NCAA Basketball: Top 30 frontcourt players for 2021-22 season
By Ian Mumm
16. Tre Mitchell, Texas Longhorns
One of many transfers to land on the Longhorns roster this summer, forward Tre’ Mitchell brings a unique skillset to the table. The former two-time All-Atlantic 10 and A-10 Rookie of the Year has tremendous versatility with the ball in his hands and can consistently stretch the floor with his shooting. Mitchell has maintained an extremely high level of production, across the board, in his first two collegiate seasons and will see a much different role with Texas this year.
Dominated by guards, Texas will continue to operate through their backcourt. However, Mitchell’s capabilities on both ends open nearly infinite lineup variations to put Longhorn opponents in compromising positions. He is a strong interior defender and showcased good instincts to record over a block and a steal in both seasons playing for the Minutemen. Mitchell should still provide efficient play for Texas this year on both ends, but doing so for the Longhorns could vault him up the draft boards.
15. Zach Edey, Purdue Boilermakers
Edey quickly became one of the numerous revelations in college basketball last season. Coming to Purdue as a 3-star recruit, the expectations for his first year certainly did not meet what he was able to do on the court. Edey was highly efficient off the bench for the Boilermakers and likely would have garnered a much bigger role in the team’s rotation if Trevion Williams was not sitting in front of him.
Regardless, Edey still tallied 8.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in only 14.7 minutes a night. The efficiency he was able to play with, despite coming off the bench cold, was very impressive. Edey’s per 40-minute stats were almost identical to the veteran Williams and proved to be a more reliable shot-blocker for the Boilermakers as well.
While Williams is back for another season and keeping Edey at bay a little longer, the sophomore will still make Purdue one of the best frontcourt groups in the nation and find opportunities throughout the season to expand on his first-year performance.