2021-2022 Men’s College Basketball Top 100 Players

We’re just about ready to start the 2021-2022 NCAA men’s basketball season. If you’re interested in seeing who will become household names and have the biggest impact on this season, we took the time and did the research ranking the top 100 players in the country. The players were ranked based on a combination of last year’s performance and this year’s projected performance (think breakout candidates).

This list can be helpful in both your DFS and player prop preparation for the upcoming season. Let’s get into it.

Top 100 Players in CBB

Here is a look at my top 100 players for college basketball this season.

1. Drew Timme, Gonzaga

Rocking his patented handlebar mustache, Timme’s elite footwork in the paint makes him the best skilled big man in the country. We saw him dominate on one of the best offenses of all time last year and will easily be the favorite for the Wooden Award this year with the Zags showing no signs of slowing down.

2. Trevion Williams, Purdue

College basketball is loaded with super-skilled bigs this year, and Purdue’s smooth center is as good as they come. Along with his dominant post game, Williams has elite basketball IQ and one of the best passing bigs in the nation.

3. Kofi Cockburn, Illinois

The modern version of Shaquille O’Neal, Cockburn’s colossal frame makes him one of the most dominant players in all of college basketball.

4. EJ Liddell, Ohio State

Liddell expanded his game out to the three-point line a year ago, pretty much making his game unstoppable as he is a load inside the paint as well.

5. Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana

One of the more athletic bigs in the country, TJD plays above the rim and makes a 20-and-10 night look effortless.

(Check out our ranking of the top 100 men’s college basketball teams for the 2021-2022 season!)

6. Julian Champagnie, St. John’s

Champagnie is one of the better offensive players in the country as he can score at all three levels and can easily drop 20-plus points regardless of who is guarding him.

7. Hunter Dickinson, Michigan

Dickinson vastly improved during his freshman season as the season went on, dominating Big Ten play and earning himself in the same conversation as the other elite bigs in the conference.

8. Marcus Carr, Texas

Carr may not have been super-efficient a season ago playing for a struggling Minnesota team, but his skillset should shine via his new home in Austin, where I have him pegged as the best returning point guard in the country.

9. Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

The top-rated freshman is often referred to as a unicorn as he possesses guard skills in a 7-foot frame. He may not be an aggressive scorer, but what makes Holmgren special is his high basketball IQ as he can do it all to help his team win.

10. Paolo Banchero, Duke

Many deem the Italian freshman to already be the best player in all of college basketball. Banchero certainly has the skillset to do so, and Duke will rely heavily on him from the get go.

11. Timmy Allen, Texas

I seem to be way higher on Allen than other player rankings I’ve seen out there, but the first-team All-Pac-12 forward is one of the more versatile and complete players you’ll see. He impacts the game in all aspects and can play some point forward as well due to his passing skills. The only knock on Allen is his inconsistent three-point stroke.

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12. Collin Gillespie, Villanova

The veteran point guard has been the heart and soul of this blue-blood Villanova program over the past few seasons. An unfortunate injury cut his season short a year ago, but Gillespie has his eyes set on leading the Wildcats to another Final Four.

13. Remy Martin, Kansas

The explosive offensive-minded point guard should bring some much-needed playmaking ability to a Kansas squad that saw some inconsistencies in the backcourt a year ago.

14. Keve Aluma, Virginia Tech

One of the most improved players a season ago making the mid-major jump to the ACC, Aluma proved the be one of the more dominant bigs in the entire country, leading the Hokies to a tourney berth.

15. Armando Bacot, UNC

With the army of UNC bigs now down to only one, a ton more minutes and usage should open up for Bacot. He is in for a monster year.

16. Emoni Bates, Memphis

The young, heralded freshman reclassified up a year and took his talents to a promising Memphis squad. Bates has never seen a shot he doesn’t like but is an absolute bucket getter.

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17. André Curbelo, Illinois

With Ayo Dosumnu gone to the NBA, Curbelo will step right into the lead guard roll for the Illini. He showed some flashes off the bench a season ago and is primed to be one of the best table setters in the country this year.

18. Jaden Ivey, Purdue

There’s a ton of hype surrounding an Ivey breakout after his performance this summer for USA’s U19 squad. Ivey is as smooth a scorer as you’ll see, and Purdue’s success will ride on how he can lead their backcourt.

