John Buggs (North Texas): North Texas has a few exciting names to watch out for, but Buggs is one that intrigues me with what he could ultimately help provide this team. At UTSA last year, he played in 32 games and started 30 of them but it was his impact in stretching the floor as he hit 80 3-pointers and shot 40 percent from behind the arc. Buggs averaged 11.0ppg and it will be interesting to see how he can help this team with his shot-making ability.
Sam Alajiki (Rice): Alajiki is a name that came through the Phenom Hoops platform and eventually caught the eyes of coaches at California. He has played in 59 games and started to get more traction last year for the Golden Bears, but now the 6’7 prospect is at Rice. Alajiki is one who has shown in the past his ability to score and create, finishing strong but also step out and knock down shots with good size. With experience under his belt, I’m very interested in seeing what he can do with his new program.
Chuck Harris and BJ Edwards (SMU): There are plenty of names that you could ultimately choose from with this program, but two new names for this team that I’m going to have my eye on is Harris and Edwards. Harris has been a consistent offensive scoring presence, averaging double-figures each season so far and starting 60 games throughout. Edwards is one that I would keep my eye on as well, especially from what he showed during SMU’s Spain trip. Averaging 6.0 assists, 5.3 points, and 6.0 rebounds for his team, and being able to fill up a stat sheet, Edwards could be a sneaky player to watch out for with his new team.
Chris Youngblood (USF): Youngblood has a strong resume from his time at Kennesaw State and he will certainly be familiar with what is needed of him. Last year, he racked up some impressive accolades while playing in the A-SUN and is coming off a season in which he averaged 14.7ppg and will be a clear leader on the court. He is a 1,000-point scorer, has nearly 90 games under his belt, can knock down shots from multiple levels, and will certainly be a player of familiarity for new head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.