The Top 25 College Basketball Players East of the Mississippi
With the Pac-10 being down, it's pretty clear that the strength of college basketball lies in the east. Elite teams such as Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, Connecticut, Kentucky, Ohio State and countless others dominate the college basketball landscape. Because of this, the vast majority of great players go to these schools.
Want proof? Of the top 25 recruiting classes coming in this year, only eight are from teams west of the Mississippi, with Texas being the best, at No. 8 according to ESPN. In 2009? Eight again. In 2008? Seven. It's no secret that the vast majority of the best players in the country look more towards the Atlantic than Pacific.
This made the process of finding the top 25 players east of the Mississippi River incredibly difficult. Many great players did not make the list. This is not solely a major-conference list, but it's clearly dominated by the major-conference stars.
Honorable Mention
1 of 26
Players who did not make the list, but should definitely be mentioned due to their achievements this year:
Rick Jackson, Syracuse
C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State
Jon Leuer, Wisconsin
Maalik Wayns, Villanova
Kenny Boynton. Florida
Alex Oriakhi, Connecticut
Trey Zeigler, Central Michigan
Brandon Knight, Kentucky
Tu Holloway, Xavier
Scotty Hopson, Tennessee
Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
25. Kevin Anderson, Richmond
2 of 26
2010-11: 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 48% 3PT
A 6'0" senior guard, Anderson is one of the best players in the underrated Atlantic 10. His scoring this year is actually down, but his percentages are up, meaning he's become much more efficient on the offensive end. In Richmond's best win so far this season, against Purdue, he had his best game of the season, dropping 28 points and five rebounds. With Richmond being among the favorites to win the A-10, don't be surprised if his name and team are being discussed as a possible Cinderella come March.
24. Tobias Harris, Tennessee
3 of 26
2010-11: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 53% FG
Rated as the No. 6 player on ESPNU's top 100 recruits, Harris is certainly living up to the billing early in the season. He's been one of the most consistent players in the country, scoring between 15 and 21 points in every game while never taking more than 14 shots.
In the Vols' toughest game of the season, at Villanova, Harris did not shy away, putting up 15 points and nine rebounds. At 6'8" and on a team made up mostly of guards, his rebounding numbers could be better. This is probably due to Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl's system of having 10 guys playing major minutes. Regardless, I doubt anyone in Knoxville is complaining over the Volunteers' 6-0 start.
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23. John Shurna, Northwestern
4 of 26
2010-11: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 59% FG, 62% 3PT (18 for 29)
The hope for a Northwestern NCAA tournament bid rests on this man's shoulders. So far this season, Shurna has appeared up to the challenge. He's been red hot shooting the ball, which won't last forever (though if it does, I feel sorry for Big Ten teams), but his efficiency early on has allowed for his teammates to put up solid numbers as well.
This isn't his first time being "the guy," as he led the team in scoring last year at 18 points per game, but the Wildcats' lack of a good non-conference schedule (toughest game was home against a rebuilding Georgia Tech squad) has prevented Shurna from being talked about outside of Northwestern, which is a crime.
His first real test will come on New Year's Eve when the Wildcats travel to Purdue for the opening of the Big Ten season. As a Big Ten fan, I'll be rooting for Northwestern to make it to March.
22. Matt Howard, Butler
5 of 26
2010-11: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 54% FG
The 6'8" senior is still producing at a solid rate despite being pretty well publicized due to Butler's Cinderella story that led to the finals of the NCAA tournament back in April. The Bulldogs as a team have struggled out of the gate (3-2), but not because of Howard, who has already put up three double-doubles.
Howard's numbers are up in virtually every category, probably due to the departure of Gordon Hayward. We should get a better idea of just how good Howard is very soon as Butler plays on the road against Duke and Xavier in the next week.
21. Jordan Williams, Maryland
6 of 26
2010-11: 17 points, 12 rebounds, 57% FG
The departure of do-it-all guard Greivis Vasquez meant the 6'10" sophomore had to step up, and Williams has not disappointed. He has posted a double-double in all but two games this season while staying out of foul trouble, something most inexperienced big men struggle with.
The Terps' lack of quality non-conference wins may end up hurting them down the road, but assuming they make it to March, he's the kind of player who could single-handedly win a game for them in the tournament. His free-throw shooting is his only real weakness, at a Shaq-like 52 percent, but as long as he keeps up these kinds of numbers, ACC teams will struggle containing him.
