NCAA Basketball: Zion, Markus Howard leads 2019 college hoops All Star game
By Josh Svetz
Forwards/Starters
Ethan Happ – Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ is doing things that even Frank Kaminsky couldn’t match.
The senior is averaging a double-double with 18.3 ppg and 10.4 rebounds. He’s also facilitating the offense with 5.1 apg. The stats may look good, but Happ has the Badgers ranked despite a lacking supporting cast. In fact, Happ leads the team in points, rebounds and assists. He’s almost like the superman of Wisconsin. Despite the hype, Happ has two major deficiencies with his non-existent three-point shot and 47% free throw mark, leading to a “hack-a-Happ” strategy by opposing teams.
Still, you can’t deny the dominance and versatility Happ displays on the court and the Badgers could be a potential dark-horse come tournament time if others on the team can heat up.
Grant Williams – Tennessee
The Volunteers are #1 because of they’re deep talent pool.
Leading all those great players is Grant Williams. The junior averages 20.4 ppg, 3.4 apg and 7.4 rebounds. There’s no “hack-a-Williams” as he shoots 83% from the stripe.
With Williams’ free throw proficiency, coupled with a deadly mid-range and a slippery post spin, he’s a huge reason why the Vols are legitimate contenders to cut down the nets come March.
Rui Hachimura – Gonzaga
The Japanese jolt has jostled his way through defenders all year and has earned the distinction of top player on the West Coast.
Rui Hachimura leads the Bulldogs with 20.4 ppg and 6.4 rebounds. The junior patience and efficiency distinguishes him from the pack, shooting 60% from the field and averaging less than 2 turnovers a game. His rare combination of length and agility makes him a match-up nightmare, leading to taking down the undefeated at the time, Duke Blue Devils.
While the Bulldogs are always a threat come March, Hachimura’s versatility puts the Bulldogs in the thick of it to win the championship.
Dedric Lawson – Kansas
The former Memphis Tiger has put himself into the discussion as one of the best big man in college basketball.
The Jayhawks have handled business in the Big-12, in large part to Dedric Lawson‘s post-play strength and renaissance man ability. The junior transfer forward averages a double-double with 19.5 ppg and 10.8 rebounds per game. Lawson took on a much larger role than anticipated when injured center Udoka Azubuike went down for the season. Since then, Lawson has elevated his game.
Though the Jayhawks have been riddled by injury, players like Lawson still keep them in the top half of the conference.
RJ Barrett – Duke
It would be difficult not to throw two Blue Devils in the starting lineup, especially with the season RJ Barrett is having.
The freshman forward and dynamic duo with Zion WIlliamson sometimes gets lost in the noise of Williamson, but make no mistake, Barrett has proven himself as one of the elite players in college basketball.
The Canadian averages more points than Williamson at 23.0 ppg and puts up 7 boards a night with 3.7 assists a game.
While Barrett may struggle to knock down the three-pointer consistently, he makes up for it in sheer athleticism and tireless scoring ability.
Barrett is a big reason why many fans and experts have locked in the Blue Devils as the favorite for the NCAA Championship.