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

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

By Joey Loose | Sep 4, 2023

Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Georgia State Panthers bench surrounds Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) after their victory over the Baylor Bears in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena.Georgia State defeated Baylor 57-56 on Hunter's three point basket with 2.8 second left in the game. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sun Belt Basketball Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns forward Bryce Washington Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Bryce Washington

Washington is a 6’6 forward from New Orleans who stayed relatively close to home, landing at Louisiana-Lafayette back in 2014. Before his four-year career was over, Washington became a major frontcourt weapon for the Ragin’ Cajuns and also helped lead them to one of their finest seasons in 2018.

He’d join the starting lineup midway through his freshman year, with decent numbers as an underclassman. Washington took a major step forward as a junior, putting up 13.5 points and 11.2 rebounds a game for the Ragin’ Cajuns, including a 21-rebound effort against Louisiana-Monroe. In his final year he had even more electric performances, averaged a double-double again, and led Louisiana to a regular season Sun Belt title. The Ragin’ Cajuns won 27 games but fell short in the conference tournament and settled for the NIT.

Washington was named Second Team All-Sun Belt as a junior before claiming First Team All-Sun Belt for that final campaign. He was the league’s top rebounder in those two seasons and actually ranked among the nation’s best as well. Washington helped lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to a program-best 27 wins in that phenomenal senior year, helping maintain their standing in the Sun Belt. It also doesn’t hurt to average a double-double in your final two collegiate seasons.