20. Aaric Murray, La Salle
7 of 26
2010-11: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 56% FG
So few people have heard of him that Getty Images didn't have a photo of this 6'10" sophomore stud. For everyone that doesn't know about this kid, Murray is probably the most dominant big man in the Atlantic 10. The reason no one knows him is because when was the last time La Salle was relevant in the college basketball world? They haven't been for quite some time, if ever.
Murray could change that, though. Against an elite Baylor squad, Murray posted 17 points, nine rebounds and five steals. So it's not like he hasn't put up numbers against quality opponents. Is La Salle expected to make the NCAA's? No, but it could play spoiler to some A-10 school. If that does happen, chances are it will be because of this guy,
19. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
8 of 26
2010-11: 11 points, 6 rebounds
If I was ranking players based on pure talent, Barnes would be in the top three and probably No. 1. The highest-rated player coming out of high school, this 6'8" forward has oodles of talent (yes, I said oodles). However, that talent has yet to manifest itself on the court this season. Maybe it's because of the all the pressure he's facing at North Carolina to bring it back to relevance after a sub-par year last season. Maybe it's just the freshman jitters. Maybe it's the uncertainty of being "the guy."
Whatever it is, every ACC team is praying that he doesn't figure it out. If he does, this is the best player in the country and probably the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
18. Brad Wanamaker, Pittsburgh
9 of 26
2010-11: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
The 6'4" do-it-all player for the Panthers is having yet another solid, yet quiet, start to his senior season. Wanamaker is the type of player who doesn't do anything poorly, but also is not great at anything. As a senior, his decision making is probably his greatest skill, but the fact that he's one of the better rebounding guards in the country means he isn't afraid to get in and bang with guys five inches taller than him.
His numbers are all up from last year and Pitt is living up to its billing as one of the best teams in the country, having beaten a couple quality teams in Maryland and Texas.
17. Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh
10 of 26
2010-11: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 46% 3PT (26 for 57)
Wanamaker's younger, and more publicized, teammate fittingly comes next in the form of 6'4" junior Ashton Gibbs. Gibbs is the top scorer for one of the best teams in the country. He came out of nowhere last season, but even with everyone knowing who No. 12 is and what he can do this year, Gibbs' numbers have all increased.
His best game of the season thus far came against a good Texas team, when he scored 24 points in a tough 68-66 victory. His range from three and ability to get to the lane makes him one of the few multi-faceted scorers in the country.
16. Malcolm Delaney
11 of 26
2010-11: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 41% 3PT (17 for 41)
It seems like this 6'3" senior has been around longer than four years. Delaney led the ACC in scoring last season and he has picked up right where he left off this season. Like Gibbs, he can score from anywhere on the court. The Hokies are expected to make the NCAA's this year and, if so, Delaney will be one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.
The reason he isn't higher is that in the big games so far this season, he has shot terribly. Against an elite Kansas State team, he shot 6 for 18 and against Purdue he shot a miserable 2 for 18.
15. Corey Fisher, Villanova
12 of 26
2010-11: 16 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
After living in the shadow of Scottie Reynolds for three years, this 6'1" senior is finally getting his chance to shine. His assist-to-turnover ratio is over 2-to-1, and the two guard has shown he's developed into a solid decision maker.
He's actually struggled out of the gate this season with some erratic shooting, but I fully expect him to settle down and become a better player by the time Big East conference play begins. The Wildcats are among the favorites to win the conference, so don't be surprised if his name is brought up in the conference's Player of the Year discussion.
14. Shelvin Mack, Butler
13 of 26
2010-11: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
With the departure of star Gordon Hayward, Mack has become the primary scorer from the perimeter for the Bulldogs. Probably one of the most experienced juniors in the country, this 6'3" guard is now figuring out his role as the star with pretty good results.
What numbers won't tell you is that he's also one of the best defensive players in the country and he will probably make a living in the NBA shutting down perimeter players. Having to pull double duty of scoring in bunches and stopping the opposing team's best perimeter player is a tough task, but Mack is doing just fine right now.
13. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
14 of 26
2010-11: 18 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, 62% FG
I've written about this man twice before and for good reason. He is the best mid-major conference player in the country and it's not even that close. The 6'8" senior has increased his numbers in every category this season. He's by far the best rebounder in the country and one of the best defensive players as well.
Looking at his numbers, he's put up a double-double in all but one game. Against top-level teams Florida and Ohio State, Faried combined for 35 points, 30 rebounds and seven steals while shooting 15 for 24.
It's a shame that he isn't playing for a bigger school, because his name would certainly be in the conversation for Player of the Year. If Morehead State is able to make the NCAA's, I would be incredibly worried for the top seed that has to play against that team, as there could be an upset in the making thanks to this monster.