19. DeAndre Williams, Memphis

Swiss Army knife Williams will continue to be Memphis’s most important player. Not only will he initiate the offense from the high post, but Williams is also considered their best defender.

20. Garrison Brooks, Mississippi State

Brooks had a down year a season ago after having to share time with three other elite UNC bigs. The slate is clear, and the former preseason ACC Player of the Year is primed for a bounceback campaign in a new home.

21. Scotty Pippen Jr., Vanderbilt

Surprisingly, Pippen chose to return to a mediocre Vanderbilt team over the NBA draft. The uber-talented point guard should again put up massive numbers and a high usage rate.

22. Patrick Baldwin, Milwaukee

The blue-chip freshman went the more untraditional route in taking his talents to a mid-major program. He has an NBA-ready frame and can score at all three levels. Expect to put up massive numbers and only one year of work in the college game.

23. Grant Sherfield, Nevada

One of the better shot-makers in the country, Sherfield leads a super-talented Nevada backcourt that could make some noise in the Mountain West.

24. Jalen Wilson, Kansas

At times last year, the surprising redshirt freshman looked like the best player in the country. He’ll look to become more consistent in his sophomore campaign and should be the primary option on a very good Kansas team.

25. Andrew Jones, Texas

In one of the most inspirational stories, Jones beat leukemia and worked his way back to his elite form on the basketball court, stapling himself as one of the best wing scorers in the nation.

26. David McCormack, Kansas

McCormack continues to improve throughout his career and can now be considered one of the more dominant big men in the entire country.

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27. Tyson Etienne, Wichita State

The reigning AAC Player of the Year took a huge step his sophomore year becoming one of the more electric scoring guards in the nation.

28. Kendric Davis, SMU

Davis is a flash in the open court and his elite playmaking ability makes his one of the more dangerous guards in the country.

29. Max Abmas, Oral Roberts

The NCAA’s leading scorer last year exploded in the tournament, carving up high-major programs through the Sweet 16. He again will be up there with the nation’s leading scorers as he’ll have a bit more on his shoulders after the departure of running mate Kevin Obanor.

30. Jaime Jaquez, UCLA

Jaquez does it all for the UCLA squad and can easily be considered their most important player. Whether defending the opponent’s best player, scoring, rebounding or creating, UCLA leans heavily on Jaquez.

31. James Akinjo, Baylor

Baylor loses its entire backcourt, so in steps journeyman Akinjo to take the reins. He’s coming off a stellar year at Arizona averaging, 15.5 points and 5.5 assists per game and should have the ball in his hands a ton for the Bears.

32. Alex Barcello, BYU

Although not very flashy, Barcello flew under the radar as one of the more consistent guards in the country leading BYU to a top-20 KenPom finish.

33. Matt Bradley, San Diego State

Transferring over from a weak California program, Bradley and his powerful frame should be poised for a big year and takeover as the Aztecs’ go-to scorer on the wing.

34. Marcus Sasser, Houston

After major turnover at the guard position, sharpshooter Sasser is set to light the nets on fire and lead the Houston backcourt attack.

35. Johnny Juzang, UCLA

A super streaky shooter, Juzang got hot at the right time last year and was a major reason UCLA made their improbable Final Four run.

36. Tre Mitchell, Texas

After averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds per game at UMass, the ultra-talented Mitchell should continue to produce at a high level in the Big 12.

37. Rasir Bolton, Gonzaga

Inefficient at times on a weak Iowa State team, Bolton’s skillset should thrive in the Gonzaga offense where a heavy burden will be taken off his shoulders and he can impact the game in many different ways.

38. Justin Moore, Villanova 

Moore took an important sophomore leap developing his game from a spot-up shooter to a legit playmaker. Look for Moore to build on his improving skillset and be a dangerous offensive weapon for Nova alongside Gillespie in the backcourt.

39. Jahvon Quinerly, Alabama

Erratic at times, Quinerly’s electric scoring ability was built to play in Nate Oats’ fast-paced system. He should become the primary ball handler this year and will see some big-time games.

40. Matthew Mayer, Baylor

A human microwave off the bench last year, Mayer will be tasked as one of the go-to scorers for Baylor this season. He has the unique guard skillset and 6-foot-9 frame to light the nets on fire.

41. Jayden Gardner, Virginia

Many people may not be familiar with Gardner’s game after starting his career on a poor East Carolina team, but the 6-foot-6 bruiser was a 20-point/10-rebound threat on any given night and should be the focal point in Virginia’s offense.

