NCAA Basketball: Top 30 frontcourt players for 2021-22 season
By Ian Mumm
12. David McCormack, Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks couldn’t play at an optimal level much last season and that was reflected in the inconsistent production of many players on the roster. Junior David McCormack was able to take a leap forward in his production after earning the full-time starting gig, but issues of foul trouble kept him from making a bigger impact in 2020-21. McCormack was an undeniable force when on the court and if he can manage some of those issues, he’s in for an even bigger year.
Handling a much bigger workload was not an issue for the 6’10” center and it’s likely we see that again this year with similar roster continuity on the 2021-22 team. McCormack was efficient in scoring the ball, dominant on the glass, and continued the Jayhawk’s track record of featuring a physical and reliable interior defender. With revamped frontcourt players throughout the conference, the senior is incredibly important towards Kansas’ success on a national level and being able to dominate as they have in recent years.
11. EJ Liddell, Ohio State Buckeyes
Liddell is one of many players on this list that turned a restricted and limited role in 2019-20 into full-fledged stardom last season. Getting better in every facet of the game, the Buckeyes really excelled with the 6’7” forward in the lineup. Liddell’s skillset afforded Ohio State a lot of lineup versatility after losing Kaleb and Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, and D.J. Carton from the roster in the offseason.
The Buckeyes lost even more personnel this summer and will look to rely on Liddell at a higher level this season. His improved efficiency from both the perimeter and the offensive end altogether is a positive sign the team can lean on even if he doesn’t inherit a bigger chunk of the available shot attempts. In the two games Liddell missed last season, the Buckeyes struggled to get by Cleveland State and lost to Purdue. His presence is a major key to Ohio State contending this season in both conference play and on a national level.