College Basketball: The Top 20 Players and Their NBA Comparisons
About a quarter of the way in the young College Basketball season, some players have emerged and broken out as national names. The majority of these players are seeing their stocks rise, and many are wondering what kind players they will be in the league.
That said, here are the Top 20 College Basketball Players of the season (so far) and whom they resemble from the NBA. Its not the best NBA Draft prospects, but rather the best players in NCAA Basketball and their NBA resemblance.
On most slides, you can click on the name of the player to take you to a profile to get a more extensive scouting report on the player.
Honorable Mention: Trey Thompkins (Georgia), Kalin Lucas (Michigan State), Marcus Morris (Kansas), Austin Freeman (Georgetown), Jon Leuer (Wisconsin), Malcolm Delaney (Virginia Tech)
20. Brandon Knight
1 of 20
Key Stats: 17 points, 3.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 Turnovers
The Freshman point guard is a fantastic scorer who is the best shooting point guard Jon Calipari has had in the past few years (among the likes of Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Tyreke Evans). He has a reputation for being a selfish player, and isn’t a great passer yet.. Knight has a chiseled frame and could be a nice NBA scoring point guard.
NBA Resemblance: Baron Davis meets Anthony Morrow
This sounds like an abstract comparison, but Morrow loves to let it fly from three without hesitation, and Knight is much the same way. He can be a playmaker in the mold of Davis, but hasn’t developed the passing aspect of his game yet. Knight doesn’t strike me as a winner at the point, but can flat out score-much like his comparisons, and has a frame crossed between the two.
19. Jacob Pullen
2 of 20
Jacob Pullen
Key Stats: 16 points, 4 assists, 2.1 steals
Pullen hasn’t been off to a great start this year, but he has been solid. As the leader at point, his team has only lost one game to the best team in the nation. He’s not a true point man, but is often the focal point of his team’s offense as a secondary guard.
Everyone remembers his outstanding shooting performance in the Sweet 16 against Xavier last year, and he is one of the best clutch shooters in the nation.
NBA Resemblance: Derek Fisher
There are a lot of questions surrounding Pullen’s stock as an NBA player, and he definitely isn’t doing himself any favors by just spotting up from three and not hitting.
However, in the spirit of this article, he plays like Derek Fisher. They love to spot up, especially from long range, and consistently fuel their teams off big shots late in games.
18. Jimmer Fredette
3 of 20
Jimmer Fredette
Key Stats: 22.3 points, 4.1 assists, 2 steals
Fredette was a breakout player who impressed many in the NCAA Tournament last year. That success has carried over to this year, where he is lighting up the opposition.
He can get a little carried away from three (14 attempts against Utah State this season), but has been a reliable ‘go to’ player for the Cougars. Jimmer is an intriguing prospect because of his craftiness and uncanny offensive awareness.
NBA Resemblance: Eddie House
Its hard to really find one that does justice for Fredette, but he is definitely a midrange and three-point shooter if he makes it to the league, as he won’t be able to get away with what he does in college basketball.
Eddie House is one comparison I’ve heard and actually like. House was a prolific scorer in his college days at Arizona State, and even had a 62-point game in the NCAA. Jimmer has had some huge scoring outputs, and figures to be a similar type prospect to House.
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17. E'Twaun Moore
4 of 20
E’Twaun Moore
Key Stats: 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 42.9 3pt%
Moore is off to a solid start for the Boilermakers, picking up his game in the absence of star Robbie Hummel. He has raised his scoring average by almost four points in the young season, and his 3-point shooting percentage has risen dramatically.
The senior leader is playing great basketball right now and proving himself one of the better players in the nation.
NBA Resemblance: Rudy Fernandez
Moore and Fernandez have similar styles of play when you watch their game. They love to let it fly from distance, have solid midrange games, and can get in the lane.
Perhaps the biggest comparison would be their body types, to which they are almost identical in height, weight, and frame. Neither is very strong, but both play heads-up defense and make some nice hustle plays.
16. Tyler Honeycutt
5 of 20
Key Stats: 16.7 points, 8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.3 blocks, 44.1 3pt%
Honeycutt is a stat stuffer who fills up virtually every category in each game. He does it all and is off to a great start despite his team’s struggles against solid competition.
Honeycutt is becoming a star for the Bruins, and NBA scouts are taking notice of his great all-around game.
NBA Resemblance: Andrei Kirilenko
The sophomore sensation has great size and length for a prospective NBA forward. He excels on defense and makes plays, much like AK47.
Both have been questioned for their unselfishness on offense and neither is noted for being a great scorer, but Honeycutt has risen to the occasion this season.
15. John Henson
6 of 20
Key Stats: 11.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.9 blocks
Henson has been uneven for UNC, but when he’s on, the production has been outstanding. He is continually turning away shots and snatching rebounds with his tremendous length.
Henson’s post game has come along, but he’s still mostly limited to simple jump hooks to score.