42. Jalen Duren, Memphis

Duren is a physical freak of nature. He will be a real rim protector on the defensive end and clean up the glass on the offensive end for Memphis. Could be another coming of Kofi Cockburn.

43. Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga

One of the best floor generals in the country, Nembhard will lead the point of attack for the nation’s most potent offense.

44. Paul Scruggs, Xavier

Scruggs can do it all from the point guard position, and his playmaking ability will be relied upon heavily by the Musketeers.

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45. Kellan Grady, Kentucky

Grady is deadly from three and will give Kentucky their best shooter since Tyler Herro.

46. Tyger Campbell, UCLA

There aren’t many other game managers you’d rather have leading your team at point guard more than Campbell. He is the heart of this UCLA squad and should be atop the leaderboard for assist:turnover ratio.

47. Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky

After a fallout at West Virginia, the Congolese tank found a warm welcome in Lexington. Tshiebwe has all the tools to dominate a game inside, especially his ability to gobble up offensive rebounds.

48. Terrence Shannon, Texas Tech

A dynamic slasher, Shannon is almost impossible to stop on the offensive end. He saw his game vastly improve a year ago, and the sky is the limit if he stays on the same trajectory.

49. Walker Kessler, Auburn

Buried behind three blue-chip bigs, Kessler didn’t see much playing time last year in Chapel Hill. But in the few games Kessler did get minutes, he was terrifying (ask Notre Dame). He steps into a primary center role for Auburn where he can showcase his talents.

50. Jermaine Samuels, Villanova

After coming into his freshman season as a super-raw, bouncy athlete. Samuels has developed into a well-rounded player and one of the better defenders in the entire country for Jay Wright and Villanova.

51. Kenneth Lofton, Louisiana Tech

After jumping on the scene during conference play in his freshman season, the 6-foot-7, 275-pound tank continued to show his developing talent by dominating the FIBUA U19 games for team USA. Lofton is a load in the paint and one of the better bigs in the country you never heard of.

(Check out our ranking of the top 100 men’s college basketball teams for the 2021-2022 season!)

52. David Roddy, Colorado State

Roddy may seem a bit undersized at 6-5, but his unique frame allows him to outquick defenders and even lead the fast break while still being able to command the boards and the paint. Roddy is a 20-point, 10-rebound threat on any given night.

53. Tanner Groves, Oklahoma

The reigning Big Sky Player of the Year takes his talents to the Big 12, where he’ll see a significant step up in competition. But if his 35-point performance against Kansas in last year’s tournament is any indication, he will be fine.

54. Posh Alexander, St. John’s

The lightning-quick Energizer bunny wreaks havoc in the backcourt, especially defensively. His offensive game exponentially improved over the course of his freshman year, which sets him up for a huge sophomore campaign.

55. Jaden Shackelford, Alabama

A super streaky and electric scorer, the lefty sharpshooter is one of the few players in the country who can drop 30-plus points on any given night.

56. Iverson Molinar, Mississippi State

The smooth combo guard can both score it and set up his teammates when his team needs a bucket. The influx of talent Mississippi State has this year will only improve Molinar’s efficiency.

57. Zach Freemantle, Xavier

Freemantle is always in attack mode both on the offensive end and on the glass. His ability to step out and hit the three makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing bigs.

58. Will Richardson, Oregon

Hampered by injuries for the first half of the season a year ago and then used as a secondary option to stud Chris Duarte, Richardson’s production was limited. He will be given the keys to Oregon offense this season and the career 40% three-point shooter is primed for a breakout.

59. Sahvir Wheeler, Kentucky

A nightmare in the open court, Wheeler’s vision and passing ability will be on full display with the talent Kentucky has brought in this season.

60. Adam Flagler, Baylor

One of the best sixth men in the country a year ago, Flagler now has the opportunity to shine in a primary role and will be Baylor’s go-to scorer in the backcourt.

61. Ron Harper, Rutgers

Over the first half of last year, Harper was putting up major numbers and could have been considered a top-10 player in the country. With a smooth three-point stroke for his size, he is a matchup nightmare but will need to gain some consistency for Rutgers to take another step forward this year.

62. Jabari Smith, Auburn

The lanky 6-foot-11 freshman gazelle is going to be a problem on this high-paced Auburn team, whether finishing in transition, swatting away shots or stepping out and hitting three pointers.

