Call in the Swat Team: College Basketball's Top 25 Shot-Blockers

Having a dominant shot-blocker instantly adds another dimension your team.

With a dominant force defending the basket, there is much less incentive for opposing players to drive it to the hole. I mean, no one wants their shot swatted into the stands right?

These big men have made a living guarding the paint.

25. Bernard James, Florida State

This former Air Force serviceman is in his first year at Florida State after six years of service.

He didn't play competitive basketball until age 17, but he's definitely made an impact. Opposite of Chris Singleton, James is a very formidable shot-blocker for the Seminoles, averaging about 2.3 blocks per game in only 20 minutes of playing time. He's a defensive force. 

24. Kyle O'Quinn, Norfolk State

Despite the lack of competition, O'Quinn still manages to put up over three blocks per game. He's athletic and long, so it's easy for him to overshadow people and send their shots sailing. 

23. JaMychal Green, Alabama

Green is a very physical presence in the paint, but he's more than a big body.

He is very apt at getting above the rim and blocking shots as well. He averages 2.2 blocks per game for the Crimson Tide.

22. Damien Saunders, Duquesne

Saunders has been one of the most important parts of the Duquesne team that has made a fantastic run in the Atlantic-10 this year.

Second in the conference, Saunders isn't as big as some of the other shot-blockers at only 6'7", but his athleticism allows him to rise up with the best of them. 

21. Rick Jackson, Syracuse

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 07: Rick Jackson #00 of the Syracuse Orange blocks a shot attempt by Wesley Matthews #23 of the Marquette Golden Eagles on March 7, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jackson's interior presence can barely be held in the Carrier Dome. He's averaging a double-double in the Big East, but he also throws back two-and-a-quarter shots per game. The beast of the Big East is a defensive force that definitely can't be intimidated. 

20. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Johnson's big stats don't stop on the offensive end. This Midwest monstrosity manages a meager 2.2 blocks per game. Although it's not the best mark in the nation, he's leading the Big Ten in blocks.  

19. Aaric Murray, La Salle

Murray is slowly moving up draft boards as one of the best big men in the country, and for good reason. He's La Salle's best player and he's an offensive gem, but his defense is spectacular too. Murray averages 2.3 blocks per game and is third in the A-10. He can easily throw a shot about seven rows back.

18. Tristan Thompson, Texas

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LAWRENCE, KS - JANUARY 22: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots over Tristan Thompson #13 of the Texas Longhorns during the game on January 22, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Thompson is my vote for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the year as a freshman partly for his shot-blocking ability. At 2.3 per game, he definitely has the stats to back him. His dominating defensive presence has been just a part of Texas's good defensive play this season and he may be looking at Big 12 Freshman of the Year as well.

17. Tom Herzog, Central Florida

Herzog, a transfer from Michigan State, uses his size to get all the blocks he does. The 7'0" center can just stand straight up and still get blocks from his height. Herzog manages to swat two-and-a-half blocks per game, but like so many other defensive specialists, he doesn't play too much; only 17 minutes per game.

16. Jerai Grant, Clemson

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 19: Manny Harris #3 of the Michigan Wolverines jumps to the basket for a scoring attempt against Tanner Smith #5 of the Clemson Tigers during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Sprint Center

Grant has been at Clemson for a long time and his abilities have largely been overlooked in the past, as well as this season. However, Grant is one of the best players on a young team and he's among the best shot-blockers in the ACC. Averaging 2.4 per game, he leads his team and is third in the conference. 

15. Gorgui Dieng, Louisville

This freshman could develop into one of the best defensive players in the country. He rides the bench for the majority of the game, but in the 16 minutes he's on the floor, he averages 2.3 blocks per game. If Pitino can help Dieng develop his offensive game, he should be around for a while as one of Louisville's best defenders.

14. Mitchell Watt, Buffalo

Watt's shot-blocking ability stems from his athleticism. His 2.4 blocks per game mainly come from his amazing athletic ability. He's tall, he can jump and apparently he runs the floor well. 

