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NCAA Basketball: Top 10 returning players for 2020-21 season

By William Cash

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 07: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats dribbles by Terrell Allen #12 of the Georgetown Hoyas during a college basketball game at the Capital One Arena on March 7, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 07: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats dribbles by Terrell Allen #12 of the Georgetown Hoyas during a college basketball game at the Capital One Arena on March 7, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Xavier Tillman (Michigan State)

Tillman has declared for the NBA Draft but did not hire an agent, so he maintains eligibility and I think he will end up staying at MSU for his senior year. Tillman averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 55% from the field. Tillman playing with his back to the basket and only being 6″8 will be a problem at the NBA level, but it was very effective in college and works because of how Tillman’s positioning and timing is constantly is, which keeps him one step ahead of the opposition.

Tillman is a very good screen setter as well, which made the pick and roll duo of him and Cassius Winston was deadly this season. And Tillman was one of the best defenders in the nation, averaging two blocks a game which ranked him fourth in the Big Ten. His rebounding was also elite, as he ranked third in the Big Ten. He was also one of the most efficient players in the Big Ten ranking fourth in field goal percentage.

If Tillman decides to stay one more year, he will be the focal part of Michigan’s State offense and would be big for Tom Izzo and company, especially with Cassius Winston graduating.

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