Busting Brackets
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Big West Basketball: Top 5 returning players for the 2017-2018 season

By Connor Hope

Mar 11, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; UC Davis Aggies forward Chima Moneke (11) keeps the ball away form UC Irvine Anteaters guard Jaron Martin (0) during the finals of the Big West Conference Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; UC Davis Aggies forward Chima Moneke (11) keeps the ball away form UC Irvine Anteaters guard Jaron Martin (0) during the finals of the Big West Conference Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2017; Irvine, CA, USA; UC Irvine Anteaters forward Tommy Rutherford (42) looks to pass as Long Beach State 49ers forward Roschon Prince (23) defends during the first half of the game at Bren Events Center. The Anteaters won 82-67. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Irvine, CA, USA; UC Irvine Anteaters forward Tommy Rutherford (42) looks to pass as Long Beach State 49ers forward Roschon Prince (23) defends during the first half of the game at Bren Events Center. The Anteaters won 82-67. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention

Donovan Fields, Cal Poly – In his first season with the Mustangs, Donovan Fields averaged 11.3 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. A 5’10” point guard, Fields makes up for his lack of height with good shot selection from inside the arc.

Gibson Johnson, Hawaii – Gibson Johnson is the Rainbow Warriors’ top returning scorer (11.4 pts), rebounder (4.8 reb), and shot blocker (0.6 blk). Johnson is very efficient, shooting over 50% from the field, and could be Hawaii’s first option this season.

Jack Purchase, Hawaii – Jack Purchase returns to Hawaii as a stretch forward, who will spread the floor and create space on the interior. In his first year with the Rainbow Warriors, Purchase averaged 9.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, earning an appearance as an All-Big West Honorable Mention selection.

Tommy Rutherford, UC Irvine – After averaging just 17.8 minutes per game as a freshman, Tommy Rutherford should see significantly more minutes this season. A 6’8” forward, Rutherford was extremely efficient around the basket, shooting 59.9%, and had the second-most rebounds and blocks for the Anteaters.

Dikymbe Martin, UC Riverside – Highlander guard Dikymbe Martin is coming off an inconsistent freshman season for UC Riverside. While not being overly impressive for most of the year, Martin did show glimpses of his athleticism and skill, especially during a six game run in which he averaged 16 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Jalen Canty, UC Santa Barbara – Another player coming off his first season in the Big West, Jalen Canty averaged 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds last season. A former Washington State football commit, Canty provides the Gauchos with great size and the ability to finish strong at the rim.

Gabe Vincent, UC Santa Barbara – UCSB guard Gabe Vincent is the team’s top returning scorer and provides the Gauchos with a solid off-ball guard. If Vincent can improve his shot selection and shooting efficiency, he will be tough to defend.