In the offseason people have extra time to think of the upcoming season. We put together all sorts of lists: Top 25 lists, coaches on the hot seat, best incoming recruits and so on. Well I decided to add another list, I decided to put together a Top Ten Fantasy Draft for the 2010-2011 Big 12 Basketball season. To keep it simple I decided to only go with points and rebounds as the main criteria as I didn't want to get too deeply involved with field goal percentages and numerous other scoring styles that people use. In this experiment, incoming freshman are available to be drafted along with returning players, so someone could take a gamble on a player even though they haven't ever played a second of Division 1 ball. Without further ado my list which I am sure people will debate on.
- (1.) Alec Burks - Colorado
A bit of a surprise I am sure for some people here but the sophomore to be is worthy of this high ranking. Burks averaged 17.1 points and 5.0 rebounds a game last year as a true freshman and should figure to only improve as a sophomore. He does have the added advantage of playing for a bottom tier team where he can hoist almost as many shots as he pleases. It will be interesting to see how he responds to defenses keying on him all season long though.
- (2.) LaceDarious Dunn - Baylor
Last season as a junior Dunn averaged 19.6 points and 4.8 rebounds a game and will be back to try and lead Baylor to another deep run in the tournament. The only possible thing that will hold back Dunn's stats this coming season would be the addition of all everything recruit Perry Jones but Dunn will definitely get his shots in so he deserves to go this high.
- (3.) Marcus Morris - Kansas
While he was only the Big 12's 20th leading scorer last season he did average double figures with 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. Morris did this while deferring to veteran teammates Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich along with lottery pick Xavier Henry. All three of these players are gone and it may take Josh Selby some time to acclimate in Lawrence. This should be the year Marcus Morris statistics jump up before he leaves for the NBA.
- (4.) Jacob Pullen - Kansas State
Another veteran pick in the Top Five selections, Pullen averaged 19.3 points but only 2.6 rebounds a game. With Denis Clemente no longer around, Pullen may be asked to handle the point more this season but he may also be the only reliable three point threat for KSU. With the trust Frank Martin has in him and with capable teammates Pullen should have a great statistical season ahead.
- (5.) Mike Singletary - Texas Tech
A name some people might not expect to see in the Top Five but last season Singletary averaged 15.0 points and 6.8 rebounds a game. Another player who benefits statistically by playing on a poor team, he should once again along with John Roberson lead an improving Texas Tech team. Expect Singletary to once again average 15.0 plus in points along with a slightly increased rebound total.
- (6.) Tony Mitchell - Missouri
Our first incoming freshman to make the list, although I will admit this choice may need to be redone if Mitchell doesn't become eligible. This is a total projection choice on my part but I think if Mitchell finds his way onto the court he will develop into Missouri's leading scorer. He is the #12 overall recruit in the country and averaged a double double his senior of high school and he should find enough shots in Mike Anderson's system. Another good fantasy factor for Mitchell is he may be more focused on his stats to make the NBA than helping the team.
- (7.) Perry Jones - Baylor
Another freshman making the list but ,like Mitchell, a highly ranked and hyped one. Jones comes in as the #9 overall recruit according to Rivals and with Ekpe Udoh's departure he should find plenty of available playing time in Waco. I don't expect Jones to average 20 points a game but it should be safe to say he will average in double figures in points and he can't help but grab a large number of rebounds.
- (8.) Cory Higgins - Colorado
Probably another surprise selection for some people but last season teamed along with Burks, Higgins averaged 18.9 points and 3.9 rebounds a game. With Burks emergence, Higgins might production has the possibility of dropping a notch but then again with the lack of available options in Boulder it's possible he is once again a top five scorer in the Big 12. The lack of rebounds hurts Higgins when it comes to a fantasy selection.
- (9.) Jordan Hamilton - Texas
Hamilton represents a player who gets drafted this high based on what you think he can produce not so much on previous production. As a highly touted freshman he averaged 10 points and 3.7 rebounds a game. With Dexter Pittman, Damion James & Avery Bradley all out of Austin someone has to score for the Longhorns and my guess is the beneficiary will be Hamilton.
- (10.) Josh Selby - Kansas
Selby arrives in Lawrence ranked as high as #1 by some recruiting services. After averaging 32.0 points and 7.0 rebounds a game in high school last year Selby steps right into the starting Point Guard position that was manned by Sherron Collins last year. This low of a ranking isn't necessarily a slight towards Selby but the thinking is he may have to defer more to talented teammates than others like Burks or Higgins at Colorado.
Next in Line: Curtis Kelly - Kansas State
Kim English - Missouri
John Roberson - Texas Tech
Loading comments...