On the Hardwood: Top Five Glue Guys in College Basketball
A look at the unsung heroes around the country
Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 5:38 PMCollege basketball isn't just about the stars. The All-Americans might make preseason magazines and highlights on SportsCenter, but it's the glue guys that win championships.
Take a look at my top five across the nation:
1. MARCUS GINYARD, NORTH CAROLINA
Back and better than ever, Ginyard has his eyes on redemption after being forced to watch the Tar Heels' National Championship run from the sidelines last year due to an injury. A recalibrated three-point shot has his confidence soaring and his defense is still his biggest asset. NBA scouts think he's Bruce Bowen, the sequel.
2. CHRIS KRAMER, PURDUE
Tough as nails, Kramer is the perfect symbol for Matt Painter's Boilermakers. At 6-foot 3, Kramer is tough, stubborn, and will guard as well as anyone in the Big Ten. What he doesn't produce in the box score, Kramer makes up for with his biggest weapon, his heart.
Even though he's suspended for the first semester, Redding is impossible to keep off this list. A physical defender and underrated playmaker, this senior could be the biggest key to whether or not Jay Wright's club has a shot to return to the Final Four for a second consecutive year.
4. JUSTIN MASON, TEXAS
Just like Royal Ivey did in 2003, Mason will try and do the little things to push the Longhorns to the Final Four. The scary thing is, Rick Barnes might have a more talented team now than he did when T.J. Ford ran the show six years ago.
Overton is just one part of the best backcourts in the PAC-10. While Isaiah Thomas and super freshman Abdul Gaddy will pace the Husky offense, look for the 5-foot-11 Overton to increase the ball pressure and turn Lorenzo Romar's squad into one of the toughest perimeters in the country.
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