NCAA Tournament 2012: Power Ranking Top 50 Players to Watch in 2013
The 2012 NCAA tournament is down to its Final Four. It is fun to analyze the Final Four pairings, but it never too early to look toward next season.
As the offseason progresses, many great college players will decide to take their talents to the next level. Others will decide to stay in school and polish their skills.
There will be a ton of excellent players in college basketball next season, regardless of who bolts early for the 2012 NBA Draft.
These are the 50 players to watch next season. Watch them to see them produce, adjust to a new role or make an overall impact.
Just make sure you watch these players do their thing in 2013.
*This list does not include players who will more than likely declare for the NBA draft.
50. Michael Carter-Williams, G, Syracuse
1 of 502012 stats: 2.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.1 APG
Carter-Williams was a McDonald's All-American coming out of high school.
He did not make huge contributions to the Syracuse squad in his freshman season, but figures to play a much larger role next season.
Expect Carter-Williams to have a big year in 2013. Scoop Jardine has graduated, and Dion Waiters declared for the 2012 NBA Draft.
Carter-Williams has the length and athleticism to make an impact on both ends of the floor. As he matures, he will become a household name.
49. Trevor Releford, G, Alabama
2 of 502012 stats: 11.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.7 APG
Releford is a small guard. He does not have a big outside shot, but he understands how to get to the basket.
He makes a big impact on the defensive end because of his quick hands and constant motor.
Releford brings a ton of energy to the court and is extremely dangerous in transition.
The Crimson Tide will count on Releford for production and leadership with JaMychal Green graduated.
48. Kendall Williams, G, New Mexico
3 of 502012 stats: 12 PPG. 3.3 RPG, 4.1 APG
New Mexico will need a new go-to player in 2013. Forward Drew Gordon graduates. Kendall Williams must step up.
Williams was the Lobos' second-leading scorer in 2011. He is a lanky guard with a solid all-around game. Williams does a great job of creating shots for himself and setting up open teammates.
The Lobos need Williams to knock down outside shots and provide leadership if they want to dance again in 2013.
47. O.D. Anosike, F, Siena
4 of 502012 stats: 15 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1 BPG
Anisike is one of the best big men in the country, but most people have no idea who he is. Anisike dominates the MAAC with his size and explosiveness.
The big man was one of the top rebounders in the nation last season and figures to do the same in 2013. He is also a capable scorer inside the paint.
Anisike gives maximum effort on both ends of the floor. His offense is notable, and his defense is not far behind.
46. Vincent Council, G, Providence
5 of 502012 stats: 15.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.9 APG
Council had an outstanding year in 2012. He flew under the radar in the Big East because of Providence's lackluster performance.
The Friars should be better next season, and Council should receive more attention. The arrival of 5-star prospects Kris Dunn and Ricardo Ledo will give the Friars one of the most exciting backcourts in the nation.
Council can create his own shot off the dribble or find open teammates. Either way, he is a dangerous threat to any defense.
45. Shane Gibson, G, Sacred Heart
6 of 502012 stats: 22 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.2 APG
Gibson torched NEC competition this season. He was one of the highest scorers in the nation.
Gibson is not a big guard, but he has an excellent perimeter shot. He lit opponents up from downtown this season and figures to do the same in 2013.
He is Sacred Heart's senior leader and unquestioned go-to player. Many people may not know his name, but he can score with anyone.
44. Jake Cohen, F, Davidson
7 of 502012 stats: 14 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.7 BPG
Cohen was one of five Davidson players averaging double-digits in 2012. He is a reliable all-around player with a dangerous face-up game.
Cohen is not the biggest or strongest forward in college basketball, but he knows how to use his body and gets solid position.
Defensively, Cohen uses his length and instincts to block a good amount of shots.
43. Andre Roberson, F, Colorado
8 of 502012 stats: 11.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.9 BPG
Roberson is a relatively unknown commodity for the Colorado Buffaloes. Roberson is a consistent double-double threat and is still getting better.
