College Basketball's Top 20 Players for 2011

In this current college basketball era, when the one and done philosophy is so prevalent, it seems that the sport’s talent pool gets emptied and replenished on an annual basis.

Gone are the days of watching great high school players enter the college ranks, develop their skills and mature into standout players over the course of a few years.

Now, it’s about trying to get one or two great freshmen and pairing them with a few solid, above average veterans, and hoping that you can make a run at a title with that type of team.

As we saw last year during the regular season, though, the level of play has taken a hit because of all the inexperience that now plagues college basketball.

That’s why it feels like we should count ourselves lucky that two young sophomore stars—North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes and Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger—decided to buck the trend, say no to the NBA and return to the college ranks for one more year.

It’s refreshing to finally see a few returning elite players, who have already established themselves as premier talents at the college level.

Barnes and Sullinger are college basketball’s two clear-cut top players going into the season, but they’ll be joined by a few intriguing upperclassmen and another great incoming freshman class that’s stockpiled with tons of talent.

Here’s a look at college basketball's top impact players to watch for in the 2011-2012 season.

1. SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

As the No. 1 overall prospect of the 2010 recruiting class, Harrison Barnes was a college basketball celebrity before he even graduated from Iowa's Ames high school.

Barnes arrived in Chapel Hill with plenty of hype to live up to, and that only increased after he became the first freshman to ever earn preseason first team All-American honors.

It didn’t take long, though, for the 6’8’’, 210-pound forward to prove why he garnered so much excitement as a prep player.

Barnes went on to average 15.7 points per game and demonstrated the type of rare combination of size, skills and silky smooth athleticism that had NBA scouts salivating.

After coming up short in the regional finals, the likely top 5 pick decided that it was in his best interests to return for his sophomore season to try to reach his goal of winning a national title.

Now, with Barnes, Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Kendall Marshall all returning, the Tar Heels are set to be the near consensus favorite to win the national championship this year.

Barnes’ choice to return may actually prove to be the perfect decision after all.

2. PF Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

It only took one look at Jared Sullinger for Ohio State fans to realize they were in store for something special.

Sullinger came to Columbus as one of the most polished high-school prospects in years, and it didn’t take long for him to make his presence known.

With a freakish amount of agility and power stored in his 6’9’’, 280-pound body, Sullinger dominated the low post on a routine basis, averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds in his first season, earning National Freshman of the Year and first-team All-American honors for his efforts.

The dynamic power forward could have chosen to leave school and possibly compete to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, but his decision to return now has the Buckeyes on the short list of national title contenders.

Sullinger has the ability within him, and the talent surrounding him, to carry Ohio State to the next level this season.

With Sullinger back in the fold, the Buckeyes are the obvious favorite to win the Big Ten for the third straight year.

3. SG Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

After making one of the most improbable and exciting tournament runs we’ve seen in a while, the Connecticut Huskies will now have to figure out how to regroup after losing their heart and soul, Kemba Walker, a year early to the NBA.

Walker was one of college basketball’s most electrifying players last season, and he certainly won’t be easy to replace, but if this past NCAA tournament is any indication, Connecticut just might have another star on the way in versatile swingman Jeremy Lamb.

Lamb emerged as a vital part of the Huskies’ tournament run, averaging 16.2 points.

The 6’5’’, 185-pound sophomore is one of the best athletes in the country, and he has all the makings of a future top 10 draft pick.

Don't expect Connecticut to fall very far, as long as Lamb plays up to his potential.

4. PF Perry Jones III, Baylor

Robert Griffin III isn’t the only Baylor athlete with awe-inspiring physical gifts.

The term “physical specimen” gets thrown around a little too often these days, but in the case of Baylor's Perry Jones, it’s a spot-on description. At 6’11’’, 235 lbs., Jones has the type of rare explosiveness and athleticism for his size that has NBA scouts salivating, and he's already on the short list of contenders to be the No. 1 pick in next year's draft.

If he had left Baylor for the NBA after last season, Jones was almost guaranteed to be a lottery pick, but he knew that he had to improve on certain facets of his game, so he decided to return for another year.

Although his attitude and effort have been questioned, from a purely physical standpoint, Jones might just be the best player in all of college basketball when he’s at the top of his game.

The junior power forward has already been named the Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, and he’s likely going to be the catalyst that leads an extremely talented Baylor team to a conference championship this season.

