College Basketball: Eight Mid-Major Players 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 players in college basketball to start paying attention to.
F Ezra Ausar, East Carolina
6-8 | 245 | Sophomore
The Buzz: East Carolina sophomore Ezra Ausar is a strong, and physically built forward. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds, Ausar is active on the boards, but also a mismatch on the offensive end. East Carolina has started the season 4-2 and in those six games, Ausar is averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 66.2 percent from the field.
G Tommy Bruner, Denver
6-1 | 185 | 5th Year
The Buzz: Denver senior Tommy Bruner has started the season off scorching hot, going for 23 or more points in three of his first five. The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 15.9 points last season to go along with 4.2 assists. Bruner’s older brother, Jordan, played at Alabama and his sister, Ashley, played at South Carolina. Tommy came into the season with 1,370 career points under his belt. Through his first five games, he is averaging 24.2 points while shooting 54.3 percent from three.
F Tyler Harris, Portland
6-8 | 190 | Freshman
The Buzz: Portland freshman Tyler Harris is one of the more interesting mid-major prospects. Listed at 6-foot-8, he is a lengthy and fluid wing prospect who has shooting ability and feel. Through his first five games, Harris is averaging 17.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 64.7 percent from three. Prior to picking Portland, Harris claimed offers from San Diego State, Fresno State, UTEP, and others.
F Dillon Jones, Weber State
6-6 | 235 | Senior
The Buzz: Weber State senior Dillon Jones has averaged a double-double in each of the last two seasons. He made his headway during the G-League Combine, which earned him an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine this off-season. Jones proved to be a tough defender with a solid handle and processing ability. Weber State sits at 3-2, including wins of Saint Mary’s and Yale, and Jones is averaging 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
G Jordan King, Richmond
6-0 | 175 | 5th Year
The Buzz: Jordan King transferred to Richmond this off-season after averaging 15.6 with East Tennessee State last year. King is a fifth-year guard from Albany, New York. He has scored 1,302 points coming into the season. Through his first five games, Richmond sits at 3-2. King has averaged 19.6 points and 3.0 assists while knocking down 50.0 percent of his threes.
G Po’Boigh King, NC Central
6-4 | 195 | Sophomore
The Buzz: North Carolina Central junior Po’Boigh King transferred to Division 1 basketball from junior college this offseason. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has played seven games so far this season while averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while knocking down 1.6 threes per contest. King has a natural feel for scoring the ball and could be in line for some big games as the season continues.
G Alston Mason, Missouri State
6-2 | 175 | Junior
The Buzz: Missouri State junior Alston Mason picked things up as last season wore on, averaging 13.5 points over the final two months of the season. The 6-foot-2 guard started his collegiate career at Oklahoma, where he played 18 games. So far at Missouri State this season, they are 4-1 and in those five games, Mason is averaging 16.8 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 51.7 percent from three.
G Sky Wicks, Incarnate Word
6-6 | 190 | Junior
The Buzz: The intriguing piece of Sky Wicks’ game is his ability to score the ball. A transfer from Missouri State, the 6-foot-6 junior has started his year by going for over 20 points in three of four games, including 26 against Texas to start the year. Wicks is averaging 22.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.5 percent from three through four games.