Roberson provides solid play down low. He can face up for mid-range jump shots but does not possess much range beyond that.
His real strength lies on the glass. He was a menace on the boards this season and will get better as he gets stronger.
Roberson is learning how to own his territory on offense and defense.
If he puts it all together, look out.
42. Cashmere Wright, G, Cincinnati
9 of 502012 stats: 10.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.9 APG
Wright seemed to improve as the 2012 season progressed.
He possesses outstanding quickness and uses his first step to blow by slower defenders.
Wright is also a dangerous outside shooter.
Defensively, he has quick hands. He uses his quickness to get into passing lanes and keep his man away from the ball.
41. Otto Porter, F, Georgetown
10 of 502012 stats: 9.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.6 APG
The Hoyas have a long history of dominant big men. Porter will not be Patrick Ewing or Alonzo Mourning, but he will be very good in his own right.
Porter had a solid freshman season and will build on that in 2013. He rebounded extremely well and did not get pushed around by more experienced players.
The Big East is known for its rugged basketball, and Porter fits right in.
40. Quincy Roberts, G, Grambling State Tigers
11 of 502012 stats: 22.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.5 APG
Roberts is an electric scorer for Grambling State. He is a versatile guard who can beat opponents any way they let him.
Roberts uses his lanky frame to post up smaller guards, or his shooting ability to shoot over them.
He plays hard and plays pesky defense when the need arises.
Most people do not watch a lot of Grambling State basketball, but you will hear Roberts' name before the 2013 season is over.
39. Mike Muscala, F, Bucknell
12 of 502012 stats: 16.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.6 BPG
Muscala is a solid scorer out of the Patriot League. He is not as well known as Lehigh's C.J. McCollum, but he is extremely effective in his own right.
Muscala uses his height to dominate the post. He is fundamentally sound and uses his footwork to work his way around defenders.
Muscala's height also allows him to block a fair amount of shots and alter several others.
Bucknell does not get a ton of attention, but Muscala should.
38. Chase Tapley, G, San Diego State
13 of 502012 stats: 15.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.2 APG
Tapley is a high-volume scorer in the backcourt for San Diego State.
He is very athletic, but on the small side. He uses his bulky frame to carve his way into the lane and score. Tapley is also a capable long-range shooter.
Steve Fisher loves players with grit, tenacity and athleticism. His Aztec players usually fit that mold; Tapley is no different.
Expect him to contend for All-MWC honors and turn some heads in 2013.
37. Johnny O'Bryant III, F, LSU
14 of 502012 stats: 8.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG
Johnny O'Bryant did not have much help in Baton Rouge this season. He has a lot of potential, but was unable to carry his team.
O'Bryant will receive some help with the arrival of 4-star guard Malik Morgan next season, but he will be the go-to player for the Tigers.
O'Bryant entered LSU amid much hype. He was a 2011 McDonald's All-American and an outstanding high school player.
Injuries altered O'Bryant's freshman season, but he is on track to bounce back in 2013. He is a physical player with a developing game.
The Tigers will struggle, but O'Bryant will break out in 2013.
36. Ryan Evans, F, Wisconsin
15 of 502012 stats: 10.9 PPG, 6.8 PPG, 1.2 APG, 1 BPG
Wisconsin is not known for their offense. The Badgers play stifling man-to-man defense and run a methodical offense to go with it.
Evans is a bit of an exception. He was impressive down the stretch this season. That will translate into better play for 2013.
Evans has the size to play in the post and the shooting stroke to step outside. He is a versatile player with no major flaws in his game.
Like the rest of the Badgers, Evans works his tail off on the defensive end.
The Badgers will be back in 2013. Evans will play a big part in that.