5. PG Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin

It’s hard to live up to the type of legacy that former Wisconsin point guard Devin Harris left in Madison, but it looks like Bo Ryan may have the type of player who is capable of outperforming his most famous pupil.

Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor is the only reason we can’t hand Jared Sullinger the Big Ten Player of the Year Award just yet. The 6’1’’, 195-pound senior returns to man the point guard position for the Badgers after averaging 18.1 points, 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game last season.

Taylor is one of the most effective and consistent players in the country, and although he’s going to miss former teammate Jon Leuer, he’s got the type of natural playmaking ability to have Wisconsin in the thick of the Big Ten title hunt this year.

6. PG Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh

Looking for this year’s Kemba Walker?

With Walker now off to the NBA, the Big East will need a new star to emerge and become the face of the conference this season, and if there’s one player out there who looks the most capable of filling the former Connecticut guard’s shoes, it’s Pittsburgh point guard Ashton Gibbs.

Gibbs has all the traits you’re looking for as both a player and a leader, and he’s the type of floor-general that can lead the Panthers to the top of the Big East this season.

Gibbs, who averaged 16.8 points per game last season, has led the team in scoring the past two seasons, and he’s proven to be one of the top shooters and scorers in college basketball.

The 6’2’’, 190-pound senior lacks a lot of of experienced talent around him, but he’s good enough to put Pittsburgh on his back this season and become one of the sport’s biggest stars.

7. PF Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Everyone is talking about Kentucky’s star-studded recruiting class, but the real key to the team’s success this season is the return of Terrence Jones.

Jones, who was one of last year’s decorated 5-star recruits, is only a sophomore, but he’s going to be counted on to be the veteran leader of the Wildcats this year.

The 6’9’’, 250-pound power forward averaged 15.7 points and 8.8 rebounds last season, and he displayed remarkable athleticism for his size.

If Jones plays well and shows that he can be a leader this season, there’s a good chance he could end up being a lottery pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

8. PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Kansas loses a lot of the main players that helped the Jayhawks get to the Elite Eight last season, including four starters and three NBA draft picks, but that doesn’t mean that they'll lack talent.

With the Morris twins gone, the next future face of the program is not the player many thought it would be, Josh Selby, who unwisely bolted for the NBA after just one disappointing season. Instead, it’s Thomas Robinson, a heralded former 5-Star recruit who has the potential to become one of the Big 12’s brightest stars.

Robinson only logged 14.6 minutes per game last season, but he still managed to average 7.6 points and 6.4 rebounds for a team that was stacked all over the floor.

Now, Robinson, along with Tyshawn Taylor, will be counted on to be the leaders of this inexperienced, yet talented Kansas team.

If he plays up to his potential, the 6’9’’, 235-pound junior has an opportunity to really solidify his status as one of the top power forward prospects for next year’s NBA draft.

9. SG Will Barton, Memphis

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll say it now, watch out for Memphis this year!

I love what Josh Pastner is doing with the Tigers down there in Tennessee, and after a season of taking their lumps, this young team has gelled and is now ready to make some serious noise on the national scene once again.

Memphis has a wealth of players that could frighten any opponent, but the real player to watch this year will be shooting guard Will Barton.

Barton is oozing with raw athleticism and potential, and although he struggled at times with bouts of inconsistency as a freshman, he now looks like he’s ready to finally put it all together this season.

The 6’6’’, 175-pound shooting guard was the team’s leading scorer last year, averaging 12.3 points per game, and if he can cut down on his mistakes, he’s only going to increase that number this season.

Barton is a highlight-reel play waiting to happen, and he’s the type of player who has the ability to flat out take over Conference-USA this year.

10. SG John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

Kentucky and Florida may be getting all the preseason attention in the SEC, but in my view, the most dangerous team in the conference is going to be Vanderbilt.

All it takes is one quick scan over the Commodores’ roster to see that this team has the talent to compete with the Wildcats and Gators this season.

Swignman Jeffery Taylor and center Festus Ezeli are both future pros, but the most important player to Vanderbilt’s success will be guard John Jenkins.

Jenkins, who averaged 19.5 points and led the SEC in scoring last season, is one of the top scorers in college basketball, and he’s got the type of offensive game to dominate in the SEC this season.

The 6’4’’, 220-pound junior is flying a little under the national radar right now, but he’s definitely the type of player that will open some eyes around college basketball this season.

