Name, Image, and Likeness rules have made a major impact in college basketball. While in the past many players would have tested the NBA Draft waters or headed to Europe to play professionally, money available through NIL deals can encourage kids to stay in school. North Carolina big man Armando Bacot has stayed an extra two years with the Tar Heels thanks to this rule.

Bacot, who will be a fifth-year senior this season due to a pandemic exception rule, may have benefitted from more time to develop as well. After helping lead UNC to an appearance in the National Championship game during the 2021-22 season, the Tar Heels and Bacot both declined in performance last season. UNC missed out on March Madness, and Bacot’s scoring total fell from 16.3 points per game to 15.9.

Bacot will be one of the many players expected to be a star in college this season, according to Black sports news. Here’s a look at some other players who will put their names out there this season.

 

Collier is USC’s Other Top Recruit

 

 

Southern California’s Isaiah Collier may be the beneficiary of coming along at the right time. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound point guard is expected to be one of the nation’s top players as a freshman. To start the season, Collier may be able to operate with a little less scrutiny than the typical top recruit.

Collier, an Atlanta native, was a five-star recruit and was given the award for the Naismith Prep Player of the Year. He is also stepping into the program in the same class as Bronny James, the son of NBA Legend LeBron James. Bronny was a less-heralded recruit but drew a lot of attention due to his dad’s reputation.

Bronny also had a health scare in the offseason that drew a lot of attention. Collier will be a strong piece to a team that hopes to contend for the PAC-12 title and a spot in the Final Four.

 

Ballo Excited for another Run with Arizona

 

 

The Wildcats have transformed into one of the most exciting teams in the nation over the past two seasons. Part of Arizona’s strong attack has been led by 7-footer Oumar Ballo, who will likely land in the NBA Draft next spring. The latest NBA updates show that Ballo has a lot of what NBA teams are looking for.

Ballo is a capable defender who moves well. He went from making 37 appearances in a reserve role during the 2021-22 role to being a full-time starter in 22-23. Ballo, who hasn’t attempted a 3-pointer in college, averaged 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds last season. He should be able to increase those numbers this year for the Wildcats.

 

Shannon Has Found Home in Champaign

 

Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. recorded career highs in a number of different categories last season. After transferring to play for the Illini from Texas Tech, Shannon put up 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game last season. All of those totals were career highs.

Shannon took a hard look at making the jump to the NBA last season, going through spring workouts with professional scouts before deciding to return for another season in college. What Shannon learned from professional scouts was they wanted to see him use his right hand more and be a better shooter. 

Shannon will get plenty of opportunities to test himself in what should be a rugged Big Ten again this season.

 

Buie Gives Northwestern Credibility

 

Northwestern men’s basketball has mostly been an afterthought during its existence. The Wildcats have only made the NCAA Tournament twice since the program was founded in 1901. One of those appearances came last season, thanks to the excellence of Boo Buie.

He was chosen as a first-team All-Big Ten following a season where he averaged 17.3 points and 4.5 assists per game for the Wildcats. The 588 points Buie scored were the third most in a game in program history. Northwestern hopes that Buie’s return will allow them to make a real run at a deeper tournament run.

 

Davis Provided Cinderella With a Big Boost

 

Florida Atlantic’s run to the Final Four was a fun story in a year full of surprises. Junior Johnell Davis was a big part of that run. Davis averaged 13.8 points per game and pulled down 5.4 rebounds per contest. Davis declared for the NBA Draft last spring but didn’t hire an agent and withdrew after doing some workouts.

The Owls may have a chance to make waves again. In addition to Davis, fellow teammate Alijah Martin, who had already declared for the draft, also decided to return. FAU will be glad to have both players back. The Owls lost to San Diego State on a buzzer beater in the Final Four, leaving them one game short of an appearance in the national championship game.

 

Moore Hopes to Get Villanova Back on Track

 

Life in the post-Jay Wright era was tough on the Wildcats last season. Villanova no longer looked like the dominant force that had ruled college basketball for a five to seven-year stretch. But Villanova has a few veteran players left over who want to restore its place among the heavyweights.

Moore is returning after he was limited to 13 games due to an ACL injury last season. Before Moore went out with his injury, he was averaging 13.5 points per game. That is down from the 14.8 he contributed during the 2021-22 season. For his career, Moore has been a consistent player, averaging 13.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

For all the latest MLB, NBA, NFL, and Soccer News, stay up to date on BlackSportsDigest.