35. Gary Bell, Jr., G, Gonzaga
16 of 502012 stats: 10 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.9 APG
Bell, Jr. was one part of Gonzaga's scintillating freshman backcourt. He and Kevin Pangos formed a formidable tandem for the Bulldogs.
Bell, Jr. is an underrated athlete with a smooth shooting stroke. He will progress as he matures, and his experience will help him develop next season.
Bell, Jr.'s stats do not jump off the page, but he made consistent strides throughout the season. He is a three-point ace with a good head on his shoulders.
If he performs like in 2013 like he did in the 2012 NCAA tournament, fans will start paying attention.
34. Matthew Dellavedova, G, Saint Mary's
17 of 502012 stats: 15.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.4 APG
Dellavedova is the quintessential point guard. He commands the court, leads his team and has an unselfish attitude.
Dellavedova plays with a pass-first mentality. He sets up his teammates with his sensational creativity and vast understanding of the game.
He scores because of his craftiness, but does not have the most natural shooting ability. He can knock it down from outside, but he tends to be very streaky.
The Gaels are fun team to watch because of Dellavedova's playing style. When the Gaels take the court, all eyes are on him.
33. Chane Behanan, G/F, Louisville
18 of 502012 stats: 9 PPG, 7.4 RPG
Chane Behanan had a very good, but quiet freshman season. He is arguably Louisville's best offensive player.
Behanan plays in the frontcourt despite his 6'6'' frame. He plays much larger than he is and has the energy to match.
Behanan does not have a ton of range, but he can step out and knock down a 15-foot jumper.
He has played very well in the 2012 NCAA tournament. That is a sign of better things to come for the young Cardinal forward.
He may be a bit of a tweener, but he understands how to use what he has.
32. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, Georgia
19 of 502012 stats: 13.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.2 RPG
Caldwell-Pope has the potential to be an electric scorer in 2013.
Georgia was not very good in 2012 and probably will not be in 2013 either. Caldwell-Pope must find a way to score more next season while still involving his teammates.
He averaged 12 field-goal attempts per game this season, seven of which were from beyond the arc. That is a lot, but he did not have much help.
Caldwell-Pope excels with the ball in his hands. He is not a great outside shooter, but he is a phenomenal athlete. This allows him to create for himself off the dribble and open up the lane.
The Bulldogs have a high-volume scorer on their hands.
31. Justin Cobbs, G, Cailfornia
20 of 502012 stats: 12.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5 APG
The Cal Bears underachieved this season, but Justin Cobbs did not. Cobbs was a breakout player in the Pac-12 and will be one of its leaders in 2013.
Cobbs has a solid all-around game on offense. He can score, but is at his best passing the ball.
Cobbs will need to score the ball more in 2013.
The Pac-12 will be down again next year. College basketball fans will not tune into many games, but Cobbs is one player worth watching.
30. Keith Appling, G, Michigan State
21 of 502012 stats: 11.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.9 APG
Keith Appling will need to step up his game in 2013. Spartan leader Draymond Green will not be around, and someone must fill his epic void.
Appling will not be able to do it all by himself, but he can do his part.
He is a capable scorer with a feathery touch from beyond the arc. Appling is also a very good distributor in the half-court offense.
Appling has plenty of returning help and more help on the way.
He will be the Spartans' leader next season and will do a wonderful job.
29. Kevin Pangos, G, Gonzaga
22 of 502012 stats: 13.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.4 APG
Pangos provided stability and production for Gonzaga in his freshman season. Expect that production to increase in 2013.
Pangos' best attribute on offense is his three-point shot. If you leave him open, you should just start trotting down to the other end of the court.
He is not a physical player and will not drive his way to 20 points a night, but he is a dangerous player in pick-and-roll situations.
Pangos understands the game very well. He knows when to shoot and when to defer to his teammates.
Gonzaga does not get much attention on the east coast, but it will not take long for everyone to know who Pangos is.