NBA Resemblance: Serge Ibaka meets Brandan Wright
I think Henson will be a more effective scorer than Ibaka, but feel he similar in terms of play on the boards and defense.
He is so long and lanky that he’s an awkward forward who gets pushed around in the post, but he can make plays with his length like Wright.
Henson has tons of potential and has scouts drooling with his improved production this year.
14. Nolan Smith
7 of 20
Key Stats: 17.8 points, 5 assists, 4.4 rebounds
Smith is one of the smartest players in the college game today. Smith has a high basketball IQ and is about as solid as you can get for a senior leader.
He doesn’t do anything great, but does everything well and contributes in so many different ways.
NBA Resemblance: Kirk Hinrich
Smith has the NBA pedigree to be a great contributor off the bench on an NBA playoff team next year. His game is similar to Hinrich’s, who has quietly been a very productive player in the NBA throughout his career, but never a true star.
Both can get to the rack, have nice jumpers, set up teammates, can break down defenders off the dribble, and make some great plays on defense.
13. Kawhi Leonard
8 of 20
Key Stats: 16.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2 steals, 38.0 3pt%
In one of the ‘best players you’ve probably never heard of’ category, Leonard has been outstanding. He’s one of the best rebounders in the nation, and a beast on the offensive boards for put backs.
He’s built rock solid and has a great skill set that has enabled him to dominate college basketball and get on the NBA’s radar.
NBA Resemblance: Wilson Chandler
Much like Chandler, Leonard’s an improving 3-point shooter who is showing potential with his expanding range.
He is extremely active on offense and plays with a lot of energy, like his comparison. However, he is a bit of a tweener forward in that he doesn’t have a true position.
12. Demetri McCamey
9 of 20
Key Stats: 14.8 points, 7.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1 steal, 52.8 3pt%
McCamey is breaking out as a senior point guard and emerging as the premier player at the position in the Big 10. His distribution and passing abilities are carving up defenses and leading the Illini to big wins over great teams.
His shooting has been spot on this season, and McCamey has showed can takeover the game in crucial moments.
NBA Resemblance: Chauncey Billups
Billups and McCamey have eerily similar games. Both are 6’3” with similar builds, love the pull up three in transition, deadly from distance, hit the big shot, and can create for teammates.
McCamey’s shot selection can be sketchy at times, but his stock is soaring with is play as a true veteran point guard.
11. JaJuan Johnson
10 of 20
JaJuan Johnson
Key Stats: 18.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks
The lockdown forward protects the paint exceptionally well in the NCAA. Another of Purdue’s veteran players, Johnson has a maturing offensive game that anchors the frontcourt.
JaJuan is an impressive defender who has been sending away shots and rebounding at a high level.
NBA Resemblance: Hakim Warrick
Johnson’s post game isn’t polished yet, but it’s getting there fast. He is becoming a legitimate post scorer who is starting to put the moves on defenders and convert with nice shooting touch around the basket.
The senior will also have continued success on defense this season with his shot blocking.
10. Perry Jones
11 of 20
Key Stats: 12.8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1 steal
One would be hard-pressed to find a more athletic big man with as much potential as Perry Jones. Virtually a guard in a big man body, he is extremely athletic and a whirlwind through the post with his quickness and athleticism.
He is playing solidly as a freshman at Baylor, but expectations are he will develop into a more domineering player as the season goes on.
NBA Resemblance: Anthony Randolph meets LaMarcus Aldridge
The athleticism and mobility of a big man like Jones instantly remind many of Anthony Randolph, who is becoming a trendy ‘type’ of athletic power forward prospect in the league.
However, Perry Jones is becoming a better jump shooter and developing a nice mid-range game to expand his offense.
If he can add more muscle to the frame and take his jumper to the next level, the combination of Aldridge and Randolph could become a reality in a couple years.
9. Kenneth Faried
12 of 20
Key Stats: 18.4 points, 14.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 2.5 steals
Another player who has flown under the radar simply because of what school he plays at. The Morehead State standout is getting comparisons to Dennis Rodman because of his rebounding ability, motor, toughness, and defensive abilities.
At only 6’7”, he is an undersized forward prospect, but makes up for it in length, strength and athleticism.
NBA Comparison: Jason Maxiell
Faried is a defensive force in the NCAA, and averaging two plus steals and blocks is no easy feat in any conference. However, being undersized with his combination of grit, explosiveness and defensive playmaking also reminds some of Jason Maxiell.
He’s not as stocky as Maxiell, but neither have a great post game, and Faried frequently forces shots in the post with a lack of great footwork.
8 LaceDarius Dunn
13 of 20
LaceDarius Dunn
Key Stats: 22.7 points, 3.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 51.6 3pt%
Dunn has only played three games so far this season after serving suspension, but he has been fantastic. Dunn is a among the best pure scorers in the nation, and his senior season is on the right track towards lighting up Big 12 defenses.
