4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Georgia
Caldwell-Pope wasn’t just a 6’5 guard from Greenville, he had starred at the high school level and was a top recruit. The five-star prospect found his way to Georgia, playing for the Bulldogs under coach Mark Fox just over a decade ago. He’d spent just a pair of seasons playing in the SEC but he certainly made an important impact in that brief stretch.
A starter and important piece from the beginning, Caldwell-Pope averaged 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in a solid freshman campaign but he’d be even better in year two. He put up impressive numbers, averaging 18.3 points per game, including a career-high 32 points in an SEC Tournament game loss to LSU. Caldwell-Pope also lead the entire conference in 3-point shooting during that season.
The Bulldogs struggled during this two-year period, but Caldwell-Pope’s contributions were rewarded as he was named SEC Player of the Year in 2013. Clearly a critical piece of the puzzle for Georgia, he was one of the best shooters in the conference over the decade and certainly showcased his talents. Clearly ready to take the next step, he was soon a lottery pick of the Detroit Pistons and is set to prepare for his tenth season in the NBA.