NCAA: Top 10 Under-the-Radar Prospects in New York This Season

Basketball players from lesser-known Division 1 colleges often get overlooked and take a backseat attention-wise to players from schools in more competitive conferences, example: Reggie Hamilton vs. Anthony Davis. Players from colleges in New York are no exception. Here is a list of the top 10 (in my opinion) under-the-radar New York college basketball prospects this upcoming season:

10. Demitrius Conger, St. Bonaventure - Senior (Atlantic 10)
2011-2012 Statistics: 12.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 50.2 FG%, 80.3 FT% (33.5 minutes per game, 32 games)

Demitrius Conger is ready for his senior season at St. Bonaventure. He should emerge as the leader of the team considering that he's a senior and was ranked second on the team in points and rebounds only to current Orlando Magic rookie Andrew Nicholson last season. Conger definitely wouldn't mind following in Nicholson's footsteps. Last season, Nicholson averaged 18.5 points and 8.3 rebounds, helped St. Bonaventure win the A-10 Conference Championship, and led them to the NCAA Tournament. Nicholson then went on to be a first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft to the Orlando Magic and is currently an active NBA rookie. Conger would have to step it up big-time in order to fill the role that Nicholson left, but either way, he should end up leading the team in points and rebounds this season. Will Conger be a first-round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft? Probably not, he'll most likely go undrafted. But that doesn't mean that he won't impress a lot of scouts as a senior this season.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Conger played solid in St. Bonaventure's first game of the season. He had 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 65-55 win over Bethune-Cookman. Conger also shot 5-for-8 from the field.

For more information, read: Demitrius Conger St. Bonaventure Bio - gobonnies.sbu.edu

9. Chavaughn Lewis, Marist - Sophomore (MAAC)
2011-2012 Statistics: 14.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 43.2 FG% (29.5 minutes per game, 32 games)

As a freshman last season, Chavaughn Lewis put up an impressive statline. However, as a team, Marist had a forgettable year. They finished with a 14-18 record and ranked 8th in the MAAC. Lewis' play was one of the few bright spots for Marist last season in the midst of a sub-par year for the team. He led the team in scoring with 14.4 points per game as a freshman in less than 30 minutes a game. That's pretty impressive. I expect improvement from Lewis individually and from Marist as a team this season. Assuming Lewis doesn't transfer out or go pro in the next few years, I'm excited to see how well Lewis plays when he's a senior.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Lewis scored 10 points and grabbed 3 rebounds as Marist lost to Stony Brook 60-57 in their first game of the season.

For more information, read: Chavaughn Lewis Marist Bio - goredfoxes.com

8. Chris Gaston, Fordham - Senior (Atlantic 10)
2011-2012 Statistics: 17.1 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 1.3 spg, 1.1 apg, 44.1 FG% (33.9 minutes per game, 28 games)

Chris Gaston is entering his senior year at Fordham. He's put up similar numbers in each of his first three years, but his team has improved each year. In his freshman year, they were 2-26 overall with a 0-16 conference record. In his sophomore year, they were 7-21 overall with a 1-15 conference record. Last season, Fordham went 10-19 overall with a 3-13 conference record. In all of Gaston's seasons at Fordham, they ranked last in the A-10 conference. Gaston will look to give Fordham a winning season as a senior with help from junior guard Branden Frazier. Considering that Gaston has led the team in points and rebounds in each of his first three seasons, he shouldn't have a problem maintaining his numbers. Individually, Gaston was named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year in 2010 and to the All-Conference Second Team in 2012. The real challenge for him this season will be trying to help Fordham win more games.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Gaston had a stellar game and played 39 out of 40 minutes for Fordham in their first game of the season, a 86-76 loss to Texas State. He finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 1 block. However, he committed 7 turnovers in the loss.