12. E'Twaun Moore, Purdue
15 of 26
2010-11: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 41% 3PT (13 for 32)
The loss of star Robbie Hummel for the season has forced Moore to become an even better scorer and he has not disappointed. Like most everyone on my list, his numbers have increased a good amount in every category from last season.
He's one of the most experienced scorers in the country and there aren't many people who can stop him from scoring. He's scored at least 14 points in every game and has become a solid rebounder for being 6'4".
On the perimeter, this is one of the best players in the deepest conference in the country: the Big Ten.
11. Kalin Lucas, Michigan State
16 of 26
2010-11: 17 points, 3 assists, 46% 3PT (12 for 26)
One of the quickest and most experienced guards in the country, this 6'0" version of Speedy Gonzalez has shown that the injury he suffered towards the end of last season has not slowed him down much, if at all. He's also now become a more efficient player, having increased his shooting percentages and scoring at the same time.
His only blip on the radar was against Connecticut, when he was completely outplayed and outclassed by Kemba Walker (more on him later). Still, with Moore and the next person on the list, Lucas is one of the most dangerous players in the Big Ten. What sets him apart is that his supporting cast at Michigan State is deeper and more experienced, which will make another trip to the Final Four easier for Mr. Lucas.
10. Demetri McCamey, Illinois
17 of 26
2010-11: 15 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 52% FG, 51% 3PT (16 for 31), 3.5/1 assist/turnover
This is the primary reason the Illini are expected to give Michigan State and Ohio State a run for their money in the Big Ten race this season. McCamey is relatively unknown outside Big Ten circles, which is utterly ridiculous. He's probably the best decision maker in the country as evidenced by his almost unheard of 3.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
As a big point guard (6'3", 200 pounds), he can easily back down smaller defenders. His vastly improved three-point shooting (up from 34 percent) has turned him into a guard who can beat his defender in virtually every way.
His shooting percentages will probably come back down to earth, but not by much. McCamey will take the Illini as far as he can carry them in the NCAA's, and don't be surprised if that's to the Elite Eight and beyond.
9. Austin Freeman, Georgetown
18 of 26
2010-11: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 60% FG, 57% 3PT (25 for 44)
Apparently diabetes doesn't affect this 6'3" senior the way it does most people. Freeman has been an absolute monster in the first month of the season. He's recently posted back-to-back 30-plus point games, including 31 against a good Missouri team in one of the better games so far this season.
Considering he's scoring like this while shooting at such a high percentage, that makes his numbers that much more impressive because he isn't forcing anything. If Freeman's able to keep this up, then the Hoyas may walk themselves into the conversation of who the best team in the Big East is this season, something I saw being between only Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
8. Chris Singleton, Florida State
19 of 26
2010-11: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Compared to the rest of the players this late in the list, Singleton's numbers are pretty pedestrian. However, he is one of the few game changers in college basketball, only not on the offensive end. This is the best overall defensive player in the country. At 6'9" he's able to block shots and still lock down perimeter players because of his quickness.
Against Ohio State, he single-handedly kept the Seminoles in the game by altering shots, not scoring. It's been a while since I've seen a player that good on the defensive end. Combine that with the fact that he's leading his team in scoring, and Singleton is one of the most complete players in the country.
7. JaJuan Johnson
20 of 26
2010-11: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
The preseason All-American is living up to the billing this season even with the absence of Robbie Hummel. His shooting percentages are down, but everything else is up, and I expect him to be even better once he gets used to the constant double teams he'll be encountering the rest of the season.
As the only viable option down low for the Boilermakers, Johnson is excelling in scoring against the double team. He's probably the best post player in the Big Ten and an intimidating presence for guards driving into the lane. Johnson is also quite disciplined as, so far, he has more blocks (16) than fouls (9), which is impressive considering that if he gets into foul trouble, Purdue is in big trouble.
6. Kyrie Irving, Duke
21 of 26
2010-11: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 52% FG, 44% 3PT (11 for 25)
Regarded as the best point guard coming out of high school, this 6'2" freshman has met and exceeded those lofty expectations that come with being a highly-touted recruit coming to the powerhouse that is Duke.
Irving has made the Devils' fans quickly forget about Jon Scheyer with his quickness, solid decision-making (2.3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio) and excellent shooting. Unlike most freshmen, Irving has not missed a beat in the transition from high school to college.
Playing against two of the best guards in the country, Kansas State's Jacob Pullen and Michigan State's Kalin Lucas, Irving outclassed them, mainly Pullen. It was clear that he was far better than both of these players, which is scary.
