The college basketball season is now underway. It is important to note that at this period in the history of basketball (college and especially pro), the sport is more “positionless” than before. Centers are less plentiful. Teams play a lot of three-guard lineups, which is also called “small ball.” Power forwards who can shoot threes are called “stretch fours,” since that’s what they do to a defense. They might not play a very powerful style of basketball, but as a four, they are technically labeled power forwards. Some of the college basketball players on this list are true power forwards – players who are bruisers inside and stay within 10 feet of the basket at nearly all times, at least on offense.
Ivan Rabb – California Golden Bears
The Golden Bears had a team loaded with talent last season. There isn’t as much talent on hand this season, but Rabb should be able to step into the vacuum and perform at a high level, knowing that he will have to carry California to a much greater extent than he needed to last year. Having one year of experience under his belt will make Rabb more acutely aware of what he needs to do. The ability to grow into his role and be confident that he can handle a large workload should outstrip any worries or limitations caused by more double-teams that will likely come his way. Rabb can cope with them and make sound decisions which will put defenses on their heels.
Ethan Happ – Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers are a Final Four contender primarily because their starting five is balanced and well-rounded, with multi-tool players who can function at various spots on the floor. Happ is one such player. He knows what to do with the ball, and he just as surely knows what to do away from the ball and on defense. Wisconsin players are equipped to thrive in various ways. That’s why the Badgers get such blended and consistent contributions from their rosters, year in and year out. With Nigel Hayes on the roster, it’s not as though defenses will be able to focus on Happ. He’ll get the ability to operate one-on-one a lot of times.
Justin Jackson – North Carolina Tar Heels
It’s a great benefit for the Tar Heels that Jackson decided to stay in school. Jackson helped power Carolina to the national championship game last college basketball season with his decent jump shot, capable rebounding, and strong defense. Jackson is a rangy and explosive player who gets off the ground for rebounds at both ends of the floor. He can play above the rim but also shoot jumpers to space the floor. He plays with great energy and concentration, and everything about his arsenal should be polished this college basketball season.
Caleb Swanigan – Purdue Boilermakers
This is a bruiser. The Boilermakers hang their hat on low-post play in a Big Ten which demands strength and muscularity near the basket. Swanigan gives coach Matt Painter exactly what he’s looking for. He’s a big body with total fearlessness, a player who won’t back down from any confrontation. He will alter shots near the rim and lock down the glass. He will give Purdue many possessions in a game, and he will keep the Boilermakers in the hunt for the Big Ten title.
Austin Nichols – Virginia Cavaliers
The transfer from Memphis had a year to sit out and study the Tony Bennett system. He was surrounded in Memphis by talented players who were not very smart and did not help him in meaningful ways on the floor. Virginia is the exact opposite college basketball program – the players might not have as much high-end skill, but they’re very responsive and integrate themselves into half-court offense and defense. Nichols should thrive within such a context. This is a system that focuses on defense but Nichols is one player who will have the opportunity to shine and impress some draft scouts.
The Cavs have a relatively easy start to the season as they started with UNC-Greensboro, St. Francis, Yale and Grambling State before they get into their first wave of tests. They’ll face Iowa on November 25th before hosting Ohio State and No. 20 West Virginia in subsequent games. How Nichols measures up in those games will be critical to Virginia’s success.
