Top 10 players to watch in college hoops in 2020-21: 10-6
College basketball is officially returning after the original start date was pushed back a few weeks.
Plenty of fresh faces and familiar names are eager to take the court and begin a journey that will hopefully take them to the Final Four.
Here are a few of the players to keep an eye on this season.
10. Brandon Boston Jr., G, Kentucky
Boston is the latest projected one-and-done prospect to enter the Kentucky pipeline. The 6-foot-7 wing spent the past year at powerhouse Sierra Canyon playing alongside Stanford commit Ziaire Williams and Bronny James. He's improved his jump shot considerably and shouldn't have much trouble scoring at the collegiate level.
Boston can create separation from defenders on step-backs, doesn't shy away from contact, and has the range to pull up from anywhere on the floor. His size and 7-foot wingspan will allow him to defend multiple positions.
9. Evan Mobley, C, USC
USC will miss Onyeka Okongwu's presence in the paint, though Mobley should be an equally good replacement for one of the NCAA's top-producing big men. The 19-year-old was the third-ranked recruit in the 2020 class after a standout high school career.
Mobley averaged 20.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, 5.2 blocks and 4.6 assists during his senior year. He was part of a select few chosen to play in this year's McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.
Like Okongwu, the 7-foot center has a versatile skill set. Mobley can go to work in the post, face up from the perimeter, contest shots with his length, and carry the ball from coast to coast.
8. Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana
Jackson-Davis made an immediate impact during his freshman year at Indiana, averaging team highs in points (13.5 per game), rebounds (8.4), and blocks (1.8) over 32 appearances in 2019-20. The 6-foot-9 forward also earned All-Big Ten third-team honors and posted the conference's fourth-highest true shooting percentage (60%).
Jackson-Davis was effective at running the floor in transition and provided an active presence on the glass. His willingness to play through contact often resulted in trips to the charity stripe. The Hoosiers star was one of eight Big Ten players recently named to the preseason Naismith Trophy watch list.
7. Marcus Zegarowski, G, Creighton
If Zegarowski can stay healthy, Creighton has a real shot to claim its second straight Big East regular-season title. The 6-foot-2 guard had a strong sophomore year, registering 16.1 points per game and a conference-leading 58.8% effective field-goal percentage last season. He also shot 42.4% on nearly six triples per contest and ranked third in the Big East with an average of five assists.
Zegarowski can single-handedly take over a game as a scorer or facilitator. He's confident in big moments, he has the court vision to pick out cutters and shooters, and he can change speeds effortlessly.
With Ty-Shon Alexander off to the NBA, the Bluejays are officially Zegarowski's team and will expect him to elevate his game even further.
6. Remy Martin, G, Arizona State
Martin tested the NBA draft waters earlier this year but opted to return for one last season at Arizona State. The Sun Devils are a legitimate Pac-12 contender with Martin back in the fold and all eyes will be on the floor general as he attempts to lead the school to its first-ever Final Four appearance.
Martin recently became just the second Arizona State player to be named an AP preseason All-American. He has developed from a high-energy reserve as a freshman to one of the nation's most dynamic guards. During his junior year, Martin averaged 19.1 points, 4.1 assists, 3.1 boards, and 1.5 steals.
The 22-year-old has the speed and explosiveness to finish at the rim as well as the ability to pull up on a dime. Martin should have more opportunities to showcase his playmaking skills with the addition of McDonald's All-American Josh Christopher, four-star recruit Marcus Bagley, and high-scoring transfer Holland Woods.