The Top 25 Players on Opposing Teams To Watch Out For in Non-Conference Play
25 Players To Watch Out For on Opposing Rosters in Non-Conference Play
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Guys who may cause your team headaches on the court this non-conference season.
With the 2019-2020 season just around the corner and the release of our predictions of which players are going to lead each Mountain West teams in scoring this season officially out as of last Tuesday. We wanted to take a look at some players who might occupy the top of opposing teams scoring columns on box scores in non-conference play.
Now thinking about how to start this list was as tough of a challenge as choosing just twenty five players once things were narrowed down.
Here’s a quick run down of the methodology on how the selection process worked. To start off and think about there being eleven teams in the conference with their own non-conference slate. Each team has a minimum of around ten to thirteen games during that time depending on how preseason tournaments shape out for them, if they are participating in one. And in those ten to thirteen games there are around 120 opposing teams played around the conference. Now there is some overlap so that number may be closer to 100 teams. That still leaves 100 teams with around 13 players each involved, bringing our player selection pool to 1,300 guys.
Now narrowing that down to just 25 guys would be fairly easy as each team has one or two stars that are easily remembered and prepped for by coaching staffs. But to say a player like Duke’s Tre Jones will have a similar impact on the Mountain West as a whole the way a player like Brigham Young’s TJ Haws will, who fans around the conference will see a total of five times in non-conference play compare to Jones’ lone appearance against Colorado State didn’t make sense.
So the new eligibility requirement for opposing players to make the list became having their team play at least three Mountain West opponents. That was a cool idea in theory but only gave us five teams to choose from. So that requirement was loosened to just two Mountain West teams played and opened us up to fifteen teams in total to choose from and helped produce the list below.
Guys who just missed the list:
Jr. F D’Shawn Schwartz Colorado
So. G Matt Bradley California
Sr. F Martins Igbanu Tulsa
Fr. F Shareef O’Neal UCLA
So. G Jules Benard UCLA
Jr. F Jeriah Horne Tulsa
Jr. G Brandon Rachal Tulsa
So. G Dameane Douglas Loyola Marymount
Jr. G Isaiah White Utah Valley
Sr. G TJ Washington Utah Valley
Sr. G Tyrik Armstrong Texas Southern
Jr. F Johnny McCants New Mexico State
Jr. G Brandon Averette Utah Valley
Guys who missed due to other reasons:
Sr. G AJ Harris New Mexico State (Injured, out until mid December)
Fr. C N’faly Dante Oregon (Ruled ineligible until semester break)
Jr. G Jaylen Fisher Grand Canyon (Still awaiting word back from the NCAA on waiver.)
Let’s get to the list.
No. 25
Chris Smith, Jr. G UCLA (6-9 215)
Jersey Number to Look For: 5
18-19 Stats: 6.3 PPG 3.7 RPG 1.3 APG (33 GMS)
Smith is a big guard who can drive past guys with his athleticism and finish over smaller defenders. He is only the third leading scorer returning from last year’s team but is the only UCLA player on preseason mock drafts at this point and impressed in a blue-gold showcase held this past week, leading all scorers with 16 points in a 47-27 win on the Blue team over Bold. UCLA has a fresh start this year and look for Smith to be at the front of the charge.
When to Watch: UNLV (Nov. 15th), San Jose State (Dec. 1st)
No. 24
Eden Ewing, Sr. F Texas Southern (6-8 220)
Jersey Number to Look For: 2
18-19 Stats: 9.3 PPG 7.0 RPG 1.2 APG (29 GMS)
The former Boilermaker and top ten junior college prospect found a rhythm last season for the Tigers. The preseason First team All-SWAC selected forward posted double figures in sixteen games last season and grabbed 10+ rebounds in eight games. He and former UMASS forward Chris Baldwin should be a dynamic tandem down low this season.
When to Watch: San Diego State (Nov. 5th), Nevada (Dec. 18th)
No. 23
Both Gach, So. G Utah (6-6 185)
Jersey Number to Look For: 11
18-19 Stats: 7.7 PPG 2.1 RPG 2.1APG (30 GMS)
Besides having a great name the sophomore guard brings great bounce to the court as well. Gach returns with fellow sophomore Timmy Allen to lead a Utes roster that was ravaged by graduation and transfers. They are backed up by a solid freshman class but will be counted on this season to lead a youthful group in Utah to another top three finish as last year. Gach’s best performance came in Rupp Arena in December of last year against the Wildcats where he dropped 22 points and lead his team in scoring.
