NCAA Basketball: 2021-22 Christmas wishlist for each top 25 team

Dec 22, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to players AJ Griffin (21) and Paolo Banchero (5) during a break in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 76-65. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball Christmas Seton Hall Pirates guard Bryce Aiken Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

16. LSU Tigers – A nickname for the frontcourt trio

When Illinois transfer Adam Miller went down with a season-ending injury in the backcourt, LSU needed other players to step up besides returning key forward Darius Days. Turns out that he may be the third-best frontcourt player on the team, as Cincy transfer Tari Eason and five-star freshman Efton Reid has been fantastic on both ends.

The trio is combining to average 41.1 ppg and 21.1 rpg on the season, while also playing a big part in the Tigers being a top-3 defense nationally. The fact that LSU can have two key forwards on the court at all times makes them a force to be reckoned with going forward. It’s hard to argue that there’s a better overall frontcourt in the country than this one.

15. Seton Hall Pirates – Continued health for Bryce Aiken

Former Harvard star Byrce Aiken has had three seasons impacted with injuries, including last year when he transferred to the Pirates. But when healthy, this is a player that has averaged over 20 ppg and is a capable shooter from anywhere on the floor.

We’ve seen that so far with Seton Hall, with Aiken averaging 11.2 ppg (second on the team) that includes a game-winning basket against Texas. Leading scorer Jared Rhoden is the lone consistent scorer on the team but Aiken has the potential to be the second guy and if he does, the Pirates will continue being a top 15 team on the season. As long as he remains healthy of course.

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