He is also one of the better 3-point shooters in the nation, and a pickpocket on defense.
NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon
Both are undersized, but can they ever fill it up on offense. Dunn and Gordon shoot the lights out on a regular basis, and can get to the rim with their strength and athleticism.
Each can be a bit of a black hole on offense, but are reliable stars with the ball at the end of a game.
7. Jared Sullinger
14 of 20
Key Stats: 14.3 points, 9.3 boards, 1.3 steals, .7 blocks
Sullinger is a diaper dandy who is quickly emerging as an elite post player. He is off to a slow start by his standards, but will be getting the ball more on offense when conference play starts.
He rebounds very well thanks to being a physical presence who protects the paint with tenacity.
NBA Resemblance: Kevin Love
Jared’s scoring hasn’t been up to par yet, but his rebounding numbers are solid. Love makes his mark by boxing out on every play and snatching any board in his area with great positioning, something Sully does well, too.
Neither are great shot blockers, but always manage to make their mark in the post with outstanding use of their body.
6. Derrick Williams
15 of 20
Key Stats: 20 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 81.8 3pt%
Williams has had one of the hottest starts in college basketball this year. He’s a natural post player making a solid transition to the perimeter game, proving he can play small forward if needed.
No one has outplayed Williams yet this season, nor have they played harder than the fiery forward.
NBA Resemblance: David West meets Luc Richard Mbah A Moute
A good comparison to Williams is David West, who is another natural inside-out player that has incorporated a solid mid-range game to his offensive arsenal.
Mbah A Moute, a former Pac-10 player with a similar game, has found success under comparable circumstances with the Bucks.
Despite all hovering around 6’8”, they all battle in the paint with a great motor, but can step out and knock down the jumper.
5. Chris Singleton
16 of 20
Key Stats: 14 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.3 steals, 2.8 blocks
Anyone who has seen Singleton play this season can attest to his tremendous defensive abilities. The former McDonald’s All-American has been a shutdown forward and scintillating defensive stopper.
It’s also of impressive note that he had a rare college triple-double this season with an even rarer 10 steals.
NBA Resemblance: James Posey
Singleton has done the majority of the defensive playmaking for his FSU, but in the NBA will have help, which will allow him to be a lockdown player by focusing on one man.
His jumper and 3-point shooting aren’t anywhere near Posey right now, but is a work in progress. Neither are great scorers, but both have always been good to hit the open shot and shut their man down.
4. Terrence Jones
17 of 20
Key Stats: 19 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.4 steals
Jones is another freshman sensation who has looked unstoppable against NCAA competition. The Kentucky standout has been domineering defenses with his versatility in all facets of his game.
TJ has been a special player this year with his tremendous NBA length and a multipurpose skill set.
NBA Resemblance: Lamar Odom
‘The Goods’ has been a comparison to Jones for a long time throughout his high school career in Portland, Ore. Terrence is a nice athlete, leaping above the opposition for boards and sending back shot attempts.
Neither are great jump shooters, but both take pride in their underrated passing abilities.
3 Kyrie Irving
18 of 20
Key Stats: 17.4 points, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 45.2 3pt%
Irving has been sensational in the biggest games the year this season. Whether its scoring or setting teammates up with superb passing late in games, Irving has been the man to do it.
One of the hottest prospects in college basketball, NBA scouts rave about his potential as a franchise point guard in the league.
NBA Resemblance: Raymond Felton meets Jay Williams
Kyrie Irving is leading the No. 1 team in the nation flawlessly. Felton and Williams did much the same for their teams on the way to title runs in the NCAA Tournament.
All are renowned for pushing the tempo in transition, being genuine shooting threats, and classic assist men for their teammates.
2. Kyle Singler
19 of 20
Key Stats: 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals
Singler’s stats aren’t as good this year as they were last, but he is the best senior player in the nation. Last years ‘Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four’ is super consistent in each game.
Kyle is a steady, veteran presence who contributes in a multitude of ways and is trustworthy with the ball in his hands at the end of games.
NBA Resemblance: Tayshaun Prince
The respective foundations of their squads, each does the little things that help their team win. Their defensive abilities and effort are a big part of their contributions as well.
Singler routinely shows great hustle, doesn’t turn the ball over often, gets to the rim, and is a spectacular shooter.
1. Kemba Walker
20 of 20
Key Stats: 29.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals, 42.5 3pt%
There’s no question as to who has been the most dominating player of the first quarter of the season. Walker has been breaking down defenders, draining shots from distance, and lighting up the opposition on a nightly basis with ease.
He’s an explosive athlete with outstanding quickness and a tremendous basketball IQ.
NBA Resemblance: Jameer Nelson meets Brandon Jennings
Nelson, Jennings, and Walker are great shooters who run their offense as scoring threats on every possession. They all can flat-out score and take over games by themselves.
Once questioned about if he could compete as a backup point guard in the league, Walker’s now getting looks as a potential NBA starter thanks to his tremendous play.
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