The college basketball season tipped off Monday. There has been plenty of preseason buzz surrounding North Carolina freshman Harrison Barnes and whether Kyle Singler can lead Duke to back-to-back titles. But who are some under-the-radar players to watch this season?
5. F Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State » The 6-foot-7 forward became the only freshman in Mountain West history to earn first-team all-conference honors. He led the team with 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds a game last season. Expectations will be high this year as the Aztecs broke into the AP’s preseason Top 25.
4. F Perry Jones, Baylor » Barnes may be the top incoming freshman, but Jones is not too far behind him. The 6-foot-11 athletic forward may have the most NBA potential. He can score from anywhere on the floor, block shots and run the floor.
3. G Seth Curry, Duke » After transferring, Curry sat out during Duke’s national championship season last year. Stephen’s younger brother averaged 20.2 points a game as a freshman at Liberty. What will be Curry’s role in a loaded backcourt?
2. G Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh » As one of the nation’s top shooters, Gibbs was the Big East most improved player last year. He averaged 15.7 points a game and hit 39 percent of his 3-pointers. The Panthers are the favorites to win the Big East and will need Gibbs to take another step to do so.
1. G Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech » He averaged 20.2 points and 4.5 assists a game and was an All-ACC first-team selection last season. But for the senior to make his first NCAA tournament, he’ll probably need to lead the ACC in scoring again.
