College Basketball's 20 Most Crucial Bench Players in the Nation

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Some college basketball bench players are ultra-talented reserves who give their teams a huge lift midway through a game. Others are simply reliable, indispensable role players who are the glue that holds everything together.

Not all bench ballers have the same role, and some are more valuable than others.

Who are the most crucial bench players in the country? Here is a breakdown of the best backups in America.

This list is based on players who have played a clear majority of their games as a reserve, with a special focus on teams in contention in their respective conferences.

20. Derrick Nix, Michigan State Spartans

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Michigan State Spartans backup center Derrick Nix is valuable to Tom Izzo because when he comes off the bench, there's virtually no drop-off in production.

Nix's post presence helps Adreian Payne get a breather, and when Payne is in foul trouble, it's not panic time in East Lansing.

It also helps to have a 6'9", 270-pound frame to throw around in the paint.

Sub Stat: 20.1 Player Efficiency Rating

19. Ben Smith, Wichita State Shockers

Photo Courtesy of Kansas.com

Ben Smith isn't a world beater, but the Wichita State Shockers are at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference thanks to the minutes he gives them in whatever role they ask of him.

Sometimes he starts, and sometimes he comes off the bench, but either way, he tries to maximize his impact on the game.

He helps stretch defenses with his three-point shooting, as he's 39-for-101 from distance.

Sub Stat: Smith hasn't had a multiple-turnover game since November 25.

18. Sam Dower, Gonzaga Bulldogs

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Sam Dower is a critical player to the Gonzaga Bulldogs' success because he's the only power player that comes off the bench for Mark Few.

The 6'9" forward gives the Zags quality minutes while Robert Sacre rests. He's active in the paint on both ends of the floor, and the southpaw can step out and consistently hit the mid-range jump shot.

Sub Stat: Dower had a monster game on the road against Xavier on New Year's Eve, torching the Musketeers for 20 points and 10 rebounds.

17. C.J. Fair, Syracuse Orange

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Dion Waiters may be Syracuse's most valuable reserve, but its most valuable forward reserve is C.J. Fair.

Fair comes off the bench for Jim Boeheim, yet he's fourth in scoring and second in rebounding for the Orange. 

The 6'8" sophomore has a good feel for where to be on the court for easy finishes and rebounds. If Syracuse didn't have him, its rebounding would be much worse than it already is.

Sub Stat: Fair has improved his free-throw percentage by 10 percent from freshman to sophomore year.

16. Reggie Keely, Ohio Bobcats

The Ohio Bobcats are thrilled that forward Reggie Keely's production has significantly increased this season.

He's become much more efficient on offense, and that's reflected by more scoring and a markedly better shooting percentage.

If the Bobcats want to make a run at the Mid-America title, they'll need Keely to step up now more than ever.

Sub Stat: Against a tough Marshall front line in November, Keely came off the bench and scored 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

15. Joseph Young, Houston Cougars

Athletic Houston Cougars reserve guard Joseph Young is a dynamic spark-plug substitute that comes into the game ready to deliver.

Young is dangerous because he can score and facilitate. He makes an impact outside and inside, as he's a consistent threat from downtown but can also rebound extremely well for a guard.

Sub Stat: In his last three games, Young is averaging 15 points per game off the bench.

14. Steven Roundtree, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

Wiry forward Steven Roundtree isn't in the Oral Roberts starting five, but he's easily one of the five best players on the team.

He's scoring fewer points per game this season, but he's actually helping his team more offensively this year. Roundtree has improved his shot selection, is making smarter decisions and leads the Golden Eagles in shooting percentage.

Sub Stat: Although he's a reserve, Roundtree has attempted 93 free throws this season.

13. Tyrus McGee, Iowa State Cyclones

Throughout Iowa State's fight to keep its tournament hopes alive, the Cyclones have leaned on junior guard Tyrus McGee.

A junior college transfer from Arkansas City, Kansas, McGee chips in nine points per game off the bench and is effective on the defensive end, too.

McGee is a handy resource Fred Hoiberg can turn to because he's a solid long-distance shooter and a dependable defender.

Sub Stat: McGee has a 1.35 points-per-possession rate.

12. Cody Ellis, St. Louis Billikens

After a down year in 2010-2011, 6'8" forward Cody Ellis has emerged as a sharpshooter for Rick Majerus' St. Louis Billikens.

When Ellis checks into the game, he ends up doing most of his damage from the perimeter. Although he's not a starter, he's third on the team in both scoring and rebounding.

Sub Stat: Ellis drained six three-point shots in St. Louis' win over Atlantic 10 foe St. Joseph's.

11. Otto Porter, Georgetown Hoyas

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Otto Porter has turned into one of the most valuable freshmen and one of the most valuable reserves in the country.

Georgetown's rookie contributes in all areas of the game; as far as freshman go, he's an excellent defender and rebounder.

He's crucial to Georgetown's success, as evidenced by how much John Thompson III trusts him with playing time. We'll see how Porter impacts the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

Sub Stat: Porter's stat line in a February 8th game against Syracuse: 14 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.