11. PG Tu Holloway, Xavier

This season, Xavier will be home to one of the best backcourts in the country, comprised of last year’s Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Tu Holloway, and fellow standout guard Mark Lyons.

Now in his senior season, Holloway will once again be the face of the Musketeers as they look to make it back to their seventh straight NCAA tournament.

Holloway, one of the top scorers in the country, had the best season of his career last year, averaging 19.7 points and 5.4 assists per game.

The 6’0’’, 185-pound point guard is a true leader on the court and he should be able to make some magic with Lyons by his side once again.

12. PF Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Like Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller could have opted to enter the 2011 NBA draft and likely been a first-round pick, but Zeller made the wise decision to return to Chapel Hill to contend for a championship, and the Tar Heels couldn’t be happier to have him back.

The surprisingly athletic Zeller has already established himself as one of the most talented big men in the country.

The big seven-footer matched Barnes with his 15.7 points per game average and his offensive prowess certainly had a huge effect on North Carolina’s ultimate success last season.

With Zeller and Barnes back, along with guys like John Henson and Kendall Marshall, the sky is the limit for North Carolina this season.

13. SF Khris Middleton, Texas A&M

There weren’t many other players in the country who experienced the type of jump in production that Khris Middleton experienced last season.

As a sophomore, Middleton doubled his scoring average to 14.4 points per game and also increased his assists, rebounds and free throw percentage.

Middleton’s performance put him firmly on the NBA radar, and he’s now considered one of the best small forward prospects in college basketball.

The 6’7’’, 210-pound junior isn’t quite a household name in Big 12 country just yet, but if he keeps improving his numbers and performing at a high level, opposing fans will surely learn his name rather quickly.

14. PF Anthony Davis, Kentucky

There are a ton of big-name freshmen entering the college ranks this year, but none may be as intriguing as Kentucky’s Anthony Davis.

Davis is the face of Kentucky’s historically prestigious recruiting class, and he has a chance to become an instant star for the Wildcats.

The long 6’10’’, 220-pound freshman still has to add some bulk and strength to his skinny frame, but he’s already displayed the type of rebounding and shot-blocking skills to become an instant impact player.

With Terrence Jones and Doran Lamb returning, and freshmen like Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague entering the fold, Kentucky should remain a juggernaut.

15. SF Kris Joseph, Syracuse

Syracuse certainly didn’t expect its season to end with a second-round loss to Marquette in last year’s NCAA tournament, but you better believe that the shocking upset has kept the Orange motivated all offseason long.

Jim Boeheim’s career may be winding down, but from the looks of this year’s team, he may have one more run at a national title left up his sleeve.

Syracuse returns most of its key pieces from last year’s team and the most important returning player is athletic small forward Kris Joseph.

Joseph is the team’s leading returning scorer and rebounder after averaging 14.3 points and 5.2 rebounds last season.

The 6’7’’, 210-pound senior is sure to be in the running for the Big East Player of the Year award, and if the Orange have the type of campaign they’re expected to, he just may win it.

16. PF JaMychal Green, Alabama

I’m a really big fan of what former VCU coach Anthony Grant is doing down at Alabama. There’s a reason I’m ready to hop on the Tide bandwagon and support Grant’s team this season, and his name is JaMychal Green.

Green is one of the best frontcourt players in the country, and he’s got the type of offensive game that the Tide can rely on for success this year.

The 6’8’’, 240-pound senior earned first-team All-SEC honors last season after averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him top those numbers this season.

If Green really starts heating up, the Tide could become a major factor in the SEC.

17. PF Andre Drummond, Connecticut

Even heavy recruiting sanctions couldn’t stop the rich from getting richer, as the defending national champion Connecticut Huskies managed to pick up the favorite to be the No. 1 player taken in next year’s NBA draft by snagging supremely talented big man Andre Drummond.

Drummond was considered to be an elite 5-Star talent at the prep ranks, and now he looks prepared to unleash his immense talent on the Big East this season.

The 6’10’’, 260-pound freshman has all the traits—size, strength, athleticism and proven offensive game—that you’re looking for in a top-notch post player.

If Drummond can handle the step up in competition, he has a chance to shine this season.

18. PF Reeves Nelson, UCLA

Going into the season, the Pac-12 lacks a true bona fide star, but there are plenty of players in the conference to keep an eye on.

