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

Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) passes against Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard JeQuan Lewis (1) in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) passes against Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard JeQuan Lewis (1) in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Julian Strawther – Gonzaga

A 6’7 guard from Las Vegas and a top 100 recruit, Strawther really found his way to success this past season. He’s spent the last two years under Mark Few at Gonzaga, being a role player on a historical run during his freshman season. He’s broken out as a critical piece of the Bulldogs’ puzzle in his second year; the reason he’s on our list today.

This talented guard played limited minutes as a freshman, thanks to Corey Kispert, but became an impact player as a sophomore. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds on a Gonzaga that made another appearance in the Sweet Sixteen. He had a career-high 20 points with 10 rebounds against Duke early in the year, while adding a few impact performances as the Bulldogs handled WCC play.

Strawther was the fourth-leading scorer on last season’s Gonzaga squad, taking quite the step forward with available minutes. He was among the conference leaders in 2-point field goal percentage and offensive rating, while his defensive numbers were somewhat solid as well. He’ll return next season for the Bulldogs, contributing to what’s expected to be yet another impressive and deeply talented Gonzaga roster.