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 Auburn Tigers forward Jabari Smith Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Auburn Tigers – Jabari Smith getting the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft

At the beginning of the season, it was between star freshmen Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga) and Paolo Banchero (Duke) for the future No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. However, a new contender has emerged in Jabari Smith, a 6’10 forward that is averaging a team-leading 16.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg, while shooting 45% from three-point range. His athleticism is off the charts and his size and versatility fit the modern NBA game perfectly.

There’s plenty to love about Smith’s game and an argument that he may have an even better ceiling than both Holmgren and Banchero. If he leads Auburn to a top-tier finish in the SEC and a run in the NCAA Tournament, it’ll truly be a three-way race for the top pick. And Smith’s offensive talents could be what separates him from the others.

9. Houston Cougars – Jamal Shead becoming an All-AAC guard

The Cougars suffered a big blow this week with 6th man Tramon Mark out for the season after averaging 10.1 ppg and 2.4 apg. That puts even more pressure on both Marcus Sasser and Kyler Edwards to score at a high level, currently combining to average around 30 ppg. The other starting guard is sophomore Jamal Shead, who recently was promoted to starter and has been averaging around 14 ppg and 7.0 apg in the past five games.

The 6’1 guard leads Houston with 5.7 apg on the season and has become the true point guard the team has needed. But with Mark now out, Shead will also have to take over some of the lost scoring production as well. If he’s able to do so, the Cougars will be able to remain the favorite to win the AAC and make another possible Final Four run.

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