NCAA Basketball: Top 30 frontcourt players for 2021-22 season
By Ian Mumm
28. Deandre Williams, Memphis Tigers
Following his outburst for Evansville two years ago, Williams reaffirmed his presence at the next level after transferring to Memphis. Despite missing some games during the season, the sophomore was 2nd on the team in scoring at 11.7 PPG and significantly increased his defensive presence with the Tigers. Williams was one of five players, including two further down the list, who produced at least a +5 defensive box-plus-minus value and featured one of the lowest defensive ratings, 83.5, in the country last year.
With a major talent influx this offseason, Williams’ role on the offensive end may be in danger from an opportunity standpoint. He will still receive chances to score the ball, but the reduced pressure could see him return to freshman-like shooting numbers with the Tigers this go around. Williams is also going to be counted on heavily again defensively as Memphis will be very long and prevalent on that end of the floor if they are to fulfill preseason expectations.
27. Jalen Wilson, Kansas Jayhawks
On the heels of an injury shortly into his freshman season, Jalen Wilson produced in a big way last year for Kansas. The momentum wasn’t always present for Bill Self’s group, but Wilson was consistently making plays on both ends of the court. His consistency led to a Big 12 All-Freshman selection and increased expectations heading into year 2.
Despite the addition of Remy Martin at point guard and a strong likelihood he possesses a large piece of the team’s offensive priority, there is still a chance for Wilson to continue emerging as a nationally recognized name. Wilson produced his best games on the biggest stages for Kansas last season, specifically against Creighton, Kentucky, and Texas, and has the means to take the pressure off any other player on his team with his play. He has the confidence to make another leap and the Jayhawks will need him to if they are to reach the Final Four, as many predict they will.