2012 College Basketball Picks and Predictions: Top 5 Small Forwards: Looking at the small forwards for the upcoming college basketball season, the position can be regarded as either one of the most intriguing or one of the weakest in the country. There really aren’t many proven stars coming back at the small forward spot, and some of the most-gifted players at the position are true freshmen. That being said, there is a ton of potential among this year’s crop of small forwards. With that in mind, here is how the top players at the position stacl up for the 2012-13 college basketball season.
2012 College Basketball Picks and Predictions: Top 5 Small Forwards
1. Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State Buckeyes
After averaging 15.9 points on 52.0 percent shooting and 5.4 rebounds during the regular season, Thomas exploded in the NCAA tournament. He averaged 23.2 points per games through the first four rounds, and it is no coincidence that the Buckeyes lost in the Final Four when Thomas had an off game. He is a versatile scorer with range out beyond the 3-point arc and deadly mid-range game. If he starts getting to the foul line with regularity, the sky is the limit. With Jared Sullinger now in the NBA and passing on the NBA himself, Thomas will become the go-to player on the offensive end for Ohio State.
2. Rodney Williams Jr., Minnesota Golden Gophers
Williams is blessed with explosiveness and athleticism, and he isn’t afraid to use it on both ends of the court. He is a high-percentage scorer on the offensive end, and last year, he averaged 12.2 points on 56.4 percent shooting. On the defensive end of the court, Williams averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals. His game is similar to that of Atlanta Hawks’ small forward Josh Smith, and his ability to stuff the sheet is undeniable.
3. Wayne Blackshear, Louisville Cardinals
A nasty shoulder injury sidelined the highly-touted freshman for most of last season, but even in his limited action, Blackshear showcased the upside that made him one of the most-coveted prospects at the position. He has the muscle and moves to score in the post, but he also has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc. Blackshear will be a blessing for a Louisville team that struggled to score at times, and his versatile game will get a chance to shine now that he is healthy.
4. Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA Bruins
Depending on the publication, Muhammad was either the No. 1 or No. 2 recruit in the country. His combination of size, speed and athleticism has him being touted as one of the best slashers in recent memory, and he has been able to get to the rim early and often at every level. Although he will likely be a high-volume scorer and have some issues with efficiency and turnovers, his ability to create his own shot and other tools outweigh the negatives. Assuming all his eligibility issues clear up, Muhammad should instantly become one of the most productive scorers in the country.
5. Alex Poythress, Kentucky Wildcats
While fellow five-star recruit Nerlens Noel will be the star on the defensive end, Poythress has the tools to be the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ offense. He has speed and smooth stroke to go along with his 6’7” frame, and he should be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses all season. His height allows him to get his own shot from the perimeter pretty much at will, and he showed the ability to slash to the basket and score throughout his high school career. Yes, there is bound to be a learning curve for the true freshman, but John Calipari will give every opportunity to succeed, and Poythress has the skills to be a big-time scorer immediately.
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