rebound. He was a great rebounder in the high school ranks and is a stud leaper.

1. Jahii Carson, Arizona State

Jahii Carson is the best college basketball player under 6-foot. At 5'10", he is a great athlete who can shoot and pass. He burst on to the scene last year, and is here to stay. He has proven that he can play with the best players in the nation.

Honorable Mention: Nick Johnson(Arizona), Dominic Artis(Oregon), Kaleb Tarczweski(Arizona)



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