21. Josh Harris – North Florida
There’s no shame at all in playing collegiately in a league like the Atlantic Sun and it certainly proved to be the right first step for Harris. The native Floridian found himself a significant role at North Florida this past season, helping the Ospreys to a 7th place finish in the ASUN standings in the process.
A full-time starter as a true freshman, Harris managed 13.4 points and 7.1 rebounds a game, earning a place on the All-Freshman team in the conference. He’d become one of the league’s best offensive rebounder and interior shooters, making himself known as a great presence on offense. At 6-8, Harris doesn’t have the size or strength to be a rim protector but can clearly put the ball in the basket and affect the game on both levels; it’s all about the fit and expectation for his sophomore season where he might just evolve his game even further.
20. Mister Dean – USC Upstate
Freshman year was all about production for Dean, who made his way from native Florida to USC Upstate for that campaign. Whatever the expectations were before the season, Dean lived up to them even as the Spartans struggled to a 6-win campaign. He had significant run as the top scorer and playmaker as a freshman and now gets a chance to showcase his talent in a more prominent league.
Dean wasn’t slowed much by the Big South, putting up 15.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game up in that initial season. The 6-6 guard wasn’t known for his long-range shot and struggled from outside, but made 62% of his 2-point attempts and led the Big South in steals. He was named Big South Rookie of the Year for that total production and hopes to continue building his game at his next destination.
19. Ali Abdou Dibba – Southern Illinois
It’s been quite the road to this point for Dibba, but he’s hoping his great work this season could land him in a good spot to finish his career. Born in Stockholm, his collegiate journey would begin in 2021 at Chicago State, though he played in just five games with the Cougars due to international issues. He would spend the next two years growing into an important weapon at Abilene Christian, though he was off to the portal again and found an inspired new home back in Illinois.
Dibba’s fourth collegiate season was by far his finest, becoming Southern Illinois’s leading scorer by averaging 17.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He made himself known in the MVC even in a year full of struggle for the Salukis, leading the conference in made 2-point field goals. Earning All-MVC honors one year after doing the same in the WAC, Dibba has shown playmaking talent and looks to be just as productive in what should be his last chance at the collegiate level.