March Madness: Top 100 players that will decide the 2018 NCAA Tournament
FR Zhaire Smith – Wing, Texas Tech Red Raiders
2017-18 stats: 11.1 ppg 4.6 rpg 1.6 apg
Almost the exact same player as Culver, Smith has been another instant impact player for the Red Raiders. He plays more of the forward role for the team, based on his ability to guard bigger players while exploiting them on the other hand with his ability to shoot from deep.
His impact has been particularly important, after losing another Smith in Zach Smith. The senior was supposed to be the full-time starter but has been injury plagued throughout the year. But whether it’s been by starting, or being the team’s sixth man the younger Smith has played an integral part in making Texas Tech a viable contender come March.
FR Jarrett Culver – Wing, Texas Tech Red Raiders
2017-18 stats: 11.7 ppg 4.7 rpg 1.7 apg
A big unexpected surprise for the Red Raiders, the versatile freshman has played very well. He’s one of the best defenders in the Big 12, while still being one of the top scorers on the team.
Culver is a 40%+ shooter from deep and has gone for at least 20 several times. He’s still a freshman, so inconsistencies are going to happen, but for him, that’s not been a big problem.