Top 100 College Basketball Players for 2016-17 Season: 41-50

By Reed Hunnicutt

These rankings are based on anticipated production, team success and pure talent. Players who have voiced intentions to transfer are not included in this list, unless they are eligible immediately. There are no undecided eligible transfers who would change these rankings. This countdown is split into 10 segments. The earlier rankings can be accessed at: 91-100 81-90 71-80 61-70 51-60

Top 100 College Basketball Players for 2016-17 Season: 41-50

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50. Makai Mason (Yale, Guard) — Mason was nationally recognized for his NCAA tournament efforts. He was great all season for the Bulldogs, averaging 16.0 points and 3.8 assists in his sophomore season. Only two starters return, so Mason will be counted on to dominate for Yale.

49. Malik Monk (Kentucky, Guard) — Whether it’s in transition, outside the the arc or off the bounce, Monk can get buckets. Superior athleticism makes up for the fact that he’s a bit undersized for a shooting guard. His shooting ability will put him on the floor.

48. Udoka Azubuike (Kansas, Center) — Azubuike is an absolute monster in the paint. At 275 pounds, he’s deceptively explosive and very long. Kansas has their next low post star in Azubuike.

47. James Blackmon Jr. (Indiana, Guard) — Indiana was a much better team when Blackmon wasn’t on the court, but he needs to be an integral part of the team’s success this year. He can light up the scoring column and rebounds well, so his unselfishness will determine how far the Hoosiers go.

46. Jalan West (Northwestern State, Guard) — West was granted another year after being injured early in the year. As a junior, West averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 assists and 2.1 steals while making 42 percent of his threes. West is a mid-major superstar who should be on everyone’s radar.

45. Jalen Brunson (Villanova, Guard) — Brunson has brought success everywhere he has played. He started for the National Champion Wildcats, and will take over as the primary ball-handler. With more responsibility, Brunson has the potential to be a better player than Ryan Arcidiacono.

44. Luke Kornet (Vanderbilt, Forward/Center) — Kornet is a 7-foot-1 stretch five that made tremendous strides as a rebounder and rim protector as a junior. Some injuries hobbled him, but Kornet still managed to average 8.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. He'll have a big year at Vanderbilt.

43. Andrew White III (Nebraska, Guard) — Once a touted Kansas recruit, White came into his own after a change in scenery. White is a smooth athlete who does a great job of attacking the basket, leading to a 16.6 scoring average last year. He will be one the best wing players in the Big Ten.

42. Austin Nichols (Virginia, Forward) — Nichols will bring solid scoring after sitting out last year, but it’s his defensive presence will help Virginia heal from their losses. At Memphis two years ago, Nichols blocked 3.4 shots a game and had 21 steals. Nichols will be an All-ACC player.

41. Justin Jackson (North Carolina, Guard/Forward) — I’m still searching for Justin Jackson’s jump shot. His floater is as accurate as anyone's, and he can defend a couple positions well. Without Marcus Paige’s shooting, Jackson will need to be that outside threat in order for the Tar Heels to win.

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