28. Ray McCallum, Jr., G, Detroit
23 of 502012 stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.9 APG
By now, you all know the story. Ray McCallum, Jr. was a McDonald's All-American in high school. Instead of attending a premier program, he took his talents to Detroit to play for his father.
The idea that you can become a star anywhere has worked for McCallum, Jr.. He elevated his game this season and earned his Detroit squad a No. 15 seed in the 2012 NCAA tournament.
McCallum, Jr. is not a dangerous outside shooter, but he is excellent in transition. He loves to penetrate and is tough to stop once he takes off.
McCallum, Jr.'s production will increase again in 2013.
27. Tarik Black, F, Memphis
24 of 502012 stats: 10.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Black was the X-factor for Memphis in 2012. He provided a post-presence to go with the Tigers' athletic backcourt.
Black battled injuries and inconsistent play all season. He will bounce back in 2013 and improve his numbers.
He is a physical presence in the paint. He seeks contact and has good touch around the rim.
Defensively, he is intimidating. He blocks a lot of shots and always makes his presence known.
26. Mike Rosario, G, Florida
25 of 502012 stats: 6.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 1 APG
It took awhile for Rutgers transfer Mike Rosario to get used to Florida's style of basketball. Once he did, he began to show why the Gators were so excited to have him.
Rosario is a talented scorer, especially from the outside. He loves to hoist the three, which fits right into Florida's game plan.
Erving Walker and Bradley Beal will be gone next year. That leaves Rosario a starting spot and an increased role.
Now that Rosario is acclimated, you can expect him to show his talents next season. He could be a breakout player in the SEC.
25. Le'Bryan Nash, F, Oklahoma State
26 of 502012 stats: 13.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.5 APG
Nash put together a solid freshman season for Oklahoma State. The former McDonald's All-American showed a ton of potential and the athleticism that makes him so dangerous.
He did not have a lot of help, but he will have more next year. The arrival of 5-star guard Marcus Smart will help Nash exploit opposing defenses.
Nash is a matchup nightmare because of his size and quickness. He can play outside, but is most comfortable backing down smaller opponents. He also takes opponents off the dribble.
Nash needs to work on his defense, but that will come with experience.
Expect big things in Stillwater.
24. J'Covan Brown, G, Texas
27 of 502012 stats: 20.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.8 APG
If you want a one-dimensional scorer, Brown is your man. He was more unselfish in 2012, but Brown loves to shoot the ball.
Brown was a veteran on a very young Longhorns team in 2012. His team will be more experienced, and more young talent is on its way.
Brown is never afraid to put up a shot. He is a knock-down shooter from the perimeter and can also blow by on the dribble.
If Brown did more than score, he would be higher on this list.
Do not be surprised if he is mentioned among the country's scoring leaders at some point next season.
23. Mark Lyons, G, Xavier
28 of 502012 stats: 15.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.7 APG
Lyons was forced to take a backseat to Tu Holloway in 2012. Holloway and Lyons formed a dangerous duo, but Holloway will not be back next season.
That leaves Lyons with a larger role and higher expectations.
Lyons does not have the physical frame to get into the paint, but he is a very good shooter. He has a great mid-range game and pull-up jumper.
A capable passer will be necessary to get the other Musketeers involved. Lyons must learn to facilitate, but still score, in his larger role.
22. C.J. Fair, F, Syracuse
29 of 502012 stats: 8.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1 APG
Syracuse is going to need Fair to do big things in 2013. The departure of Scoop Jardine and Dion Waiters leaves a hole in the Orange lineup.
Kris Joseph is likely gone, as well.
That means Fair will need to look for his own production more next season. He is an outstanding athlete with a developing array of offensive moves.
He does not have a ton of range, but he can face up from 15 feet. He uses his length to post up and his quickness to get around bigger defenders.
Fair showed flashes of brilliance in 2012. He will need to show more of that in 2013.
