27. Curtis Givens – LSU
The work that Givens put in at the high school level got him plenty of attention, as he was a Top 75 prospect from the Class of 2024. He did plenty in native Memphis to shine before starring at prep school in Florida before finally committing and heading to LSU. While the Tigers haven’t exactly been a shining star in a strong SEC in recent years, Givens put together a pretty solid effort in his lone season in Baton Rouge.
Again this wasn’t the best LSU team, as the Tigers finished 15th in a rock solid SEC, but Givens showed signs of living up to those expectations. He averaged 4.8 points and 1.6 assists per game, with a few notable efforts in the latter stretch of the season. Givens started a handful of games with LSU and will hope for a bigger opportunity as a sophomore.
26. George Kimble – Eastern Kentucky
Brilliance in the ASUN as an underclassman doesn’t guarantee future success but Kimble is hoping to make that jump after showing out at his first two schools. He first starred at Eckerd where he became an outstanding D2 guard with significant scoring numbers. After transferring to Eastern Kentucky last offseason, he basically matched that production at the D1 level.
Kimble put up 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 steals per game for the Colonels during an 18-win season. His season was cut short by a knee injury in February but he was named Second Team All-ASUN after leading the conference in both field goal percentage and steals. Kimble should get healthy again for next year and be a dynamic backcourt weapon with that ability to affect the game both on defense and in transition while also boasting some pretty decent shooting numbers too.
25. Baba Miller – Florida Atlantic
It’s hard to complain about a 6-11 forward from Spain who’s put up great production to this point in his collegiate career. Miller started off at Florida State, playing just half of his freshman season before becoming a full-time starter in year two. He did some decent work with the Seminoles but sought other opportunities and found an appealing new home at Florida Atlantic, joining the first team of new head coach John Jakus.
Full-time production came Miller’s way, as he put up 11.3 points and 7.0 rebounds as a starter for the Owls in a reloading year. Miller’s entire game took a step forward as he made 34% of his 3-pointers and nearly 60% from inside the arc. He earned Second Team All-AAC honors with solid rebounding figures and helped Florida Atlantic scratch out a 5th place finish in the league. Some attractive destinations could beckon Miller for his senior season and he should make plays at a high level.