Big South Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview, predictions

Chandler Vaudrin – Winthrop Eagles

2020-21 stats: 12.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 6.7 apg

The Eagles may not have a lethal scorer but they do have the best all-around player in the Big South. Vaudrin leads the team in all three main categories and has two triple-doubles on the season, both against USC Upstate and Campbell. The senior might not be a prolific scorer (just one game with 20 points), but is consistent, reaching in double figures in 17 of 21 games.

John-Michael Wright – High Point Panthers

2020-21 stats: 20.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.4 apg

After scoring over 14 ppg as a freshman, the 6’1 guard has emerged as one of the best mid-major scorers in the country. Wright shot 42% from the field, 36% from deep on over six attempts and gets to the free throw line at a high rate, making 78% of them. He went for 20+ 13 different times in 20 games, including 29 points twice. Wright will have the ball in his hands a lot, as he also leads High Point in assists as well.

Davion Warren – Hampton Pirates

2020-21 stats: 21.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg. 3.0 apg

After losing two different 20 ppg scorers from last season’s roster, the Pirates saw sophomore Warren double his production to lead the Big South overall this year. He makes 46% of his overall shots and can score in multiple ways, reaching double figures in all but one game. Warren also had several 30+ point performances, including a career-high 34 against USC Upstate.

Rayshon Harrison – Presbyterian Blue Hose

2020-21 stats: 17.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.5 apg

The Hose has struggled but has a future building block with Harrison, the clear-cut Freshman of the Year in the Big South. He leads the team in scoring and has been in double figures in every single game he has finished this season, including a season-high 31 points and 13 rebounds against Charleston Southern. The 6’4 guards 40% of his shots and is a volume shooter but the lack of a supporting cast puts him in a position to have to shoot.