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63. Kyle Lofton, St. Bonaventure

The four-year starter is a coach’s dream, one of the most reliable point guards in the country, leading in percentage of minutes played. His commanding on-ball presence and leadership should result in a special year for the Bonnies.

64. Caleb Mills, Florida State

Mills hit a rough patch during his sophomore campaign and ended up transferring out of the Houston program after being named preseason AAC Player of the Year. His devastating ability to score the ball should be highly beneficial for the gritty Florida State program.

65. Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

Agbaji took a step forward in his junior year becoming the most consistent score on a very good Kansas squad. Expect more of the same this year even with the additions via the transfer portal.

66. Kevin McCullar, Texas Tech

McCullar can impact the game in every single way, but his strength is his defensive versatility. Will be interesting to see his transition to the point guard role on this year’s Texas Tech squad.

67. Isaiah Wong, Miami

With Miami being decimated with injuries all last season, Wong often had to put the Canes on his back during his sophomore campaign in order to compete in the ACC. The fluid guard can score from anywhere and should lead Miami to a bounceback year if they can stay healthy.

68. Nate Watson, Providence

After the departure of star point guard David Duke, Watson should take over as the focal point of the Friar offense. He is a load inside and one of the better offensive big men in the country.

69. Davonte Davis, Arkansas

Toward the end of the season, the young freshman grew into one of Arkansas’ most consistent playmakers and a key reason for their Elite Eight run. He is an electric slasher in the open court and should be the primary lead guard for this year’s Razorback squad.

70. Eli Brooks, Michigan

The stat sheet may not always show it, but Brooks’ intangibles, leadership, efficiency and impact on the game cannot be unnoticed. With some veteran leaders from last year now gone, this uber-talented Michigan team is now in his hands.

71. Eric Ayala, Maryland

There’s a ton of excitement in College Park this offseason, and the returning veteran combo guard will again be the leader of the Terrapin backcourt.

72. De’Vion Harmon, Oregon

The former Sooner took a step forward in his sophomore campaign. Look for his crafty offensive game to be a large part of the Oregon offense.

73. Avery Anderson, Oklahoma State

Planted behind the Cade Cunningham show a year ago, Anderson took significant strides as a sophomore crafting out his spot in the backcourt as a secondary option toward the end of the year. He’ll now take on the lead ball-handling duties for the Cowboys and oozes with potential, which was seen in his 31-point outbreak against West Virginia.

74. Marreon Jackson, Arizona State

The reigning MAC player of the year takes his talents to Arizona State after posting a ridiculous 18-point, 6-assist, 6-rebound year for Toledo. There will be a step up in competition, but the high-basketball-IQ point guard should thrive in Bobby Hurley’s up-tempo system.

75. Javonte Perkins, Saint Louis

A bona fide scoring machine, Perkins should take on an even bigger role in the Billiken offense after some key departures. He could be atop the leaders in the country in points per game.

76. Geo Baker, Rutgers

Mr. Clutch himself, the four-year starter was a box-out away from leading a historically laughable Rutgers program to a Sweet 16. Baker struggled with some injuries and inconsistencies throughout last season but should be primed for a big season in his last go-round.

77. Jacob Gilyard, Richmond

A pesky defender, Gilyard is on track to break the NCAA all-time steals record this year. Although not the biggest in stature or most dynamic scorer, Gilyard is the straw that stirs the drink for this talented Richmond team that has its eyes set on a possible at-large bid this year.

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78. Michael Devoe, Georgia Tech

Devoe can score with the best of them and after some key losses for the Yellow Jackets, he will put his 40% three-point percentage to use and should be bombing away this year.

79. Kevin Obanor, Texas Tech

A fan favorite from March, Obanor takes the stage in the Big 12 this season. He won the hearts of college basketball fans with his flawless pick-and-pop execution with running mate Max Abmas and will look to use his skillset to help the Red Raiders climb the Big 12 standings. But look for his 19-point, 10-rebound average to dip a bit.

80. Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee

The one thing Rick Barnes was missing a season ago was a legit point guard and playmaker. In steps dynamo blue chip freshman Chandler, who is a terror in the open court and will look to set the table and improve the Vols’ offensive from day one.

81. Gaige Prim, Missouri State

A bully down low with soft touch around the rim, Prim is pretty much unstoppable in the Missouri Valley. What takes his game to the next level is his passing ability, as he averaged 3 assists per game from the center spot.

