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Mid-Major Basketball: Top 10 stars that will impact 2021 NCAA Tournament

By Nicholas Gallo

Jan 2, 2021; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Utah State Aggies head coach Craig Smith talks with center Neemias Queta (23) in the second half against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Utah State Aggies head coach Craig Smith talks with center Neemias Queta (23) in the second half against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mid-major Basketball
Mid-major basketball San Diego State Aztecs forward Matt Mitchell Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Curry, Marcus Camby, and Larry Bird have one thing in common; they shined the most when it came to mid-major stars in March. As we enter the madness. Here are 10 players to look out for at these Mid-Major Basketball colleges.

10. Quentin Grimes – Houston Cougars

The former five-star recruit from Kansas according to Sports Reference is averaging 17.9 points per game while shooting 40% from the field and from the 3-point-strike. Grimes has been the lead catalyst for the team scoring over 20 points in 11 of their regular-season games, including a 33-point game while making 8 three’s against Western Kentucky back in Feb. A streaky shooter who can get hot early and stay hot whether off the catch and shoot or with the ball in his hands.

9. Matt Mitchell – San Diego State Aztecs

Senior forward Matt Mitchell is another player who can put up points in a hurry. Mitchell averaged 15.4 points per game while shooting 43.7% from the field this year. Mitchell put up 35 points on 70% shooting from the field against BYU back in December. Scouts have compared him to CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers.

#8 Cameron Krutwig – Loyola Chicago Ramblers

You may remember this man back in 2018 as Sister Jean’s Ramblers are looking to make more noise in this year’s tournament. Leading the charge is senior Cameron Krutwig who is averaging 15 points per game and shooting 57.9% from the field. His old-school big man style translates well, as he is very dangerous not only just scoring in the post but getting his shooters open while passing out of it.

#7 Osun Osunniyi – St. Bonaventure University

The St. Bonaventure Bonnies are back in the tournament and the rim protector that helped them get there is the Junior Center Osun Osunniyi. Osunniyi is top 10 in block shots per game in NCAA with 2.8. With a 7’8 wingspan, you’re looking at an intimidating fly swatter who can easily send the next layup into the second-level stands.

Against Saint Louis in the Atlantic-10 Tournament, Osunniyi had seven blocks in that game alone. With his defensive presence,  Osunniyi has made the Bonnies according to Sports Reference the most efficient defense at 45% inside the arc allowed.

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