Every summer we make a list of the 50 best players in college basketball
for the upcoming season. Here’s the list from 2011-2012, from 2012-2013, from 2013-2014, from 2014-2015, from 2015-2016 and last year, from 2016-2017. The criteria: 1/3 their NBA prospects, 1/3 their individual talent, 1/3 how vital they are to their team’s success. Some of the names below are in our 2018 NBA Mock Draft and on teams in the 2017-2018 College Basketball Top 25.
De’Monte Buckingham, Sophomore SG, Richmond: The A-10 freshman of the year – who was only a 3-star recruit – averaged 10.5 ppg and made 35 percent of his 3-pointers. Scored a career-high 26 in March vs VCU.
Ben Lammers, Senior C, Georgia Tech: Improved significantly as a junior, averaging 14.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 3.4 bpg (3rd in the country) while shooting 51 percent from the field.
Manu Lecomte, Senior PG, Baylor: Spent two years at Miami, and transferred to Waco, where he had an immediate impact (12.2 ppg, 41 percent on 3-pointers), and was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
Carsen Edwards, Sophomore PG, Purdue: Enjoyed big-time success on the U-19 national team this summer. It’s an indication he’s going to make a big leap from his 10.3 ppg.
Johnathan Williams, Senior F, Gonzaga: As the 3rd or 4th option last year he still averaged 10.2 ppg, 6.4 ppg in just 24 minutes a game. Made a wise move to remove his name from the NBA Draft.