One of the names to remember is UCLA forward Reeves Nelson.

Nelson is the Bruins’ leading returning scorer and rebounder, after averaging 13.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game last season.

The 6’8’’, 235-pound power forward is the type of player who could help carry UCLA to a conference championship this season.

19. PF John Henson, North Carolina

John Henson is the third member of North Carolina’s talented trio that opted to bypass the NBA draft and return to Chapel Hill, and he’s going to be a key player to the Tar Heels’ title run this season.

Henson is a long and athletic rebounding machine who uses his 6’10’’, 210-pound frame to his benefit to cause havoc on both ends of the floor.

Henson may not get as much attention as Harrison Barnes or Tyler Zeller, but he's going to be just as an important piece to the puzzle this year.

20. PF John Shurna, Northwestern

It’s hard to get a ton of national exposure when you play at a school like Northwestern, since the Wildcats are still the only major conference team that has yet to make an NCAA tournament appearance.

That long, grueling drought could finally come to an end this year, though, if emerging star senior John Shurna plays up to his potential this season.

Shurna, who was plagued by an ankle injury last year, averaged 16.6 points per game last season and he’s now ready to show the Big Ten that he and his Wildcats are the real deal this year.

The Top 10 Players in the ACC

1. SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

2. PF Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

3. PF John Henson, North Carolina

4. PF C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State

5. SG Austin Rivers, Duke

6. PG Malcolm Grant, Miami

7. PG Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

8. SF Travis McKie, Wake Forest

9. PF James McAdoo, North Carolina

10. PG Terrell Stoglin, Maryland

HM: C Mason Plumlee, Duke

The Top 10 Players in the Big East

1. SG Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

2. PG Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh

3. SF Kris Joseph, Syracuse

4. PF Andre Drummond, Connecticut

5. SG Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette

6. SF Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame

7. SF Kevin Jones, West Virginia

8. PG Peyton Siva, Louisville

9. PF Cleveland Melvin, Depaul

10. PG Scoop Jardine, Syracuse

HM: PF Yancy Gates, Cincinnati

The Top 10 Players in the Big Ten

1. PF Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

2. PG Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin

3. PF John Shurna, Northwestern

4. PF Draymond Green, Michigan State

5. SG Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan

6. PF Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota

7. SG William Buford, Ohio State

8. SF Robbie Hummel, Purdue

9. PF Cody Zeller, Indiana

10. PG Aaron Craft, Ohio State

HM: PF Melsahn Basabe, Iowa

The Top 10 Players in the Big 12

1. PF Perry Jones III, Baylor

2. PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas

3. SF Khris Middleton, Texas A&M

4. SG Marcus Denmon, Missouri

5. PF Quincy Miller, Baylor

6. SG Rodney McGruder, Kansas State

7. SF LeBryan Nash, Oklahoma State

8. PG J’Covan Brown, Texas

9. PF Quincy Acy, Baylor

10. PF Andrew Fitzgerald, Oklahoma

HM: PF David Loubeau, Texas A&M

The Top 10 Players in the Pac-12

1. PF Reeves Nelson, UCLA

2. SG Jorge Gutierrez, California

3. SG Jared Cunningham, Oregon State

4. SG Terrence Ross, Washington

5. SG Allen Crabbe, California

6. SF Solomon Hill, Arizona

7. PF Josh Owens, Stanford

8. C Joshua Smith, UCLA

9. PF Harper Kamp, California

10. SG Kyle Fogg, Arizona

HM: SF E.J. Singler, Oregon

The Top 10 Players in the SEC

1. SF Terrence Jones, Kentucky

2. SG John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

3. PF Anthony Davis, Kentucky

4. PF JaMychal Green, Alabama

5. C Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

6. PG Dee Bost, Mississippi State

7. C Patric Young, Florida

8. SG Doron Lamb, Kentucky

9. SF Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

10. PG Marquis Teague, Kentucky

HM: PF Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State

The Best of the Rest

1. SG Will Barton, Memphis

2. PG Tu Holloway, Xavier

3. SF Doug McDermott, Creighton

4. SF Elias Harris, Gonzaga

5. PG Joe Jackson, Memphis

6. PF Drew Gordon, New Mexico

7. PF Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

8. PF Keith Wright, Harvard

9. SF Bradford Burgess, VCU

10. PG Casper Ware, Long Beach State

HM: SG Orlando Johson, California-Santa Barbara