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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Feb 4, 2017; Long Beach, CA, USA; Long Beach State 49ers forward Temidayo Yussuf (4) celebrates after making a shot against the UC Irvine Anteaters during the first half at The Walter Pyramid (Long Beach). Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Long Beach, CA, USA; Long Beach State 49ers forward Temidayo Yussuf (4) celebrates after making a shot against the UC Irvine Anteaters during the first half at The Walter Pyramid (Long Beach). Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Temidayo Yussuf, Long Beach State

Temidayo Yussuf is the only returning player from last season’s All-Big West Second Team. After an impressive sophomore season, Yussuf will be expected to step into a leadership role for Long Beach State.

Built like a linebacker, Yussuf is a load to defend and shoots an efficient 52.6% from the court. Playing only 18.9 minutes per game for the 49ers, Yussuf averaged 9.4 points and 4.6 rebounds.

There are definitely areas that Yussuf can improve on, with free throw efficiency being the primary focus. Yussuf will also need to improve his rebounding in order to replace the production teammate Roschon Prince provided.

With LBSU losing a lot of talented players, Yussuf will most likely see an increase in minutes. If he continues to improve, Yussuf should make a strong case for All-Big West First Team Honors.