82. Azuolas Tubelis, Arizona

The skilled Lithuanian big had a successful freshman year in Tucson. With his crafty footwork and soft touch, new head coach Tommy Lloyd will be feeding him early and often to initiate the Wildcat offense.

83. Keith Williams, Western Kentucky

Transferring over from Cincinnati, Williams immediately plants himself as the best player on the Western Kentucky roster and maybe in the entire conference. He is a dangerous scorer on the wing, a plus defender and loves to get out in transition. 

84. Darius Days, LSU

After some key departures for LSU, Days’ role significantly jumps, as he has the skillset to put up huge numbers in Will Wade’s offense behind his three-point shooting stroke and over 30% combined rebounding rate.

85. Prentiss Hubb, Notre Dame

One of the smoothest guards in the ACC, Hubb is almost impossible to stop on the offensive end when he gets it going. If he can step up and help Notre Dame improve on the defensive end, this team can be the surprise of the season.

(Check out our ranking of the top 100 men’s college basketball teams for the 2021-2022 season!)

86. Caleb Houstan, Michigan

The five-star freshman is a lights-out shooter with tremendous size on the wing. He put up some solid numbers for Canada’s U19 squad this summer and will need to step into a scoring role immediately for the Wolverines.

87. A.J. Green, Northern Iowa

Green only played three games a season ago and is now coming off two major hip surgeries. If completely healthy, this 87 ranking is way too low, as shown by his 22-point, 6-rebound average in his shortened season.

88. Osun Osunniyi, St. Bonaventure

Osunniyi established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the entire nation a season ago and makes a great duo with point guard Kyle Lofton. He is a powerful finisher and can clean up the glass, which is a key reason why the Bonnies are getting so much hype this offseason.

89. JD Davison, Alabama

The freshman guard shows freakish athleticism and will be an absolute nightmare in transition. Pair him in Nate Oats’ offense with Quinerly and Shackleford, we are bound to see him many times on SportsCenter‘s Top 10 plays.

90. Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse

Could be considered the best pure shooter in the country, Boeheim has a knack for using his size and body to create open shots for himself. When he gets hot, Syracuse can beat anyone.

91. Darius McGhee, Liberty

The flame-throwing point guard is the leader of this incredibly experienced and dangerous Liberty team. The Flames are going to be a team everyone will want to avoid in the first round this March, especially if McGhee is on a heater.

92. Justin Powell, Tennessee

The crafty lead guard had an impressive freshman year leading Auburn up until it was derailed by a concussion. Now healthy, he will step into a much-needed playmaking role for a Tennessee squad that is primed to make some noise.

93. Kihei Clark, Virginia

Clark doesn’t wow anyone with his box scores, but he is the glue that holds Tony Bennett’s system together, and his intangibles make him one of the most important pieces of any team in the country.

94. Jamaree Bouyea, San Francisco

All-WCC first teamer and the Dons’ leading scorer returns to a veteran-filled San Francisco squad with its sights set on its first tourney berth in over 20 years.

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95. Isaiah Mobley, USC

After playing second fiddle to his younger, absurdly talented brother Evan, Isaiah Mobley will look to become the vocal point of the USC interior. He showed some flashes in his sophomore year that he could dominate the glass while also developing a three-point jumper (44%).

96. Colin Castleton, Florida

Castleton took a huge step forward for the Gators after transferring in as a role player for Michigan. He cemented himself as an elite rim protector on the defensive end swatting away over two shots per game and proved to be a skilled finisher around the rim.

97. Grayson Murphy, Belmont

Belmont again will be the class of the Ohio Valley behind preseason OVC Player of the Year and triple-double threat Murphy.

98. Josiah-Jordan James, Tennessee

The former five star recruit has had an up-and-down career, yet he can impact the game in many aspects. He is an elite defender with size and should be able to improve his efficiency on offense in year three on a very good Tennessee team.

99. Bryson Williams, Texas Tech

The UTEP import comes over to Texas Tech after putting up big numbers in Conference USA. Texas Tech will look to play big this year and expect Williams to get a ton of touches based on his offensive versatility.

100. TyTy Washington, Kentucky

The latest of elite freshman guards brought into the Kentucky program by John Calipari, Washington has all the tools to live up to the pedigree and be a key piece in the Wildcats’ backcourt.

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