There are many basketball players that should have tremendous years. Many individuals will attempt to put their teammates on their back and carry their team through March Madness. There are also teams that are stacked with talent: Kentucky, Arizona and Duke. The list of players that this article will focus on may not be necessarily the top-five but these are five players that may not be initially on everyone’s radar that you will not want to forget. These players are also not in any particular order. These five individuals though could have the type of the season that will bring the spotlight to them, their team and hopefully vault them to the Sweet 16.
Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville
He has stayed in school to enjoy one more year of college and to hone his skills. His area of concern is his free-throwing. He only shot 46% last year. However, he shoots 60% from the field and averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds last year. There is no reason that he should not improve those numbers in both categories. Louisville has seven newcomers joining them and they are hoping the veterans; such a Montrezl Harrell will lead them. Harrell who is a 6’8″, 240 pound forward loves going strong to hoop. However, in the off season he has been working on his jump shot. Look for him to take the 15 foot jumper to open up the floor. Also, even though he only took three three-pointers last year; look for him to step beyond the arch and take more three’s. He has the capability of hitting the shot. By hitting the shot, it will draw the defense to him and then he can use his speed and power to blow pass the defense and get to the hoop.
Fred VanVleet, PG, Wichita State
Fred is a junior. In his sophomore year, he double his minutes and more than doubled his points and assists. As a sophomore, he averaged 11.4 points agame with 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds. He is improving all the time and is a great floor manager. Going into the season, the Shockers (Wichita State) are ranked #11 and coach Gregg Marshall believes they have another Final Four run in them. VanVleet is a legitimate All-American candidate and could lead them to a championship.
Olivier Hanlan, G, Boston College
Some individuals believe Olivier Hanlan has an outside shot to be the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year award. Last year, he increased his numbers to 18.5 points a game. Boston College has a new coach Jim Christian and Jim was ecstatic that Olivier decided to stick around campus. Boston College has a long road ahead of them but the journey through the rough ACC will be easier with Oliver on the court. Hanlan may not be able to propel the team to big dance but he will definitely give individuals who are watch BC playing other teams something to watch. This year, watch for Christian to implement a high octane offense and Hanlan will be the one leading the charge.
Rasheed Sulaimon, G, Duke
Rasheed Sulaimon had an up and down season last year. However, he did average 9.9 points a game and also had 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Duke has numerous freshman coming in and many would argue that those freshman are much better than Sulaimon. Their freshman are star-studded. However, if Duke wants to march their way into the Final Four, they will need the leadership of Rasheed and there will have to be nights when he puts up 20+ points on the scoreboard. Last year, Sulaimon learned how to play a supporting role with Parker and Hood and he should be ready to do that with this incoming class and will help them win the ACC.
Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin
Frank Kaminsky dominated most of the year. He did struggle in March against Kentucky. However, that does not diminish his accomplishments. Frank averaged 13.4 points a game with 6.4 rebounds a game. He led the team in both categories and he should lead the team in both categories again. Wisconsin is hoping that Frank will lead them to a Big Ten Championship and put them in the position for a March Madness run that will land them in the Final Four. Frank has the potential to be the best center in the nation. He is a 7 footer that has immense talent. This season should be fueled for him to prove that 2013-14 was not a fluke and that he can and will overcome what happened to him and the Badgers in March.
Photo Credit: Duke Sports Report