Ask me to build an NBA team around a current college player and Irving is the guy I would pick.
5. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
22 of 26
2010-11: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 58% FG
The best post player coming out of high school has met expectations for Buckeye fans. OSU followers had heard about Sullinger for years as he was playing in Columbus during high school. He was the reason why people wondered if the Bucks would be better this year without Evan Turner. Well, it appears they are.
Sullinger has been the most polished offensive big man that coach Thad Matta has brought in. Keep in mind that he's had three big men (Greg Oden, Kosta Koufos and B.J. Mullens) drafted in the first round of the NBA draft.
Against their best non-conference opponent, Florida, Sullinger dominated, posting 26 points and 10 rebounds on 13-of-17 shooting. He's made the Buckeyes one of the most balanced teams in the country due to his ability to demand a double team inside. With his addition, the Buckeyes may be the team that could dethrone Duke as NCAA champs.
4. Kyle Singler, Duke
23 of 26
2010-11: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 92% FT
Speaking of Duke, it's hard not to mention one of the most consistent players in the country in 6'8" senior Kyle Singler. His numbers are actually down from last year in almost every category (primarily due to Irving's immediate success), but that doesn't take away the fact that, of all the Duke players, coaches prepare for Singler the most.
He has every tool one would want in a basketball player: the ability to score, rebound, make good decisions, unselfishness and leadership. He is the definition of a Coach K player. While I admit this high ranking is based more on the career than the season, Singler is still one of the best players in the country.
3. Nolan Smith, Duke
24 of 26
2010-11: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 54% FG
Singler's teammate, while not as highly publicized as he or Irving, has become one of the elite players in college basketball. This 6'2" senior has become the do-it-all player for the Blue Devils. Smith's dramatic increase in shooting percentage has made him more efficient and unselfish, which has led to him leading the team in assists along with Irving.
Keep in mind that a couple years ago, Smith was contemplating transferring schools due to his lack of success as an underclassmen. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he doesn't regret staying. One of the more consistent players in the country, Smith has scored between 16 and 22 points in every game except one (against Miami of Ohio). Should the Dukies make it back to Final Four, many people will put the credit on Singler and Irving, but it will be Nolan Smith's consistent play that prevents them from suffering an early exit.
2. Kemba Walker, Connecticut
25 of 26
2010-11: 29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 51% FG, 41% 3PT (15 for 37)
Ask most experts who the best player in the first month of the season has been, and it will probably be a unanimous vote for this 6'1" junior guard. Walker has been on an absolute tear this season, scoring 30-or-more points in four games, including 42 against Vermont.
Walker's star shined brightest at the Maui Invitational, where he scored 31 against Wichita State in only 23 minutes, 30 against then-No. 2 Michigan State and a measly 29 against Kentucky. Recently he posted a triple-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists against a pretty terrible school (Maryland-Baltimore County), but still, a triple-double is rarely done in the college ranks.
So what's keeping him from being No. 1? I just don't see any way he's able to keep this incredible pace up. His teammates aren't good enough that opposing teams will continually let Walker drive the lane at will or spot up. He's eventually going to be double teamed whenever he puts the ball on the floor. He could still be able to put up 20 points a night, but 30? I don't see it, especially in the Big East.
1. Terrence Jones, Kentucky
26 of 26
2010-11: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 51% FG
Surprised this 6'8" freshman tops the list? I wouldn't doubt it. With all the attention on freshmen phenoms Barnes, Sullinger and Irving, Terrence Jones has quietly put up the best numbers of all the freshmen. Keep in mind he wasn't even the highest or second-highest rated recruit that came into Kentucky this season (Brandon Knight and the ineligible Enes Kanter).
With four double-doubles and excellent shooting, Jones has become the top guy at Lexington. He has the size and skill to score from anywhere on the court, whether it be off the pass or dribble. His best game was actually in a loss to Connecticut, when he scored 24 points on just 6-of-11 shooting (4 of 4 from three-point range). That is just a tad efficient. With a total lack of a frontcourt at Kentucky, Jones, who is probably going to be a small forward in the NBA, has taken the responsibility of manning the paint and grabbing rebounds.
Unlike Walker, I do see him keeping up this pace. His supporting cast around him, specifically Knight, will allow him to not have to worry about double teams nearly as much as Walker will due to their talent. Coach Calipari's dribble-drive offense will also give him opportunities to attack defenses when they're in recovery mode from a drive, or when they're afraid to leave three-point shooters.
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