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

16. Hayden Brown

A 6’5 wing from Greer, South Carolina, Brown had himself some success playing college ball in his home state. It’s a career that began in Duggar Baucom’s high-powered offense at The Citadel in 2017, spanning five years that included a redshirt season as a junior due to injury. Brown would then finish his career at South Carolina this past season, though we’re just focused on his time with the Bulldogs.

In his first few seasons, Brown was a solid piece for the Bulldogs but wasn’t yet playing starters minutes. He was having a breakout season in year three before an injury knocked him out after six games, though he’d make up for it the next season. During his fourth season, the one following the start of the pandemic, Brown averaged 18.8 points and 10.5 rebounds and emerged as a star all over the court for the Bulldogs. He’d have similar numbers in his final year at The Citadel, with numerous great rebounding performances.

Brown was named First Team All-SoCon in his last two seasons with the Bulldogs before his departure, emerging as one of the top offensive players in the conference. At the same time, he was the best rebounder in the SoCon and also had great shooting numbers, ranking Top 3 in field goal percentage in both years. Brown had good numbers last season in the SEC, but it just doesn’t compare to the production he had while at The Citadel.