Montana Basketball: In-depth look at Grizzlies star forward Josh Bannan

By Bryan Mauro | Sep 2, 2022

MISSOULA, MT - MARCH 10: Montana Grizzlies mascot Monte and the dance team performn against the Weber State Wildcats in the quarterfinals of the Men's Big Sky Conference Basketball Championships at Idaho Central Arena on March 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. Montana lost to Weber State 69-56. (Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana via Getty Images) /

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Montana’s Josh Bannan Eug 112921 Uombb 03 /

Why you should know Josh Bannan

The Australian big man is one of the most unknown players in the country. It is no surprise that Montana, or for that matter the Big Sky conference is not easy to find on cable. They are usually on a subscription service, which is a shame given that the league does have a tremendous amount of talent. Bannan is next in the long line of players who played in the Big South to have a successful pro career in the G League or NBA.

The big man was a second-team all-conference selection last year and he probably should have been a first-team member given the offensive and defensive numbers he put up last year. He was the only player in the league to have averages of 17 points and at least 8 rebounds. He averaged 8.2 rebounds per game last year to go along with that 17 points per game. His season averages for scoring were two points lower at 15 points per game over the season. Those numbers were still enough for the Australian to lead the Grizzlies in scoring.

The big man is extremely efficient from the floor as he shoots a tad under 50% for his career from the floor and 80% from the free throw line. He is a great scorer and is the key to all game plans for all their opponents. If Bannan has an off night, it is going to be a struggle for the Grizzlies to compete.

The big man is primed for a breakout season this year, but many may argue that his breakout came last year. Last season he saw his points per game average jump by a full seven points, but his usage rating also took a significant jump as well. In addition to that, the big man unleashed a part of his game that was not there during his freshman campaign. He showed a significant ability to step out and hit three-pointers. He still doesn’t take many shots from the outside, but he takes enough to be a threat from deep.

Bannan is already a great defender and was one of the top shot blockers in the Big Sky conference as well as the top rebounder. The big man is a well-rounded star who has yet to reach his ceiling.

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