When to Watch: Nevada (Nov. 5th), San Diego State (Dec. 21st)
No. 22
Alessandro Lever, Jr. F Grand Canyon (6-10 225)
Jersey Number to Look For: 25
18-19 Stats: 12.5 PPG 4.3RPG 1.4A APG (34 GMS)
If there was a word for the Italian big man’s production last season, it would be consistent. Lever didn’t see a jump in his numbers last year with a lot more fire power coming into the Antelope’s program. He did have a decent game against a tournament caliber Nevada squad and may be counted on a bit more this year in the post with Michael Finke’s graduation.
When to Watch: San Diego State (Nov. 13th), New Mexico (Dec. 17th)
No. 21
Prince Ali, Sr. G UCLA (6-4 195)
Jersey Number to Look For: 23
18-19 Stats: 9.6 PPG 1.5 APG 1.3 SPG (26 GMS)
Ali is the Bruin’s leading returning scorer from last season and needs to have a monster senior season for first year head coach Mick Cronin. He does return some fellow scorers but the Bruins’ roster as a whole is a bit of a mystery going into the season with guys coming off of redshirts and a couple of freshmen joining an already young roster. Ali, Armani Dodson and Alex Olesinski should be counted heavily early on to lead a young team.
When to Watch: UNLV (Nov. 15th), San Jose State (Dec. 1st)
No. 20
Aaron Menzies, Sr. C Saint Mary’s (7-3 265)
Jersey Number to look for: 41
18-19 Stats: 11.3 PPG 8.9 RPG 2.3 BPG (34 GMS) (W/Seattle 17-18)
I was one of the guys looking for Menzies name on the Gaels box scores at the beginning of last season, hoping to see what impact the 7-3 big man from England made. Sadly, even though he was immediately eligible as a graduate transfer from Seattle, a hand injury sidelined him for the whole season. I’m looking forward to seeing him paired with returning big man Malik Fitts who also made this list. To get an idea of how his size can impact a game, Menzies had a 19 rebound performance against Chicago State and a 6 block game against Utah Valley in his last year in the WAC.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 20th), Utah State (29th), and Nevada (Dec. 21st)
No. 19
Trevelin Queen, Sr. G New Mexico State (6-6 190)
Jersey Number to Look For: 21
18-19 Stats: 7.8 PPG 2.9 RPG 1.7 APG (25 GMS)
Queen is a guy to keep an eye on for the upcoming season. Even though three players return who scored more points than him for the Aggies this season, a lot of people in the media like Queen to be the leader on this years team especially following an injury suffered by Aj Harris this past month. Queen’s best games from last season came with a conference tournament championship game win against Grand Canyon where he netted six three pointers for a total of 27 points. He followed up with a fourteen point performance in a near upset against Auburn in the first round of the NCAA tournament that would have derailed the Tigers tourney run early.
When to Watch: New Mexico (Nov. 21st), Colorado State (Nov. 25th), New Mexico (Dec. 14th)
No. 18
Dikymbe Martin, Sr. G UC-Irvine (6-1 170)
Jersey Number to Look For: 15
18-19 Stats: 14.8PPG 2.8RPG 2.6APG (33 GMS)
Martin a hometown kid suits up in is last season for the Highlanders of Riverside, he returns after leading his team in scoring last season. Though they struggled a bit (10-23), Martin didn’t miss a beat only failing to reach double digit scoring three times on the season. Look for another jump in production for him this year as he doesn’t receive much back in terms of scoring help.
When to Watch: San Jose State (Dec. 22nd), Fresno State (Dec. 28th) and Air Force (Dec. 31st)
No. 17
Paris Austin, Sr. G California (6-0 190)
Jersey Number to Look For: 3
18-19 Stats: 11.6 PPG 4.3 APG 1.4 SPG (29 GMS)
Another familiar name for Mountain West fans, Austin started his career up in Boise and transferred closer to home making an impact in his first year in Berkeley in 2018-2019. The Golden Bears roster has experienced some turnover losing Justice Sueing (Ohio St.), Darius McNeil (SMU), and Connor Vanover (Arkansas) to transfer. Look for Austin to step up this season and lead a young team in an ever changing Pac-12.
