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NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 21 in 2023-24 season

By Joey Loose

Indiana State Sycamores center Robbie Avila (21) goes in for a lay-up against Utah Utes guard Deivon Smith (5) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, during the NIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana State Sycamores defeated the Utah Utes, 100-90.
Indiana State Sycamores center Robbie Avila (21) goes in for a lay-up against Utah Utes guard Deivon Smith (5) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, during the NIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana State Sycamores defeated the Utah Utes, 100-90. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY
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8. Duke Deen (Bradley)

Before his recent success in the MVC, Deen spent a year apiece at Panola College in Texas and at the D1 level with Troy. His promise with the Trojans was evident, though he’s really come into his own since joining the Braves two offseasons ago. While Bradley hasn’t gotten the same attention or had the same success as programs like Drake or Indiana State, they’ve been sneaky good in recent years and Deen played a role in that.

Deen just spent his senior season averaging 13.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while making 38% of his 3-pointers. Each of those numbers created new career-highs for a guard who contributed on a quiet yet successful 3rd place finish for the Braves. Deen wasn’t ignored by his league, notching First Team All-MVC as one of the league’s most complete players.

He put up 15 points at UAB in a nice win on opening night, but really hit his stride right around New Year’s. Deen saved his best for league play, scoring 31 points in a tough loss at Indiana State, the eventual conference champion. He’d top himself a few weeks later with 35 points at Missouri State and later led the Braves to an NIT win over former league rival Loyola Chicago with an 18-point performance.

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