Big South Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade ('13-23)

Big South Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 9, 2023

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Amari Bailey #5 of the UCLA Bruins shoots over Drew Pember #4 of the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs and Tajion Jones #3 of the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 16, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Big South Basketball UNC Asheville Bulldogs forward Drew Pember Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Drew Pember

A 6’10 forward from Knoxville, Pember has had quite the rise in recent years. He actually stayed at home to start his career, spending a pair of seasons at Tennessee in the SEC but barely playing for the Volunteers. He’d transfer to UNC Asheville in 2021 and has transformed into a star with the Bulldogs in recent years, even leading the program to the Big Dance this past March.

After barely playing at Tennessee, Pember was immediately a vital piece for the Bulldogs, averaging 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in his first season in Asheville. He had a 41-point, 10-rebound breakthrough in a win over Radford and also played well in the CBI to end the season. Year two in Asheville was even better, with Pember putting up 20.9 points and 9.1 rebounds a game, including dropping 40 on UCF on opening night. He led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament, averaging nearly 30 points a game in the Big South Tournament.

It’s been accolades aplenty for Pember, who’s lead the conference in points, rebounds, and blocks during his time in the Big South. He was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year in both seasons and Player of the Year for this past one, culminating it with Tournament MVP honors and a trip to the Big Dance. He’s been elite in his seasons in the league and will be back next season for one more shot at that postseason glory.