8. Max Rice (Boise State)
Considering his father has been head coach since 2010, it’s perhaps not shocking that Rice spent the last five seasons playing a valuable rose at Boise State. In actuality, he was a bench piece his first three years for the Broncos, though Rice certainly took a massive step forward in recent seasons. In fact, he was vital to postseason success for Boise State in his two years as a starter.
The fifth-year senior did great in the Broncos’ backcourt, averaging 12.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, though his shooting numbers took a slight step back from career-highs the previous season. Nevertheless he was part of a strong offense that got Boise State to the NCAA Tournament yet again. Rice just missed out on All-MWC honors but clearly was important as a shooter for this team.
After three 20-point efforts in nonconference play, Rice saved some of his best basketball for when it mattered down the stretch. He had a monumental 35-point performance in a great road win at New Mexico in late January and would prove valuable in other conference wins, including the regular season finale at San Diego State. Rice was always a threat from outside the arc and his impact will certainly be missed both on and off the court for the Broncos.