NCAA Basketball: Top 30 frontcourt players for 2021-22 season

2. Paolo Banchero, Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils didn’t receive optimal results from their highly touted freshmen last season. Jalen Johnson, Jeremy Roach, and Mark Williams all performed well for their first year in the college ranks, but none were able to emerge in a way reminiscent of recent “stars.” Roach and Williams are in good spots to contribute at a more consistent level this season, but Duke’s latest 5-star recruit Paolo Banchero all but ensures the blue-blood will regain its national prominence.

Banchero brings with him a very versatile skillset to Durham this season. Capable of creating his own shot on the perimeter and regularly bringing the ball up the floor, the 6’10”, 250-lb forward moves in ways that are uncharacteristic to his frame.

Step-back 3-pointers, a soft touch on his jumpshot, agility, and ball-handling in traffic, as well as athleticism to elevate over almost all shot-blockers, puts super high expectations on the Seattle native. It’s not a matter of if Banchero becomes a nationally recognized star next season, but an issue of how many games into the season it will happen.

1. Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Gonzaga program are no strangers to boasting elite college frontcourt players simultaneously on their rosters. However, even among their rich history of talent have they likely featured a pair of top-3 or arguably top-2 frontcourt stars at the same time. Landing 5-star frontcourt monster Chet Holmgren was a continuation of the program’s recruiting success via the Minnehaha High School pipeline, but more importantly a change in the team’s dynamic heading into the 2021-22 season.

Holmgren has been on the national radar for several years now, but questions remained regarding his effectiveness at the college level. However, all of those were answered this summer during the FIBA U19 World Cup championship secured by the United States. Named the tournament MVP, Holmgren showcased his ability to run offenses, facilitate to teammates from any spot on the court and drain perimeter attempts with ease.

Adding to his production on the floor, Holmgren was an eye-popping interior defender throughout the event. He averaged 2.7 blocks per game and displayed the ability to cover and disrupt shots in a large swath of space. The convenience of utilizing him as both a “guard” and a “defensive anchor” will be hugely beneficial to the Bulldogs’ attempt to secure the National Title this year.