NCAAB Top 5 Players 11/12/11

Hello Sports Fans, Dr. Rob here and over the last two days I've been taking a long hard look at how painful the NBA lockout is to someone who loves the game. I could watch Raptors vs. Rockets with just as much interest as Lakers vs. Miami (sorta). But it has only opened room for College Basketball to take a bigger spot in the eyes of the fans. So here are my top 5 players of the season....thus far...

Top 5 NCAAB Players

5. Allen Dickerson, SG, Radford. Junior. Let me tell you, this kid is nice. Listed at 6’2 180lbs, was a walk on for RU last season, and prior to that was an active in good Fork Union team, and a state championship winning Radford High team. This kid is a ‘hometown’ hero in some aspects, and I’ve watched this guy play at every level of the game, and it seems each year he improves so much. Finally getting settled, Dickerson is going to be very nice coming off the bench as a junior for the Highlander’s squad. He won’t put up big numbers without big minutes, but look for #12 to be providing a huge spark off the bench. His numbers will probably triple this season, possibly putting him over the double digit marks for points in a few games this year. Dickerson is a high motor threat on offense, with fantastic leaping abilities, and the moves to attack the basket with a ‘no-regard-for-human-life’ mentality, but this kid isn’t afraid to step back and pull it up on you. Dickerson has a nice stroke, but thus far hasn’t really shown a knack for the long ball, however I believe that too will improve from last year’s 1-14 performance. In fact, if Dickerson improves the way I think he will, he has the talent and potential to be a starter later in the year. Utility Man of the Year.

4. Robbie Hummel, Forward, Purdue. Senior(Redshirt). Missing the bulk of the last two season’s with ACL issues, Hummel showed a lot of talent earlier in his college career, but his potential has been held back with the ACL problems. I strongly believe if Hummel could have played last season he would have been one of the best players in the Kemba-Jimmer race even. Hummel needs to improve his draft stock this year, with what I believe is he has the caliber of an early second rounder. Hummel needs to really show who he is as ‘the guy’ for the Boilmakers this season.

3. Mason Plumlee Power Forward, Duke, Junior. He is the go-to-guy for Duke’s ‘big-man’ presence since his arrival. 6’11 210lbs, Mason is a big part of Duke’s team on both sides of the ball, he won’t win player of the year in any aspect, and isn’t the best player on this team, but he will be the difference maker for Duke’s success or failure this year. Mason will win a lot of games single handedily for Duke also. Each year this guy improves a different facet of his game. But Plumlee’s biggest threat is the pick and roll, becoming a great option to pull up, or drive to the hoop, which will create a lot of open shots for the opposite man, as well as the skip pass to a shot-loving Duke Offense. The crazy part is, Mason probably isn’t

the most talented Plumlee Duke will have.

2. Jared Sullinger 6’8, 250lbs. Power Forward, Ohio State, Sophomore. 

This kid is the next generation of Power Forwards. Sullinger can make moves like some of the best shoot guards, take it to the basket and finish harder than I've seen some pros do. He also processes a brilliant shooting stroke, and is all around one of the best players in college basketball. He reminds me a lot of Ama’re Stoudemire with a less effective Dirk shooting ability. Sullinger isn’t afraid to pull up, and seems to be making great strides with his range, but his explosiveness in the paint, and basically defenses being unable to stop him from imposing his will. Sullinger is one of those players that doesn’t need to win a championship to prove his caliber. Easily a top 5 draft pick, if not 1 or 2. I can’t wait to see him playing in Toronto or New Jersey next year.

1. Harrison Barnes. Sophmore, Small Forward, North Carolina. Coming in as the first freshmen pre-season All-American. This kid hit a rough spot at the start of his college career, he has improved around Mid-Season making UNC a late threat in the NCAA tournament, as well as a well-deserved Number 1 ranking at the start of the season. The fact is I don’t see that UNC team losing 2 games, if that this year. He is on a loaded team, that is easily a final four team. Barnes avoided the NBA lockout, and shocked many people when returning to UNC for his sophomore year. He didn’t back down when people doubted him, and labeled him ‘All-Hype Player of the Year’. Barnes didn’t back down, (maybe a small flinch) when Basketball Great, Michael Jordan starred him down. But when it boils down to it, Barnes is the best talent to wear powder blue since 23. He can finish his career with a national championship, and possibly Player Of the Year awards. Barnes would have been a top 3 pick, if not number 1 overall. Barnes has it all, and has shown thick skin that NBA players need when they fall are hard times, and the Press starts putting a lot of focus on him. Barnes will be a franchise player whenever the NBA starts back up and he declares for the draft.