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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Nov 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Runnin’ Rebels guard Kris Clyburn (1) has his shot blocked by Cal State Fullerton Titans guard Tre’ Coggins (1) and forward Jackson Rowe (34) during a game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Runnin’ Rebels guard Kris Clyburn (1) has his shot blocked by Cal State Fullerton Titans guard Tre’ Coggins (1) and forward Jackson Rowe (34) during a game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jackson Rowe, CSU Fullerton

On a team defined by the play of its strong three-man backcourt, freshman forward Jackson Rowe emerged as a solid piece for Cal State Fullerton last season. Despite a relative lack of size, Rowe proved that he could compete with the other big men in the Big West.

Last season, Rowe was extremely efficient around the basket, averaging 7.3 rebounds and 10.3 points on 53.7% shooting. Rowe will most likely see a heavy increase in shot attempts this season, with guards Tre Coggins and Lionheart Leslie both gone.

Rowe is not limited to the paint either. Last season, he averaged 32.6% shooting from deep and 71.1% from the line, providing floor spacing for Leslie and Khalil Ahmed to drive to the rim.

While Rowe’s impressive performance last year earned him Big West Freshman of the Year honors, he is destined to improve and could land on the All-Big West First Team.