For more, read: Chris Gaston Ram Profile - fordhamsports.com

7. Brian Barbour, Columbia - Senior (Ivy League)
2011-2012 Statistics: 15.5 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 spg, 39.8 FG%, 90.1 FT% (35.6 minutes per game, 30 games)

For Brian Barbour, his senior season will prove to be very important for him and his team, Columbia. Last season, Barbour stood out as a player and led the team in points and assists. He was also named to the 2012 All-Ivy First Team. However, as a team, Columbia struggled and ended up with a 15-15 overall record and a 4-10 conference record. This season, Barbour should be looking to help Columbia win more games and showcase his point guard skills. Recently, he drew Jeremy Lin comparisons from an article in Dime Magazine by Dylan Murphy. Considering that Lin was also an underrated/under-the-radar Ivy League point guard like Barbour, the comparison is definitely understandable. Barbour's success and Columbia's amount of wins this season will hugely depend on his play and leadership. I expect Columbia to win more games this season and Barbour's numbers to improve at least slightly. Will Brian Barbour be the 2013 Ivy League Player of the Year? Maybe, he's got a good chance.

For more information, read: Brian Barbour Columbia Lions Player Profile - gocolumbialions.com

6. Javon McCrea, Buffalo - Junior (MAC)
2011-2012 Statistics: 14.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 bpg, 1.0 spg, 57.2 FG% (25.3 minutes per game, 31 games)

Javon McCrea is steadily rising as a prospect at Buffalo University. After being named the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2011, he improved even more and was named to the All-MAC First Team in 2012. His scoring, rebounding, and blocking averages were all second-highest on the team behind senior and 2012 MAC Player of the Year Mitchell Watt, who went on to play in the 2012 NBA Summer League with the Memphis Grizzlies. What's even more impressive about McCrea's statline from last season is that he put up those numbers in only 25.3 minutes per game. As a team, Buffalo played well and finished with a 20-11 overall record and a 12-4 conference record, good enough to be ranked second in the MAC. I would be surprised if Buffalo can improve that record significantly this season, but I project that McCrea's minutes will increase, he will emerge as a team leader, and will show more improvement as a player/prospect.

 

For more information, read: Javon McCrea Buffalo Bio - buffalobulls.com

5. Mike Black, Albany - Senior (America East)
2011-2012 Statistics: 13.4 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 spg, 44.4 FG% (33.0 minutes per game, 34 games)

Mike Black is the man at SUNY Albany now. He would be playing this season with Logan Aronhalt and Geraldo Suero, who were both juniors last season, but they both left the team after last season. Aronhalt transferred to Maryland and Suero went pro. Since Black is a senior and was the team's third leading scorer last season behind Aronhalt and Suero, he will have to step up as the leader of the Great Danes this season. Last season, Black averaged 13.4 points and a team-high 4.3 assists, helped Albany to a respectable 19-15 record, and was named to the America East Second Team. Black has the potential to have a Reggie Hamilton-caliber senior season. I expect him to lead the team in points and assists this season, though I'm not sure how well Albany will do as a team.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Black finished with a team-high 15 points and a game-high 4 assists as Albany beat Duquesne 69-66 in their first game of the season.

For more, read: Albany guard Black gets preseason notice in America East - blog.timesunion.com
-Mike Black UAlbany Player Profile - ualbanysports.com

4. Tie - Julian Boyd & Jamal Olasewere, Long Island - Seniors (NEC)
2011-2012 Statistics -
Boyd: 17.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 55.7 FG%, 42.0 3P% (27.1 minutes per game, 33 games)
Olasewere: 16.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 bpg, 57.1 FG% (26.1 minutes per game, 34 games)

Boyd and Olasewere are both seniors for Long Island this season. Last season, they each ranked in the top two on their team in points and rebounds. Boyd has gotten more attention than Olasewere and Olasewere might be getting overlooked. Boyd was named the NEC Rookie of the Year in 2009, the 2012 NEC Player of the Year, and the NEC Tournament MVP in 2012. Olaswere was named the NEC Tournament MVP in 2011 and was named to the 2012 All-NEC First Team. The last two seasons, Long Island has dominated as a team. They were ranked first in the conference and made it to the NCAA Tournament each season the last two years. It's almost like Long Island is a monopoly as a team in the NEC and that Boyd and Olasewere are competing against each other for stats and awards. I'm expecting both of them to dominating this season with help from junior point guard Jason Brickman. Considering that they both averaged below 30 minutes a game last season, they both could improve their averages and stats if given more playing time. I expect Long Island to be the best team in the NEC again this season and make it to the NCAA Tournament again for the third year in a row. As for Boyd and Olasewere individually, it's up to them to showcase their skills. Which of them is better? I think its debatable. Either way, it's safe to say that Long Island is in for another exciting, winning season.