When to Watch: UNLV (Nov. 12th), Fresno St. (Dec. 11th)
No. 16
Shakur Juiston, Sr. F Oregon (6-7 225)
Jersey Number to Look For: 10
18-19 Stats: 10.8 PPG 8.8 RPG 1.5 SPG (8 GMS) ( 17-18 W/UNLV)
Juiston should be familiar to most, and that’s because the former UNLV Running Rebel helped dominate front courts in the Mountain West back in 2017-2018 along side fantastic freshman Brandon McCoy before suffering a season ending injury last season through just eight games. The numbers listed above aren’t too impressive compared to his 2016-2017 production. But if Juiston can return to his form from two years ago, where he grabbed 15+ boards in three different games. Look for him to be a problem for Duck opponents this year.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 5th), Boise State (Nov. 9th)
No. 15
Terrell Brown, Sr. G New Mexico State (6-1 170)
Jersey Number to Look For: 3
18-19 Stats: 11.3 PPG 2.6 RPG 1.3 APG (34 GMS)
Brown could have made this list as a March Madness folklore hero if he made that game winning three pointer against Auburn last year. But not all tournament stories can achieve Cinderella status. Brown returns as the Aggies’ leading scorer, looking to light the WAC on fire this year with a solid returning group behind him. Well see Brown in three Mountain West games total this year. Including the expected home and home Rio Grande Rivalry series where he had his second best scoring effort (20 points) and one of his worst (6 points on 2-8 3pt shooting) last season. Watch his shooting beyond the arc this season as he made 42% of his threes on the year.
When to Watch: New Mexico (Nov. 21st), Colorado State (Nov. 25th), New Mexico (Dec. 14th)
No. 14
Carlos Johnson, Sr. G Grand Canyon (6-4 220)
Jersey Number to Look For: 23
18-19 Stats: 14.3 PPG 4.1 RPG 1.6 APG (34 GMS)
Johnson who began his career in Seattle as a Husky came back to Arizona where he had a successful prep career and made an impact for the Antelopes last season. Aside from leading the team in scoring last season he had two 30+ point performances at Utah Valley and Seattle in WAC play. Johnson is an important piece in Dan Majere’s plan to dethrone WAC darlings, New Mexico State. But look for him to warm up for conference play against the Aztecs and Lobos this Fall.
When to Watch: San Diego State (Nov. 13th), New Mexico (Dec. 17th)
No. 13
Timmy Allen, So. F Utah (6-6 205)
Jersey Number to Look For: 1
18-19 Stats: 12.2 PPG 5.1 RPG 2.4 APG (29 GMS)
The former top-100 player in the 2018 class didn’t disappoint in his first season in Salt Lake City. The now sophomore boasts great strength with a good finishing ability and as the teams only top three scorer from last season returning for the Utes, count on seeing the ball in Allen’s hands often leading a young team.
When to Watch: Nevada (Nov. 5th), San Diego State (Dec. 21st)
No. 12
Mckinley Wright IV, Jr. G Colorado (6-0 195)
Jersey Number to Look For: 25
18-19 Stats: 13.0 PPG 4.9 RPG 4.8 APG (35 GMS)
Wright IV is a dynamic player who can do a little bit of everything for Tad Boyle and the Buffs. He is currently ninth all time in assists at Colorado and could crack the 1,000 point mark this season as a junior. Colorado returns a lot of scoring power from last year and Wright IV should be counted on to facilitate it and chip in. And being three rebounds away from a triple-double last year against Colorado state I am looking forward to seeing what he can do this season this season in Fort Collins.
