College basketball's most underrated stars in 2019-20

TCU might be a team slightly better than .500, but Bane is anything but average. However, the casual basketball fan probably does not know about one of the top scorers in the Big 12 at almost 16 points per game. In fact, Bane has been doing it well throughout his collegiate career, where he's a 49.5 percent shooter from the field and better than 42 percent from three-point range.

Things might not have worked out for Barcello at Arizona, but he's certainly had an impact during his first season for the ranked Cougars. The junior is averaging only a little less than 10 points, but he's among the national leaders by shooting nearly 50 percent from three-point range. Barcello has brought a manner of stability to a BYU squad that's won eight in a row entering its regular-season finale.

The Bluejays' "Birds of Trey" — Ty-Shon Alexander, Marcus Zegarowski and Mitch Ballock — get plenty of attention for being on one of the NCAA's top teams. But Bishop's progression from a role-playing, freshman reserve to a more-than-dependable starter is an underlying reason Creighton is a top-10 team in the mix for a Big East title. At times, he's been the difference at both ends of the floor.

Obi Toppin is a national Player of the Year candidate, but many believe Crutcher is the glue that holds the Flyers together. The junior has improved every season at Dayton and can do just about anything asked while averaging 15 points, nearly five assists per game and better than three rebounds. If the Flyers are to go far in the NCAA Tournament, it might actually be because of Crutcher. 

The sophomore is not necessarily flying under any radars, but he really should be receiving more credit for Illinois' basketball resurgence in 2019-20. In addition to averaging team highs of 16.2 points and 3.2 assists (as of Feb. 25), he's arguably the best defender in the Big Ten. It's possible Dosunmu opts for the NBA next season, but if so he'd like to take the Illini on a long postseason ride.

Isaac Okoro is likely an NBA lottery pick, and big-man Austin Wiley should be drafted too. Yet, Auburn's true leader and catalyst is the senior Doughty. The 6-foot-4 Philadelphian has made major strides from a season ago when he went from starter to worthy bench contributor for the Tigers' run to the Final Four. Now he leads the team, averaging just over 16 points.

Florida State might be the most balanced team in the country and certainly the most unselfish. Forrest is the guy who holds everything together. Whether getting others involved (4.2 assists per game) or keeping the ball for himself (11.7 ppg), Forrest is one of those players who gives his team a chance no matter the opponent or environment.

The second-leading scorer in the Missouri Valley Conference at 19.3 points (as of Feb. 25), JFL is hardly a household name, but he's definitely someone worthy of attention. He scored 30 or more points twice this season, including 21 against Cincinnati in November. Perhaps more impressive, the 6-foot-3 guard from Chicago pulls down 6.0 rebounds per contest.

We know about the overall talent of Myles Powell at Seton Hall, but the 7-foot-2 Gill might be the most unheralded big man in the country. The senior ranks among the national leaders with 93 blocked shots, and twice this season he's recorded eight in a game. Gill has also stepped up his scoring of late, averaging 11.0 points over a four-game stretch.

The 6-foot-9 Gillespie began his collegiate career dealing with injuries and toiling on the Division III level in Minnesota. His college basketball path has ultimately led him to Waco, where he's starting and averaging almost 10 points and nine rebounds in his second season for one of the best teams in the country. His 59 blocks rank among the most in the Big 12.

Kansas coach Bill Self is not shy about lauding Garrett as the best defender in the country. The Jayhawks have plenty of offense with the likes of Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike, but they're ranked No. 1 in the country because of a defense that's yielding 60.6 points per game and holding opponents to 37.5 percent shooting. Garrett is a major reason for that while continuing to frustrate some of the best players in the nation.

We spoke of the second-leading scorer in the Missouri Valley Conference. Now, it's time to talk about the first. And man, can Green score. As of Feb. 25, Green was averaging 19.8 points on the season and an even more impressive 22.3 during conference play. He's also shooting 46.4 percent from beyond the three-point arc in league play and has UNI in good position to claim the MVC crown.

