2K Sports Classic: 10 Most Impressive Players at the Preseason Tournament

The 2K Sports Classic featured some entertaining games and individual performances, but if I had to watch another NBS2K12 commercial, I think I would have ripped my teeth out by hand.

I love the game as much as anyone, but how many times am I going to have to watched a wrinkled-up MJ say "I let my rings do the talking."

On the court, the players that didn't perform well were almost as noteworthy as the players that shined. Neither Renardo Sidney, Josiah Turner nor Sir'Dominic Pointer shined during the tournament.

Here are the 10 players that impressed the most during the 2K Classic.

10. Nick Johnson, F: Arizona

Johnson's versatility stuck out to me most in the early 2K Classic games, as well as the games in New York. He rebounds, defends and knocks down the open jumper.

He has great athleticism as well, and kind of reminds me of an ultra-athletic Rick Fox.

9. Quincy Diggs, G/F: Akron

Akron is a potential mid-major monster. They play poised, with balance and tenacious defense. Diggs impressed me a ton, especially in the game against Mississippi State.

He is a fluid athlete that excels at slashing and on-ball defense. I think he could jump on some NBA team's radar for a possible second-round pick.

8. Elston Turner Jr, G: Texas A&M

Is it just me, or is there a second-generation player on every team in college basketball today? Here is another, son of former NBA player of the same name.

Turner is a deadly shooter. He struggled with his shot a bit, but still managed to average 12.5 points per game in the tourney.

7. Dee Bost, G: Mississippi State

Bost was the engine that pushed the Bulldogs throughout the tournament. His speed, ability to get to the basket and jump shot were impressive.

He had only one bad game—against the Arizona Wildcats, when he had 8 points. In that game, Bost contributed five rebounds and six assists.

6. Nurideen Lindsey, G: St. John's

Lindsey is fierce on the drive and he plays solid defense. When St. John's is able to get out and run in transition, Lindsey is at his best.

He finished near the basket effectively, but he, like almost every Red Storm player, must shoot better from the line. He is shooting only 55 percent from the stripe for the season.

5. Moe Harkless, F: St. John's

Of all the young Red Storm, Harkless is the most talented. He's an athletic 6'9" forward with good range on the jump shot and great timing for shot blocking. 

He had a horrible shooting night against Texas A&M, going 3-for-15, but Harkless is the best player on that young team and he showed it against William & Mary and Arizona.

4. Solomon Hill, F: Arizona

Hill put up impressive rebounding numbers for the entire tournament, threatening a double-double in nearly every game. 

His strength and athleticism helped carry the Cats to the championship game.

3. Ray Turner, G: Texas A&M

Ray Turner was one of the best scorers in the tournament except for one game, and that was the game the Aggies lost to Mississippi State. In that game, Turner was held to only two points.

Removing that performance, Turner is averaging over 18 points per game.

2. Jesse Perry, F: Arizona

Perry was the most steady and consistent Wildcat contributor. He notched a double-double in every game in the tournament.

He may have won tournament MVP if the Wildcats had won. Perry averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds per game through the tournament.

1. Arnett Moultrie, F/C: Mississippi State

Moultrie showed just how good this Mississippi State team can be. If the Bulldogs can get Renardo Sidney on track, teaming Dee Bost with the two big men will be formidable.

Moultrie took tournament MVP, primarily based on his 19-point, 10-rebound performance in the final against Arizona.

At 6'11", Moultrie was too big for the Wildcats front line and he really controlled the paint.