Top 5 returning small forwards in college basketball
There are many small forwards that are capable of playing at the next level. But what makes the good ones elite is the ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. A great wing player can also be the X-factor that takes a college basketball team from good to great. Here’s a look at my list of the top five returning small forwards in college basketball.
Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse
In just March of last year, small forward Buddy Boeheim averaged 25.3 points per game on 51.5% shooting from the field, 44.2% from 3, and 92.3% from the free-throw line for the Orange. Boeheim is an extremely streaky shooter and has the ultimate green light from his father and coach Jim Boeheim. Although his dad is the coach, he’s earned the right to shoot everything he touches and definitely belongs on the list of top small forwards.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds last year for UCLA while shooting 48.6% from the field. Jaquez is a nightmare for college defenders because he is too big for the average guard to defend. He’s also too quick for the big men that often get switched on to him. For this reason, he led UCLA to the final four alongside superstar shooter Johnny’s Juzang. The expectations are even higher for the upcoming season. Jaquez will be one of the headliners of college basketball.
Jermaine Samuels, Villanova
Jermaine Samuels averaged 12 points per game and 6.4 rebounds for the Wildcats. When Samuels first got to Villanova as a freshman, he was just a defense and hustle guy. However, he’s evolved into a three-level scorer and athletic finisher who is shooting 48.1% from the field.
Justice Sueing, Ohio State
Justice Sueing averaged 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 49.1% from the field for the Buckeyes. He is a crafty scorer who shoots from deep range. For his size, Sueing has a knack for rebounding and finding loose balls. If Sueing can lead Ohio State on offense and defense, the Buckeyes have a chance to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Matthew Mayer, Baylor
Mathew Mayer averaged 8.1 points and 4 rebounds while shooting 48.9% from the field for the Baylor Bears. Mayer played limited minutes for the national champions last year but with the loss of draftees Davion Mitchell and Jared Butler, it’s his time to shine. Mayer will have to put up big numbers this year for the Bears to have a repeat success of their historic season.
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