However, Boyd and Olasewere will face a minor setback as they are both suspended for the first two conference games of the season because of their role in an on-campus brawl. Let's hope this doesn't have a big, negative effect on their senior seasons.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Long Island lost 77-74 against Morehead State in their first game of the season. Olasewere had a game-high 26 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Boyd shot 8-for-13 from the field and finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

For more information, read: Julian Boyd Player Profile - liuathletics.com
-Jamal Olasewere Player Profile - liuathletics.com
-Suspensions lifted for four LIU players in brawl - usatoday.com

3. George Beamon, Manhattan - Senior (MAAC)
2011-2012 Statistics: 19.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.5 spg, 48.6 FG%, 42.7 3P%, 80.1 FT% (31.9 minutes per game, 33 games)

George Beamon had a breakout season last year. In less minutes per game than the season before, he improved his points and assists averages. He was named to the 2012 All-MAAC First Team and led the MAAC in points per game last season. His 18.97 scoring average ranked 25th nationally. And it's not like Beamon's some sort of gunner who shoots too much. He finished the season with a very respectable 48.6 field goal percentage and a solid average of 2 assists per game. Beamon also helped his team win games. Manhattan finished with an impressive 21-13 record and made it to the second round of the of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. With increased minutes this season, I expect Beamon to average 20 points a game or over and be a favorite for the 2013 MAAC Player of the Year Award along with O.D. Anosike and Juan'ya Green.

For more information, read: George Beamon Manhattan Bio - gojaspers.com

2. Juan'ya Green, Niagara - Sophomore (MAAC)
2011-2012 Statistics: 17.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 spg, 40.4 FG%, 80.0 FT% (37.2 minutes per game, 33 games)

Juan'ya Green had an exciting freshman year last season. His team did okay with a 14-19 record, but Green led the team in points, assists, and steals. He even exploded for a Niagara freshman record 35 points in a game against Fairfield. In the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Green ranked third in points per game, third in assists per game, and first in steals per game. He was also named the MAAC Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-MAAC Third Team and the MAAC All-Rookie Team last season. Green was also named the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Freshman of the Year. I expect Green to lead Niagara to an improved record this season with the help of teammates Antoine Mason, Marvin Jordan, and Ameen Tanksley. I wouldn't be surprised if Green turns into the next Reggie Hamilton, or maybe even better. Depending on his future play, he could end up leaving college early to apply for the NBA Draft.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Green scored 14 points, dished out 9 assists, and had 4 steals in Niagara's first game of the season yesterday. He shot 4-for-13 from the field as Niagara lost to Oregon State, 102-83

For more information, read: Juan'ya Green Niagara Bio - purpleeagles.com

1. O.D. Anosike, Siena - Senior (MAAC)
2011-2012 Statistics: 15.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 bpg, 52.4 FG% (36.9 minutes per game, 31 games)

O.D. Anosike averaged a double-double last season with 15.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, both team-highs. He also led the NCAA in rebounds per game as a junior last season. His average was better than that of Thomas Robinson and Anthony Davis, who were both top 5 picks in the 2012 NBA Draft. Anosike is hoping to help Siena get a winning record this season with help from sophomore point guard Evan Hymes. Anosike was also named to the All-MAAC First Team last season. The sky is the limit for Anosike, who will try to lead the Saints to the NCAA Tournament this season. He could also be hearing his name announced on draft night next year if he plays his cards right.

UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2012): Anosike had 10 points, a game-high 17 rebounds, a game-high 4 steals, and a game-high 3 blocks in Siena's first game of the season. However, he shot 2-for-11 from the free-throw line as the Saints lost by one point to Vermont, 54-53.

For more information, read: O.D. Anosike Siena Player Profile - sienasaints.com
-Siena's big man Anosike should see plenty of double-teams in the paint - timesunion.com

Honorable Mention: Antoine Mason (Niagara), Evan Hymes (Siena), Jason Brickman (Long Island), Lamont Jones (Iona), Robert Mansell (Binghamton)

(Sources: basketball.realgm.com, rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/scoreboard?d=2012-11-09)

The 2012-13 Division 1 NCAA men's basketball season starts today. Also, in case you're wondering, I'm not obsessed with Reggie Hamilton, I just think he's a really great player.

Have any thoughts on any of the prospects or teams that I mentioned? Should I do a follow-up article at the end of the season? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.