Dick Vitale has made a list of the top 10 most improved college basketball players for 2021. His criteria includes on court play, off court leadership and team impact. The following is his list from No. 1 to No. 10 in alphabetical order with brief analysis:
1- Jairus Lyles
Lyles was selected by the Dallas Mavericks after being named Mr Basketball USA last year at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City
The “college basketball today” is a list of the top 10 most improved players in men’s college basketball for 2021.
I’ve had plenty of time to watch NCAA basketball from my sofa while recuperating from cancer and chemotherapy treatments. I’ve been pleased by a lot of guys who have made significant progress — so many have matured into important players capable of competing for the Wooden Award and All-America accolades later in the year.
I’ve put up a list of ten players to keep an eye on who have seen their numbers rise and their responsibilities expand dramatically:
Last season, he averaged 7.2 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and a 50.6 field goal percentage. This season, he averaged 24.5 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, and a 59.2% field goal percentage.
Luka Garza (Wooden Award winner), Joe Wieskamp (NBA draft selection), CJ Fredrick (transferred to Kentucky, but sidelined for the season due to injury), and Jack Nunge were all gone from last season’s squad (transferred to Xavier). Murray has improved his long-range shooting and is on his way to becoming a star. He’ll be a strong contender for the national scoring crown. Murray, the son of former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray (1993-96), has already surpassed the 25-point mark seven times this season.
Last season, he averaged 10.8 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, and a 47.1 percent field goal percentage. This season, he averaged 18.9 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and a 50.6 percent field goal percentage.
The Wildcats have become one of America’s greatest shocks under coach Tommy Lloyd. Mathurin, who has shown confidence in his shooting skills, wants the ball in his hands to attempt the game-winning shot. Mathurin scored 30 points against Illinois, 29 against Oregon State, 28 against Tennessee, and 27 against Washington, all while shooting at least 50% in each game.
7.0 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game last season 22.3 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game this season
Davis is getting 10 more minutes per game than he did in 2020-21, which helps. He’s grown into a star who shines in important games. In an upset win against Purdue on Monday, he scored 37 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Davis also put up 30 points against a #1 Houston team, and scored 25 points against rival Marquette.
Last season, he averaged 7.3 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, and a 46.2 percent field goal percentage. This season, he has averaged 15.6 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, and a 52.8 field goal percentage.
Cam Thomas, Javonte Smart, and Trendon Watford all left LSU, and Eason has stepped up to fill the void. After only scoring 20 points once last season, he’s done it four times this season.
Last season, he averaged 9.7 points per game, 41.7 percent from the field, and 4.8 rebounds per game. This season, he averaged 16.3 points per game, 55.6 percent from the field, and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Moore’s shooting range has increased, and he’s become more of a leader, collaborating effectively with a young, skilled group of diaper dandies. He scored in double figures in each of the Blue Devils’ first 12 games, including four games with 20 or more points.
7.8 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game last season 15.7 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game this season
Lewis made history with his buzzer-beating tip-in against Wisconsin last season, but he battled ailments down the line that hurt his team’s prospects in a competitive Big East. Lewis’ scoring has more than doubled this season, thanks to a healthier body. Lewis has scored 17 points or more seven times this season, including a 23-point, 11-rebound performance against Providence on Tuesday night.
At Oklahoma last season, he averaged 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 48.1 percent from the field. This season, he averaged 20.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and a 54.7 field goal percentage.
Williams has had a number of great performances, including a 20-point performance in a blowout of Florida State on Tuesday. Against VMI, 34 against Charlotte, and 32 against Western Carolina, the Sooners transfer scored 36 points. Since moving to the ACC, his shooting, scoring, and rebounding have all improved tremendously.
10.3 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game last season 14.6 points per game, 8.6 points per game this season
Last season, the Golden Bears won nine games. Under Mark Fox, they’ve already equaled that victory total this season, and Kelly has been a key piece of the equation. Seton Hall (23 points), Oregon State (20 points), and Santa Clara (18 points) are among his greatest opponents, and he also scored 29 points in Cal’s disputed double-overtime victory over Southern Utah.
Last season, he averaged 15.5 points per game and 2.1 assists per game. 21.5 points per game, 3.1 assists per game this season
McGhee was a quality player last season, but this season he has significantly boosted his scoring for a squad hoping to return to the NCAA tournament. He scored 41 points against Stanford and 29 against BYU in the Rainbow Classic.
Last season, he averaged 12.4 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. 21.1 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game this season
Reeves has scored 20 points or more nine times this season, including 23 in a close defeat to Wisconsin on Dec. 29. He’s been consistent from outside the arc, averaging more over three per game and shooting 43.9 percent.
The V Foundation will profit from the 17th annual Dick Vitale Gala, which will be hosted on May 6 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. Visit dickvitaleonline.com for additional details.
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Related Tags
- ncaa basketball standings 2021
- ncaa basketball rankings 2020
- nba most improved player
