College Basketball: Eight Mid-Major Freshmen to Pay Attention To
There is so much attention right now on the Power Six programs in college basketball, however, two weeks in I wanted to shine some light on some of the mid-major players who are experiencing some success early in the season.
Let’s discuss eight mid-major freshmen in college basketball to start paying attention to.
F Bobby Durkin, Davidson
The Buzz: Bobby Durkin is a 6-foot-7 forward from Illinois. He has come off the bench for each of Davidson’s seven games so far but is still averaging 22.6 minutes per game. Durkin is averaging 10.1 points and shooting 40.5 percent from three. Durkin had 16 points against Maryland earlier this year and in his most recent game, had 18 against Charlotte. The next three games are Wright State, Campbell, and Miami (OH).
G Ryan Forrest, Northwestern State
The Buzz: While Northwestern State has not seen a lot of success this season, but, Ryan Forrest has been a bright spot for the Demons. The 6-foot-4 guard from Arkansas is averaging 15.9 points. He has gone for over 20 in three of his seven games this season, including going for 25 in two of his last three.
F Tyler Harris, Portland
The Buzz: Tyler Harris is a 6-foot-8 forward at Portland. He is a lengthy and skilled player who has put up stats across the board. He is averaging 15.4 points and shooting 59.1 percent from three. Harris is also averaging 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest. Harris has finished with two double-doubles so far this season.
G Malik Mack, Harvard
The Buzz: Malik Mack has taken the early season by storm. Harvard is now sitting at 6-2 and Mack has gone for over 20 points in five of the eight games played. The 6-foot-1 guard is averaging 21.8 points and 4.9 assists while shooting 48.9 percent from three. In three games against Indiana, Boston College, and UMass this season, Mack has averaged 25.7 points and knocked down 10-22 (45.5 percent) from three. Loyola-Chicago is up next on Saturday.
G Kevin Overton, Drake
The Buzz: Drake has started the season 6-1 and Kevin Overton is the team’s third leading scorer averaging 14.0 points while shooting 36.4 percent from the field. Overton, a 6-foot-5 lefty from Oklahoma, has gone for 19 or more points in three of his seven games. Their upcoming stretch includes Missouri State, Saint Louis, and Nevada.
G Tyler Perkins, Penn
The Buzz: Even with putting up 24 points against Bucknell in the second game of the season, it was the 22 points against Villanova that put Penn freshman Tyler Perkins on the map. Penn is now 5-3 with a win over Villanova. The 6-foot-4 guard has scored 15 or more points in four of the team’s eight games. He has averaged 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 37.5 percent from three.
C James Scott, College of Charleston
The Buzz: A look through college basketball’s mid-major landscape, and James Scott’s numbers might not pop as much as others. However, watching Scott play you can see the immense upside. Scott has started two games for the 3-3 Cougars. In 14.2 minutes per contest, he averages 1.3 blockers and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 58.8 from the field. He is a lengthy, fluid, and rangy forward that bloomed later. Worth tracking.
F JT Toppin, New Mexico
The Buzz: JT Toppin entered New Mexico ranked among the top 150 players, and he has not disappointed. Toppin has been consistent, averaging 13.3 points and 8.1 rebounds as the Lobos are out to a 6-1 start. Toppin is also averaging 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks per contest. He has played 20 or more minutes in each of the last five games. New Mexico State is next on the schedule.