When to Watch: Wyoming (Nov. 24th), Colorado State (Dec.13th)
No. 11
Chris Duarte, Jr. G Oregon (6-6 190)
Jersey Number to Look For: 5
18-19 Stats: 19.0 PPG 7.1 RPG 2.5 APG (33 GMS) (W/Northwest Florida St. JC)
Duarte was a first team Junior College All-American at top ranked Northwest florida State last season and did so with flair. The 6-6 guard can really shoot it from deep and when driving the lane or in the open court displayed tremendous bounce and length. I think he will bring something special to help a Mathis and Pritchard led back court. If you want to take a look at Duarte before Oregon’s first official game against Fresno State to start the year, check out Oregon’s live stream of their Green & Yellow scrimmage on Wednesday Oct. 30th next week.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 5th), Boise State (Nov. 9th)
No. 10
Jake Toolson, Sr. G BYU (6-5 205)
Jersey Number to Look For: 5
18-19 Stats: 15.7 PPG 4.5 RPG 2.3 APG (35 GMS)
Toolson returns to Provo after having a pretty successful second half of his career in the WAC playing for Mark Pope at Utah Valley. Toolson followed Pope back to Provo for a triumphant return, and could be a great scoring addition to the team with leading scorer Yoeli Childs sitting out the first nine games with a suspension. It will be interesting to see the impact Toolson has for the Cougars after scoring 14 points against them last year as a Wolverine. He can also shoot the ball well leading the WAC making 44% of his threes leading to Player of the Year honors.
When to Watch: San Diego State (Nov. 9th), Boise St. (Nov. 20th), UNLV (Dec. 7th), Nevada (Dec. 10th), Utah State (Dec. 14th)
No. 9
Terrell Gomez, Jr. G Cal-State Northridge (5-8 160)
Jersey Number to Look For: 3
18-19 Stats: 19.2 PPG 2.8 APG 1.1 SPG (34 GMS)
Gomez can outright score and plays well above his 5-8 stature. He might be the lowest ranked player on the list who had multiple thirty point games last season. Including a 21 point performance against New Mexico in the Matador’s home opener. He’s a bit too fast for most guards to defend and can get under guys who don’t have great ball security. Make sure to tune in and see how much Gomez can score this season as he will pair up with another dynamic scorer in our top ten.
When to Watch: New Mexico (Nov. 9th), Fresno St. (Nov. 30th), Boise State (Dec. 28th)
No. 8
Tj Haws, Sr. G Brigham Young (6-4 170)
Jersey Number to Look For: 30
18-19 Stats: 17.8 PPG 5.1 APG 3.5 RPG (32 GMS)
Haws is looking to be the one-two punch this BYU team needs for head coach Mark Pope to help dethrone Gonzaga in his first season. The Cougars don’t lose much from last year’s squad, and with additions from Utah Valley (Toolson) and Gonzaga (Jesse Wade) entering the court alongside Haws, the ceiling should be very high in Provo. Haws can flat out score but he had his worst performance of the season last year against a Nevada team that does look a bit different this year. Haws is a part of a BYU team that we will see five times this year, so look at the dates below and figure out when you want to watch.
When to Watch: San Diego State (Nov. 9th), Boise St. (Nov. 20th), UNLV (Dec. 7th), Nevada (Dec. 10th), Utah State (Dec. 14th)
No. 7
Anthony Mathis, Sr. G Oregon (6-4 185)
Jersey Number to Look For: 32
18-19 Stats: 14.4 PPG 2.2 RPG 1.1 SPG (32 GMS)
Now Mathis should be well known around the conference as a lights out shooter with the Lobos last season. Mathis was granted a fifth year of eligibility and decided to return to his home state and team up with a fellow top 25 list member Payton Pritchard as they did at West Linn High School some years ago. Mathis should provide some scoring relief for Pritchard as he attempts to make an impact for the Ducks and may even be asked to run the offense as he did last year in Albuquerque.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 5th), Boise State (Nov. 9th)
No. 6
Malik Fitts, Jr. F Saint Mary’s (6-8 230)
Jersey Number to Look For: 24
18-19 Stats: 15.2 PPG 7.6 RPG 1.1 SPG (34 GMS)
Fitts a California native who started his career at South Florida was a big part of the Gael’s success last season in his first season with Saint Mary’s. Though the Gaels struggled in non-conference play, Fitts provided a needed frontcourt presence after the graduation of Jock Landale. With a mid-range game and rebounding acumen to match, look for Fitts to jump in when teams try to double team fellow Gael Jordan Ford.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 20th), Utah State (29th), and Nevada (Dec. 21st)
No.5
Payton Pritchard, Sr. G Oregon (6-2 190)
Jersey Number to Look For: 3
18-19 Stats: 12.9 PPG 1.8 SPG 4.6 APG (38 GMS)
It seems like Pritchard has been commanding the Duck’s offense for a decade now. It’s probably because he has been an impactful player since his freshman season where he was a key part of Oregon’s Final Four run. Pritchard led a team last year that did seem to have some things go right at times and wrong at other times (Bol Bol’s foot). But Pritchard is back with former high school teammate Anthony Mathis to make another conference run and hopefully another NCAA tournament.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 5th), Boise State (Nov. 9th)
No. 4
Tyler Bey, Jr. F Colorado (6-7 218)
Jersey Number to Look For: 1
18-19 Stats: 13.6 P 9.9 RPG 1.2 BPG (36 GMS)
Bey is gifted with length and athleticism, and it showed last season, leading the Buffaloes in scoring and rebounding. He had an absolutely dominant performance against New Mexico in December last year with sixteen points, 11 rebounds, and tied a season-high five blocks against a “bigger” Lobo front court. Bey is only 6’7 218 but plays with confidence and bounce. We don’t get a New Mexico rematch this season but do get to see him against the Cowboys and Rams this season.