21. Seth Curry, G, Duke
30 of 502012 stats: 13.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.5 APG
Duke was hoping to have Austin Rivers and Seth Curry playing together for two years. Instead, Rivers opted to take his talents to the 2012 NBA draft.
Curry will return as Duke's senior leader in 2013.
He needs to work on his ability to create off the dribble, but he is an extremely dangerous perimeter shooter. Seth is not his brother, Stephen, but he is still lethal from deep.
Duke needs Curry to take on a major scoring load next season. I am not sure he is ready for that, but he could have a huge year nonetheless.
20. Kenny Boynton, G, Florida
31 of 502012 stats: 16.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.5 APG
Boynton is a dazzling shooter from the perimeter, and the rest of his game is coming along.
Boynton uses a lightning-quick release to hoist three-point shots. He is not always efficient, but that will not stop him. He always has a green light.
He will need to play a different role next season. He, along with Mike Rosario, will be expected to lead this Gator team.
That means Boynton must play unselfishly and within the offense.
It will be interesting to watch how Boynton adjusts.
19. Khalif Wyatt, G, Temple
32 of 502012 stats: 17.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.4 APG
Khalif Wyatt formed a dynamic trio with Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore in 2012. Moore and Fernandez will not be back in 2013, so Wyatt will need to shoulder a larger load.
Wyatt could be one of the best scoring guards in the nation by the end of next season.
His size allows him to create for himself down low. Wyatt is also a very dangerous outside shooter.
Defensively, Wyatt averaged over two steals per game in 2012. He creates easy opportunities for his team in the open floor because of his length and quick hands.
Temple is always a tough matchup. Wyatt will be their best player and a handful on any given night.
18. Richard Howell, F, N.C. State
33 of 502012 stats: 10.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.1 APG
Howell burst onto the scene in the 2012 NCAA tournament. He had a solid regular season as well, but he earned his rank in the postseason.
Howell is a physical presence in the paint with a polished repertoire. He can spin to either hand or knock down an open shot. He has great footwork and shows a ton of patience.
The Wolfpack will be one of the nation's best teams next season. They return a ton of talent and bring in three very talented freshman.
C.J. Leslie will probably not be Howell's frontcourt mate next season, but Howell should have no problem handling things on his own.
17. Pierre Jackson, G, Baylor
34 of 502012 stats: 13.3 PPG, 3 RPG, 5.8 APG
Jackson lacks height, but makes up for it with incredible explosiveness.
The former JUCO Player of the Year is a shoot-first point guard. He does play unselfishly (as you can see with his assist total), but he loves to shoot the ball.
Jackson will need to score more with Baylor's pending departures. He will not have the star-studded frontcourt to work with and will need to take matters into his own hands.
He started to show his stuff more as the season moved along. I expect Jackson to blow up as he shoulders more of the scoring in 2013.
16. Sean Kilpatrick, G, Cincinnati
35 of 502012 stats: 14.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.1 APG
Kilpatrick was the driving force behind Cincinnati's surprising postseason run. Yancy Gates provided the toughness, but Kilpatrick was the Bearcats' best scorer.
Kilpatrick is a big guard with superb athleticism. He creates matchup problems by overpowering any guard smaller or slower than him.
The Bearcats are known for their abilities on defense. Kilpatrick is a solid defender and excels when the Bearcats create run-out opportunities with their defense.
Kilpatrick should be even better in 2013. Expect an All-Big East performance.
15. Isaiah Austin, F, Baylor
36 of 502011 stats (H.S): 14 PPG, 9 RPG, 6 BPG
Isaiah Austin will attend Baylor next season and make an immediate impact.
The McDonald's All-American is a seven-footer with a serious array of skills. He can play down low or on the perimeter and uses his dribble to blow by defenders.
Defensively, his outstanding length creates problems for defenders. He disrupts a ton of shots.
Perry Jones III and Quincy Miller are both probably gone, and Quincy Acy will be as well. That leaves a gaping hole in Baylor's frontcourt.
