Everyone is always in the market for under appreciated names once the college basketball season rolls around. Who can they score for cheap on the fantasy wires? What name can they drop to their girlfriend’s father and sound impressive?
In an effort to aid the masses, we put together a list of the top five underrated scorers in college basketball, starting with a veteran guard out of Georgetown.
1.) D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Georgetown
He was already at 16.3 points per game a year ago, and he comes into this season as the preseason favorite to win Big East Player of the Year. The Hoyas offensive system can be passive, sure, but Smith-Rivera is one of the most alpha-guards in America, and has the constant green light. Give him a long, long look for any needs you might have.
2.) Josh Scott, Colorado
It’s incredible to think that Scott averaged 14.5 points per game last year when, for the majority of the season, he was in so much pain (back) that he couldn’t walk normally. Scott is the most offensively gifted big man in the western U.S. and should put up similar (or better) numbers this season, with the Buffs expecting more consistent perimeter play.
3.) James Blackmon Jr., Indiana
You didn’t actually forget about him, did you? With all the excitement about the Hoosiers, not enough people are praising this sophomore who averaged 15.7 points per game last season and would likely have been a first round draft pick had he decided to leave for the NBA. Don’t be one of the people who sleeps on him, this time.
4.) Elgin Cook, Oregon
Take out stinkers against Oregon and Wisconsin, and you’ll see a player who was dicing up defenses left and right for coach Dana Altman. Cook was playing second fiddle to Mighty Joe Young and still managed to pour in 13 per game. Now that he might be the focal point of the offense, he could work his way into Pac-12 POY conversations.
5.) Jodan Barham, Davidson
Efficiency is the name of the game with Barham, who didn’t even eclipse 12 points per game last season. This season, I’m expecting a bit of a jump from him, probably into the 14 points, seven rebounds per game category.