When to Watch: Wyoming (Nov. 24th), Colorado State (Dec.13th)
No. 3
Lamine Diane, So. F Cal-State Northridge (6-7 205)
Jersey Number to look for: 35
18-19 Stats: 24.8PPG 11.2RPG 2.2 BPG (33 GMS)
Now Diane is impressive, the 6-7 Senegalase forward who will have to follow up on an amazing freshman career where he was named to the AP All-American honorable mention list and won the Big West Player, Freshman, and Newcomer of the year awards all in one season. Diane who joined Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Marvin Bagley, and Deandre Ayton as the only freshman to put up 20 points per game to go a long with 10 rebounds per game in the last 15 years.
Diane’s production can look effortless at times. When watching his inaugural college basketball game last season against the Lobos, he was able to score 34 points and grab 7 boards by making effortless slashing moves through the Lobo defense. He is the only player on the list to score double digits in every game last season and had seven 30+ point performances last season, the most of anyone on this list. I’m not sure where he can go from here but we get three chances to see him in the Mountain West this season starting with a rematch against New Mexico in the Pit in November.
When to Watch: New Mexico (Nov. 9th), Fresno St. (Nov. 30th), Boise State (Dec. 28th)
No. 2
Jordan Ford, Sr. G Saint Mary’s (6-1 175)
Jersey Number to Look For: 3
18-19 Stats: 21.1 PPG 2.5 APG 1.3 SPG (34 GMS)
Jordan Ford will be a problem for Gael opponents this season as he was last year. His points per game average has increased very well in each of his three seasons in Moraga. And he only failed to score in double figures twice last season while posting 35 points against Utah Valley last year and had a 28 point performance against New Mexico in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. Ford should be fun to watch for all college basketball fans and we around the Mountain West get three chances to see him listed below.
When to Watch: Fresno State (Nov. 20th), Utah State (29th), and Nevada (Dec. 21st)
No. 1
Yoeli Childs, Sr. F Brigham Young (6-8 225)
Jersey Number to Look For: 23
18-19 Stats: 21.2 PPG 9.7RPG 2.1 APG (32 GMS)
Childs is our number one guy for Mountain West fans to watch in non-conference play. He almost didn’t make the list at first thought when I remembered he had been given a nine-game suspension from the NCAA for withdrawing from NBA draft consideration after already signing with an agent and received impermissible benefits during that process.
The NCAA has changed the rules a bit over the last couple of seasons and athletes can sign with agents and still return to school without forfeiting any eligibility (assuming the right forms are submitted on time).
The expenses have since been repaid but the damage to Child’s season has been done. Nine games is a bit harsh and he made the list by luckily being eligible to return for some remaining games against Mountain West opponents this season. And with two of Child’s seventeen double-double performances coming against Nevada and UNLV last year, watch out for his scoring and rebounding this season as this Cougars team is chasing a conference championship.
When to Watch: UNLV (Dec. 7th), Nevada (Dec. 10th), Utah State (Dec. 14th)
