Written by Terrance Payne at NBCSports.com
Beginning in September and running up through November 11th, the first day of the regular season, College Basketball Talk will be unveiling the 2016-2017 NBCSports.com college hoops preview package.
Today, we are taking a look at a few Under the Radar Stars heading into the 2016-17 season.
Khadeen Carrington, Seton Hall: This could easily be Desi Rodriguez or Angel Delgado, but I think Khadeen Carrington can make a big jump this season as he fills the shoes of Isaiah Whitehead. One of the best two-way guards in the Big East averaged 14.1 points per game last year.
Troy Caupain, Cincinnati: The Cincinnati senior lead guard has be a consistent performer for Mick Cronin. Last season, Troy Caupain averaged 13.0 points and is the AAC’s top returning assist man at 4.8 per game.
Matt Daum, South Dakota State: You will likely hear his name quite a bit this season. The Jackrabbits are in a good position to return to the NCAA Tournament for the a second straight season. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 boards in less than 21 minutes as a freshman. He also shot 45 percent from three.
Vince Edwards, Purdue: Some of the Boilermakers on frontline last season could overshadow certain skyscrapers. But they can’t overshadow Vince Edwards, who continues to provide production for Purdue, averaging 11.3 points and 5.4 boards during 2015-16. With point guard play being a major issue for Purdue the past few seasons, Edwards has found himself leading the team in assists as a freshman and sophomore.
Marcus Evans, Rice: The 6-foot-4 sophomore guard could very well end up being the nation’s leading scorer, especially if he can prove upon his 30 percent 3-point shooting. He poured in 21.4 points per game and Conference USA in steals. Expect Evans to improve on his 2.8 assists per game, while also cutting down on the miscues.
Ethan Happ, Wisconsin: Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig are the faces of Wisconsin basketball. That makes sense. They were part of two Final Four teams, and both have made headlines off the court: Koenig traveling to the Standing Rock protest and Hayes’ public criticism of the NCAA. But when it’s all said and done, Ethan Happ will be the Badgers’ best player this season. The 6-foot-10 sophomore averaged 12.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, recording 10 double-doubles last season.
Josh Hawkinson, Washington State: The Cougars are most likely finishing in the bottom of the Pac-12 standings again this season. But the 6-foot-10 senior is on the verge to averaging a double-double for the third season in a row. I think that is worth mentioning.
To continue reading this article, click here.
