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NCAA Basketball: Projecting the top 25 mid-major stars for 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: The bench celebrates as Sam Merrill #5 of the Utah State Aggies looks on as they play against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: The bench celebrates as Sam Merrill #5 of the Utah State Aggies looks on as they play against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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17. Nathan Knight, William & Mary

Forward/Center | 6-foot-10 | 253 lbs | Senior

William & Mary might not be projected to be a top contender for the CAA title during this coming season but Nathan Knight is one of the conference’s top players and there should be absolutely no doubt about that. The supporting cast around him is questionable at best but Knight is someone that opponents consistently have a difficult time game-planning for.

He is a dynamic 6-foot-10 rising senior forward that seemingly impacts each game in every single way. Knight can be a threat at all three levels, rebounds at a high rate, passes exceptionally well for a big, and is one of the best defenders in the CAA. He is fresh off averaging 21.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game last season and clearly deserves recognition in this list.

Due to the potential struggles of the Tribe as a team, though, it is hard to place Knight much higher on this list. This is especially true following the departures of five key contributors following the firing of long-time head coach Tony Shaver. Dane Fischer is the new leader of the program and having Knight back on the roster is a major luxury. With that said, though, he is the only proven contributor.

Nonetheless, Knight is the caliber of player that I believe can push William & Mary to exceed low preseason expectations. He is a proven star and will be eagerly hoping to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in his final collegiate season.

Even if he fails to reach that goal, though, you can be sure that Knight will go out with a bang. Essentially the entire offense will run through him this season in the absence of a strong supporting cast. Knight is a very talented forward and makes everyone else better on the court.

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