College basketball: What would an NCAA All-Star Game Look Like?
By John Ryan
Power Forwards
Team A: Luke Maye (North Carolina) and Jaren Jackson Jr (Michigan State)
Simply put, Luke Maye is the best player in college basketball. He won’t be the best pro, he isn’t the best athlete, yet Maye has willed North Carolina to an impressive season nonetheless. Maye has built upon last seasons strong championship run, now posting averages of 18.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. His ability to score at an elite level from any level makes the Tar Heels a real threat to repeat.
Miles Bridges is not Michigan States most impactful player. That tile belongs to the freshman Jaren Jackson Jr, a likely top-10 pick, who has helped take Michigan State’s defense to the next level. With him on the floor there is never an easy shot for the opposing offense. His versatility on both ends makes him one of the best players in the nation.
Team B: Marvin Bagley lll (Duke) and Mike Daum (South Dakota State)
While Maye may be the best college basketball player, Bagley could very well be the most talented. The freshman is one of the few possibilities to be the #1 draft pick come June and has been a consistent staple to Duke’s success. His defense may be spotty, but 21.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per contest accurately depict his worth.
Another talent overlooked due to playing for a mid-major is Mike Daum. His numbers are very similar to Bagley’s, 23.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, but the value he brings to that program can not be quantified. He has NBA level talent and is more than deserving to secure a spot in this game.