Austin will start right away. It will not take long for fans to see his tremendous ceiling.
14. Mike Moser, F, UNLV
37 of 502012 stats: 14.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.3 APG
The UCLA Bruins wish Moser was still on their side. Instead, Moser was a major piece of UNLV's team this season.
Moser is a versatile forward with a potent face-up game. He is a handful in the paint, or he can step out and splash an open jumper.
He is not the best defensive player, but he cleans up the glass on both ends. He uses his tremendous athleticism to jump over opponents.
Moser will be even better in 2013.
13. Terrell Stoglin, G, Maryland
38 of 502012 stats: 21.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 APG
Stoglin led the ACC in scoring last year, but he does not do much else. If he did, he would be higher on this list.
Stoglin is an extremely dangerous player on offense. He has a ton of confidence and will shoot the rock from anywhere on the floor.
He does struggle to get his teammates involved, but that will get better as he matures.
The Terrapins struggled in 2012, but Stoglin is a great building block.
He may not lead the ACC in scoring again, but he will be right up there with everyone else.
12. Jamaal Franklin, G, San Diego State
39 of 502012 stats: 17.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.5 APG
Franklin stepped into his role flawlessly in 2012. Franklin was a role player in 2011, but became Steve Fisher's star in 2012.
Franklin's production jumped by almost 15 points in his first year as the go-to guy. With a year of experience under his belt, Franklin will continue to flourish.
He is a lanky athlete with a dangerous outside shot. Franklin is a tough matchup because of his versatility.
Look for Franklin to provide some highlight-reel moments and lead the Mountain West in scoring.
11. Michael Snaer, G, Florida State
40 of 502012 stats: 14.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2 APG
Snaer will be the leader for the Seminoles next season. He broke out in 2012, but will be even better in 2013.
Snaer showed his big-shot ability several times this season. He is a confident player with a solid skill set.
Defensively, he is one of the best in college basketball. He plays hard and uses his strength and quickness to shield his defender from the ball.
Leonard Hamilton will be looking for a leader next season. Snaer will score more and provide a veteran presence in Tallahassee.
10. James Michael McAdoo, F, North Carolina
41 of 502012 stats: 5.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG
This seems like a high rank for a player who failed to average double-digits last season, right? Wrong.
McAdoo improved dramatically over the course of his freshman season. John Henson's wrist injury at the end of the season allowed McAdoo to begin playing extended minutes. He was extremely impressive in those stints.
McAdoo will wind up as the best professional player off of this North Carolina team, but he will be in Chapel Hill for at least another season.
He will take on a starting role and be one of the nation's biggest breakout players next season.
McAdoo is very athletic. He is a versatile offensive player—something he showed toward the end of this season.
9. Deshaun Thomas, F, Ohio State
42 of 502012 stats: 15.4 PPG, 5 RPG
Thomas was inconsistent throughout the 2012 regular season, but has exploded in the NCAA tournament.
He has an impressive skill set and is starting to figure out the best way to utilize it.
Thomas is strong enough to bang down low, or he can step out and knock down an open jumper. However, he must decide what kind of player he wants to be.
Jared Sullinger is probably going to declare for the 2012 NBA draft, leaving a huge void in the Buckeye frontcourt.
The onus will fall on Thomas to replace Sullinger and keep the Buckeyes relevant in the Big Ten.
8. Kyle Anderson, G, UCLA
43 of 502012 stats (H.S): 18 PPG, 10 RPG, 6 APG
Anderson will be charged with a tall task in 2013. Bring UCLA's storied program back to relevance.
Anderson is certainly capable. He stands 6'8'' and plays every position on the floor. He is not the best athlete, but his basketball I.Q. is through the roof, according to Scout.com.
Anderson's most valuable attribute to UCLA is his winning attitude. Anderson lost just one game over his high school career at St. Anthony's in New Jersey.
