Sun Belt Basketball: Who are the stars for every team in 2017-18?

South Alabama Jaguars – SO Josh Ajayi

The Jaguars of South Alabama have been riding the middle of the Sun Belt for some time, being unable to take the next step in the standings. Losing their best player Ken Williams may make it seem like South Alabama is stuck in mediocrity, but there is a young player who may be the key for a resurgence in the Sun Belt.

Josh Ajayi is 6’7 244 pounds and a load inside. He made an immediate impact in his freshman year averaging 10.6 ppg (second on the team) and led his team with five and a half rebounds a game. All of this was done while playing just under 25 mpg.

What makes this particular prospect so appealing is that he’s already made his game more versatile by shooting perimeter shots. He shot 42% from distance his freshman season and will look to be a constant threat both inside and out in the next three years.

As a team, everyone will have to shoot better, as they ranked dead last in shooting from distance. Their rebounding issues also dragged down the Jaguars’ chances to win games.

Efforts like his 27 and 10 double-double against Florida International indicates that he’s capable of becoming the lead man. Next year will be about his consistency. There were far too many games where he just didn’t show up offensively.

For South Alabama to avoid the dweller, Josh has to become the potential all-conference performer he’s capable of.