10. Ronald Roberts Jr., St. Joseph's

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Saint Joseph's is certainly not having a banner year, but Ronald Roberts is doing everything he can to keep the team afloat.

The Hawks are lucky to have Roberts coming off the bench and bolstering the forward position.

Roberts is scoring 11 points and grabbing six rebounds per game as a reserve. He's shooting the ball at a high percentage and making life miserable for other Atlantic 10 forwards.

Sub Stat: Roberts notched 27 points in just 28 minutes of play against Dayton on January 25th.

9. Ben Brust, Wisconsin Badgers

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Wisconsin Badgers sophomore Ben Brust has stepped up into a key role for Bo Ryan's squad this season.

His value to the team has been highlighted in the last few games. Brust's poor shooting (a combined three points in the last three games) has resulted in a loss to Ohio State and a pair of uncomfortably close wins against inferior opponents Minnesota and Penn State.

When Brust is on, however, Wisconsin is much more formidable.

Sub Stat: Brust's points-per-possession improved 44 percent from last season.

8. Will Sheehey, Indiana Hoosiers

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Tom Crean turns to Will Sheehey as his sixth man, and how the sophomore Indiana Hoosier plays down the stretch will determine Indiana's postseason seeding and potential.

When Sheehey is productive and keeping defenses off balance, Indiana is a tough nut to crack. However, when Sheehey underperforms or is injured, the Hoosiers have crumbled.

Just look at the losses to Michigan State, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan. In each loss, Sheehey's subpar performance was a key factor.

Sub Stat: Sheehey improved his three-point percentage nearly 15 percent this year.

7. Justin Drummond, Loyola Greyhounds

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The Loyola Greyhounds are one of the top teams in the MAAC, boasting an 18-5 overall record. They would be nowhere near the top if not for sophomore Justin Drummond.

Drummond has made considerable strides in his game from last season. He's more assertive on the offensive end, attacking more and getting to the free-throw line more frequently.

Sub Stat: Drummond, a guard, has grabbed nine rebounds twice this season.

6. B.J. Young, Arkansas Razorbacks

With Marshawn Powell out for the season, the Arkansas Razorbacks have relied heavily on B.J. Young.

Young happens to be just 18 years young. The 6'3" freshman guard has been impressive for a teenager: nearly 14 points per game coming off the bench, including some long-range damage and active defense.

Arkansas won't make the NCAA Tournament, but I had to include Young because he's extremely crucial to his team's survival.

Sub Stat: Young has one of the best Player Efficiency Ratings for a reserve with a 22.7 rating.

5. Darius Miller, Kentucky Wildcats

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Having a senior leader coming off the bench is an incredible asset for a team.

It's not as if Kentucky needed any more unique pieces to the puzzle, but Darius Miller brings a veteran presence and great bench production.

Miller can come into the game and provide outside shooting and run the offense. With 137 Wildcat games under his belt, he's ready to help his young team prepare for the postseason.

Sub Stat: Miller's 137 games played from 2008 to 2012 is tops in the SEC.

4. Russ Smith, Louisville Cardinals

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Russ Smith is one of the most versatile subs in the nation, and the Louisville Cardinals have put this weapon to good use.

In addition to scoring more than 12 points per game, he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the Big East. He has a knack for causing turnovers and creating transition opportunities for the Cardinals.

Smith has also substantially improved his efficiency from the three-point line and the charity stripe, which has expanded his game and made him more dangerous.

Sub Stat: Smith nabs 2.3 steals per game.

3. Darnell Dodson, Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Senior Kentucky transfer Darnell Dodson is making the most of his minutes with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.

In just over 20 minutes of play per game, the 6'7" Dodson is dropping 13.3 points and ripping down 5.6 rebounds. He also has a decently polished jump shot, which he's not afraid to sporadically use to keep defenses honest.

Can this super-sub keep Southern Miss atop Conference USA?

Sub Stat: Against the Golden Eagles' top C-USA competition (Memphis and UCF), Dodson scored 23 and 22 points.

2. Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

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Syracuse Orange guard Dion Waiters turned from a disgruntled freshman into a star sophomore for Jim Boeheim's squad.

Waiters provides playmaking potential on offense and aggressive, physical defense.

When the Orange get off to a slow start, they turn to the 6'4" guard, who uses his athleticism and energy to overwhelm unprepared opponents.

Sub Stat: Waiters has a 27.0 Player Efficiency Rating, the highest among any non-starter I've researched this season.

1. Michael Dixon, Missouri Tigers

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Although he plays behind a pair of top-tier guards, Missouri Tigers reserve Michael Dixon still manages to be a critical part of the Mizzou attack.

In fact, in the Tigers' last three outings, Dixon has poured in a total of 49 points and 14 assists.

Frank Haith has to feel lucky to look down his bench and know Dixon is on his side. He's proven to be a clutch player in big games and a great perimeter defender.

Sub Stat: Dixon has converted 30 of his last 31 free-throw attempts.