He will make UCLA better immediately with his scoring ability and willingness to involve his teammates.
7. Cody Zeller, F, Indiana
44 of 502012 stats: 15.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 BPG
Zeller was a major part of Indiana's revitalization in 2012. The Hoosiers shoved their way to the Sweet 16 largely on Zeller's broad shoulders.
Zeller has a very polished post repertoire. He will be a sophomore in 2013. The added experience will make him that much better.
He scores in a variety of ways and with outstanding efficiency (nearly 63 percent from the floor).
Zeller is a presence on offense and defense. He could declare for the 2012 NBA draft, but his family history points to at least another year in Bloomington.
6. C.J. McCollum, G, Lehigh
45 of 502012 stats: 21.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.5 APG
McCollum has declared himself for the 2012 NBA draft, but has not hired an agent. I think he will return for his senior season after evaluating his draft stock.
McCollum put himself in the nation's eyes with his 30-point performance in Lehigh's first-round upset over Duke in the 2012 NCAA tournament.
McCollum's scoring ability is remarkable. He scores from all over the floor. He manages to get his points every night, even with the spotlight shining directly on him.
The college basketball world was not very familiar with McCollum's game before Lehigh's unlikely first-round victory.
Now, they are. McCollum will astound fans in 2013 with his ability to produce game in and game out.
5. Shabazz Muhammad, G/F, Undecided
46 of 502012 stats (H.S): 30 PPG, 10 RPG
Shabazz Muhammad will announce his college decision on April 10th. He will decide between UCLA, Kentucky, UNLV, Duke and Kansas.
Muhammad is widely considered the top prospect in the 2012 class. He will be an impact player the second he steps foot on a college campus.
Muhammad is an exceptional athlete with a dazzling array of scoring moves. He is a dominant penetrator with a developing perimeter game.
Many fans already know Muhammad's name. He deserves the hype and will electrify college basketball fans next season.
4. Phil Pressey, G, Missouri
47 of 502012 stats: 10 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.3 APG
Pressey was the catalyst for Mizzou this season. He was their primary ball-handler and distributor.
The departures of Kim English and Marcus Denmon will leave a void in the scoring column for the Tigers. Pressey will need to take on a more prominent role.
Pressey is a gamer with an incredible motor. He plays pesky on both ends of the floor and will take his game to another level in 2013.
3. Kendall Marshall, G, North Carolina
48 of 502012 stats: 7.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 9.7 APG
Kendall Marshall's broken right wrist played a major factor in the derailment of North Carolina's 2012 title hopes.
Marshall was the facilitator of Carolina's uptempo attack, and was their most important player.
Marshall could declare for the 2012 NBA draft, but I suspect he will be back.
Marshall's pass-first mentality drives the Tar Heels' huge offensive production. He has an uncanny knack for finding the open man and seems to see plays a step ahead of others.
He needs to score more, but his savvy is unparalleled in college basketball.
2. Doug McDermott, F, Creighton
49 of 502012 stats: 23.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.1 APG
Doug McDermott made Creighton fans very happy with the announcement that he will return to Creighton for his junior season.
McDermott made a name for himself in 2012. He is one of the country's best all-around scorers, if not the best. He is a forward with a lethal face-up game.
McDermott's range extends as far as he wants to take it. He is quicker than many and uses that speed to carve his way into the lane for easy layups.
He is a solid rebounder with the ability to score at will.
He surprised people in 2012. That will not happen in 2013.
1. Isaiah Canaan, G, Murray State
50 of 502012 stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.7 APG
Murray State enjoyed a remarkable 2012 season, largely in part to Isaiah Canaan. Canaan was the driving force behind the Racers' fast-paced offense.
Canaan is a tenacious player with the heart of a lion. He can score from anywhere on the court, but plays a very unselfish game.
The Racers are better known now than they had been. Canaan has made a name for himself.
He will be one of the most anticipated players heading into 2013, and a potential All-American.

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