NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Kansas of last decade

1. Willie Cauley-Stein – Kentucky

It’s hard not to be impressed by what Cauley-Stein accomplished across his college career. A four-star prospect back in 2012, the 7’0 forward from Olathe chose Kentucky, arriving just months after the Wildcats won John Calipari his first national championship. Cauley-Stein was on some teams loaded with talent, but he certainly found his chance to shine in the coming years.

As a freshman, he played a limited role, though his chances expanded after an injury to star Nerlens Noel. The following season saw him average 6.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game as the Wildcats embarked on a run to the national title game, which he missed due to injury late in the year. His third and final season at Kentucky was his most successful, playing a major role as Kentucky won their first 38 games of the season, with a pair of near-double-doubles during their NCAA Tournament run.

Cauley-Stein’s presence on defense was vital for the Wildcats, and he was given the SEC and National Defensive Player of the Year awards as a junior. He was also a First Team All-American and an All-SEC First Teamer, with his defense offering great balance on a Wildcats team loaded with offensive talent. A few months later he was a lottery pick of the Sacramento Kings and has spent the last seven seasons in the NBA.

We’re now finished with our look at the best college basketball players across the last decade from the state of Kansas; did we get it right or do you disagree with the players we highlighted?