NCAA Hidden Gems

In men's college basketball today, there are superstars waiting to go to the next level, and there are those that know who not many know about that know how to help their team win. Everyone knows about Oklahoma's Blake Griffen, and his monster numbers both in points and rebounding that he puts up on a nightly basis. Then there is Connecticut's Hasheem Thabeet who dominates on the the defensive end of the court with his shot blocking and rebounding ability. Another common household name is Stephen Curry, sharp shooter who plays for Davidson. Curry can shoot for anywhere on the court, and whenever he has an open look, do not expect anything but a made basket. However, there are those names that you have probably never heard of, and if so, only because of a Sports center highlight.

Here are some players you should keep an eye out for during this year's college basketball season as conference play gets under way in a few weeks:

Trevor Booker-Clemson:
Booker is a 6-7 forward who is averaging about 15 points and 9 boards a game. He can get it done inside and outside with a good medium range jumper. Booker helps lead the Tigers to a 10-0 start and into the rankings. Look for Booker to have a strong year, and into the tournament with a solid performance.

Jeff Pendergraph-Arizona State:
We all know about James Harden and his abilities over there at ASU, but the Sun Devils would be no where near where they are with out his contributions. Pendergraph is averaging 12 points 7 boards, but has had break out games this season of 23 and 22. Pendergraph is Hardens wing man who is second on the team in scoring but is the team's leading rebounder. The Sun Devils are currently ranked #20.

Durrell Summers-Michigan State:
Summers, a freshman guard helped carry the Spartans to a huge win over Texas on Saturday with a big 3 pointer with under a minute to go. Summers is one of the best role players in the nation, and knows how to knock down the big shot. He will surely be Tom Izzo's go to guy as he progresses in his collegiate career.

Dante Cunningham-Villanova:
Cunningham is Villanova's best player this year. He has been injured all his career at Nova, but this year he has been healthy. When Cunningham has been healthy, he has shown his talent. Leading the team in points (16.7) a game and rebounds (7.6) he has taken pressure off of guard Scottie Reynolds, an All-American calibre point guard. Look for Cunningham to have a solid year.

Al-Faroug Aminu-Wake Forest:
Aminu is a 6'9" freshman who has the ability to dominate games. He is said to be NBA ready. He can put up a double double every night and uses his length to dominate on the defensive end. His scoring ability is natural, and has soft hands around the basket. Look for Aminu to be a high draft pick in next June's draft.

Other Hidden Gems:
Derrick Brown-Xavier
Jeremy Pargo-Gonzaga
Jrue Holiday-UCLA
Cameron Tatum-Tennessee
Manny Harris-Michigan

Beast of the East

For the past few years the Big East Conference has been an incredibly tough place to compete. This year more so, because the depth of this conference is unbelievable. Currently the Big East has 7 teams in the top 15, which is absolutely ridiculous. Marquette is also another top 25 team. With all of these great teams, who are the standout players? Lets take a look at some names you will be hearing come March.

Luke Harangody- This Notre Dame junior had a breakout sophmore campaign last year, leading the Big East in scoring(20.5) and rebounding(10.5). He was named first team All American this preseason and so far has improved his numbers to 23 ppg and 12 rebounds a game. Harangody, who is 6'8, is extremely athletic and does a little bit of everything. His determination and hard work ethic separates him from others and is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Hasheem Thabeet- This 7'3 monster clogs up the paint at UConn. Thabeet is averaging 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. He greatly improved his game this year, last year he averaged 10 ppg and 7 rebounds. Thabeet is extremely strong and one of the best defensive players in the nation. Look for him to lead UConn deep into the tournament this year and possibly head for the NBA after this year.

Sam Young- The 6'6 forward for Pittsburgh is averaging 20 ppg and 5 rebounds. The senior is clearly the best player on his team and has them ranked #3 in the nation. Pittsburgh has a very solid team and he is the catalyst. Last year, Young was named First Team All- Big East and most improved player in the Big East. One of the most athletic players in the nation. As the season progresses, look for his NBA stock to rise.

Samardo Samuels- Only a freshmen, this forward is the leading scorer for Louisville. Samuels was highly recruited out of St. Benedicts Prep in New Jersey and is proving to be living up to all the hype. His 17 ppg this season is something that Louisville hopes to ride deep into the Tourney. Remember this guys name, because he will be a star someday.

Along with the Big East standouts comes role players that will sneak up on you. Keep a lookout for these guys.

Jerel McNeal- Marquette
Kyle McAlarney- Notre Dame
Jeremy Hazell- Seton Hall
Eric Devendorf- Syracuse
Scottie Reynolds- Villanova

There are a ton of other players who can make both of these list. These are just a couple that stand out to me. The Big East is clearly the best conference in the nation this year and I feel they could possibly get 10 teams into the big dance. Not because they have more teams than any other conference, but because they have incredible depth and anyone can beat anyone on any given night. Keep some of these names in the back of your mind and look out for them in the weeks and months to come.