13. John Flowers, West Virginia

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SYRACUSE, NY - MARCH 27: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats attempts a shot against John Flowers #41of the West Virginia Mountaineers during the east regional final of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Carrier Dome on March 27,

Flowers leads the Mountaineers in blocks and he's also leading the Big East. At 2.4 blocks per game, his athleticism is obviously a problem for some of the nation's best players. 

12. Ty Walker, Wake Forest

The junior big man for the Demon Deacons has established himself as one of the best shot-blockers in the ACC. He doesn't put up a bunch of other stats, but he averages almost three blocks per game with only 19 minutes of playing time. 

11. David Foster, Utah

Foster is another defensive specialist. He averages less points than blocks per game. His three blocks per game is the best in the Mountain West, but since he only averages about 20 minutes per game, that's over six blocks for every 40 minutes he plays.

10. Jamelle Hagins, Delaware

Hagins' length and size are so dominating, he blocks 3.1 shots per game. He's incredibly athletic so he's very good at pursuing players and closing gaps as players try to separate to get a shot off.

9. Brett Royster, Florida Atlantic

Royster is an incredibly large and incredibly athletic individual. He's also in the top 10 in blocks per game in the country, as he blocks over 3.1 per game. His incredible athleticism allows him to contest most shots near the basket.

8. Brian Qvale, Montana

Unlike some of these players, Qvale is essential to his team's success. The Grizzlies are tied for the top spot in their conference and Qvale is a huge part. Along with leading his team in rebounds and being second in scoring, he leads the Grizzlies and the Big Sky in blocks, turning away 3.2 per game.

7. Danny Agbelese, Hampton

Just outside the top five in the nation, Agbelese blocks over 3.3 shots per game. Another defensive specialist, he only plays 23 minutes per game, so his blocks per 40 minutes are even higher, about 5.5. Agbelese relies mostly on his athleticism, as he's only 6'8" and 215 pounds, but he still is one of the best in the nation.

6. John Henson, UNC

Henson has developed into one of the best swatters in the nation during his second season. His blocks per game have almost doubled in only one season. He's now averaging almost three blocks per game. He leads the ACC and is only getting better as the season advances. His enormous wingspan is a huge obstacle for any hopeful looking for an easy two.

5. Delvon Johnson, Arkansas

Delvon Johnson is another premier shot-blocker from the SEC. Johnson is possibly the most athletic player on this list, providing plenty of plays that just amaze. That's the reason he's such a good shot-blocker. He is fast, long and powerful enough to guard and swat anyone who wants to challenge him. Amazingly enough, he's second in the SEC, not first. He makes up for it by being fifth in the country.

4. Sam Muldrow, South Carolina

The Gamecocks athletic forward is more than just a shot-blocker, but he definitely earns his keep on the defensive end. He's USC's leading rebounder and shot-blocker, but his 3.4 blocks per game is more impressive. He's fourth in the nation and first in the SEC. He's extremely long and lanky which enables him to harass anyone who comes near him.

3. Keith Benson, Oakland

Benson is one of the best centers in the country and he's become a force to be reckoned with in the Summit League. Benson is third in the nation in blocks per game, averaging almost four. His defensive ability is what makes him such a dangerous player, as his offensive game has developed quite well. The 6'11" center is a mountain in the paint and it's very difficult to get around him.

2. C.J. Aiken, St. Joseph's

Although St. Joe's is having a bit of a down season, Aiken is certainly not. The freshman is taking the A-10 by storm, averaging just a bit under four blocks per game. His incredible leaping ability is almost unmatched for someone his size (6'10"). Anywhere near the basket is fair game for Aiken as he can close the distance in the blink of an eye. 

1. William Mosley, Northwestern State

Before you count out Mosley because he doesn't play in a difficult conference, think about his stat line. He averages 4.96 blocks per game. No matter who you are and who you play, if you can block five shots per game on average, you deserve the crown. It's especially amazing because he's an entire block ahead of anyone else in the country on average. He's broken into double digits in the blocks category three times this season as well.