For the sake of college basketball tradition, it's good see UCLA back in the hunt of a Pac-12 regular-season championship. Sophomore forward Hill might be the most talented player on the Bruins roster even though his numbers (9.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 bpg) don't jump off the stat sheet, and his play can be labeled rightfully as inconsistent at times. 

If Syracuse was an ACC title contender or even an NCAA Tournament hopeful, Hughes would be getting much more recognition. Averaging almost 19 points, the junior ranks among the ACC's top scorers, and he can also distribute the ball well as his nearly 4.0-assist average can attest. Hughes could end up bypassing his senior season for the NBA, but it would be fun to see him back in Orange for 2020-21. 

It's been a pretty special season for the Cardinals, who are plenty talented. However, the rising star of the group is the freshman Johnson. It looks as if he's taken over Louisville's starting point guard role and seems more comfortable on both ends of the floor with every passing game. He's also averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds over a five-game stretch from Feb. 12-24.

Penn State would really love to get Jones back on the court. The Nittany Lions' second-leading scorer at 14.1 points per game has missed time recently with an illness. But when on the floor, Jones is the guy who is able to keep things together and rolling — even when big-name star Lamar Stevens is on fire. Jones can use a "Get Well Soon" card. 

In three seasons for the Zags, Kispert has gone from role player to more-than-dependable starter. At 6-foot-7, Kispert brings a lot to the table, especially at the offensive end where he's a quality scorer (14.0 ppg), a solid three-point shooter (43.3 percent) and a quality passer. The junior might not do one thing great, but he does a lot of things really well. 

Hoops fans might remember Krutwig from the Ramblers' improbable run to the Final Four in 2018. Well, he's still doing his thing. As of Feb. 25, Krutwig was averaging 15.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and, at 6-foot-9, 4.2 rebounds — all of which are career highs. Perhaps the best part for Loyola supporters: Krutwig is a junior.

Perhaps the signs were always there over the past two seasons that Martin's monster breakout campaign was going to happen. But did anybody at ASU really see Martin, who averages just over 19 points, being a contender for the Pac-12 Player of the Year Award? Regardless, Martin's stock is rising, and the Sun Devils are seriously in the mix for the regular-season conference title.

If we had to pick the leader and captain of this group, Mooney would be the guy. For two seasons now, Mooney has been lost among all the elite talent in the ACC — mainly because Notre Dame has been a middling program. For the second straight season, Mooney is averaging a double-double. This season, both are career highs of 16.3 points and 12.7 boards as of Feb. 25.

Though DePaul has again struggled in the Big East, Reed remains the team's best overall talent. The double-double machine, Reed is averaging nearly 15 points and almost 11 rebounds per contest. Reed might be one of the best players most of the nation has never heard of and someone who could have himself a decent NBA career. That could come as early as next season, if he opts to leave early. 

There is a lot to like about the Mississippi senior, who has really progressed nicely during his college career. As of Feb. 25, Tyree ranked among the SEC leaders averaging 20.4 points - two-and-a-half better than last season's average. He's scored more than 1,700 points during his career and is worthy of any recognition thrown his way.

The Aztecs have been one of the major stories of the 2019-20 season by going 27-0 before their first loss just this past weekend. They've done it with some solid transfer talent, led by guard Malachi Flynn. However, the 6-foot-10 Wetzell, who began his collegiate career at Vanderbilt, has really provided a dependable presence in the paint while averaging almost 12 points and 6.5 boards.

The Cardinals dodged a bullet when it was deemed Williams' recent ankle injury was "fine." Williams, a 6-foot-11 junior, has blossomed into one of Louisville's most important players., especially of late, He's found his way into the starting lineup, averaging 11.7 points on 55.6 percent shooting over a seven-game stretch.

Wright might not be a touted NBA prospect like teammate Tyler Bey, but he is an All-Pac 12 performer. The junior is averaging almost 14 points and over 5.0 assists and rebounds per contest. He might get overshadowed by the likes of Oregon star Payton Pritchard and Arizona fab freshman Nico Mannion, but Wright has shown he can hold his own with just about anybody.