Finding sleepers in your fantasy draft can be a frustrating endeavor. Draft a guy you like too early, and it defeats the value of the pick. Wait too long on a guy, and someone else comes along and snatches him. I've tried to include guys who should be available and you should feel comfortable taking in those middle rounds of a draft. It's a mix of talented guys who should have a bigger role on their teams, and some freshman I think will make an impact. In my top ten article, I mentioned Georgetown's Hollis Thompson as a guy I think will break out. Let's have a look at the rest:
Sean Kilpatrick, guard, Cincinnati Bearcats
Kilpatrick returns for his sophomore season and is a part of an experience-laden team coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in just over 20 minutes per game last year. He was the Bearcats' top three- point shooter at 37.7%. Kilpatrick should see more minutes with the graduation of forward Rashad Bishop. Playing with the solid nucleus of Yancy Gates, Dion Dixon, and Cashmere Wright, Kilpatrick should continue to mature and grow into a productive guard.
Gilvydas Biruta, forward, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
If there's one player on the Scarlet Knights that reflects Mike Rice's intense demeanor on the sideline, it's the 6-foot-8 Lithuanian. Biruta was one of the hardest working and most productive freshmen in the Big East last year. He nearly averaged ten points per game and led all freshmen in the conference in rebounding with 5.6 per game. Biruta shot the ball well converting 55% of his two-pointers. Another positive sign is that he did not tire as the season went along. He scored in double figures in seven out of his team's last eight games.
Dante Taylor, forward, Pittsburgh Panthers
Taylor was a McDonald's All-American in 2009, but he has not really made an impact in his two years under Jamie Dixon. With the graduation of Gilbert Brown and Gary McGhee, there is an opportunity for Taylor to step into the starting lineup. In his limited time on the floor, he has been a voracious offensive rebounder and made 61% of his twos, so obviously the talent is there. One obstacle that Taylor has yet to overcome is staying out of foul trouble. If he can stay on the floor, Taylor could thrive with an expanded role.
Gorgui Sy Dieng, center, Louisville Cardinals
Much of what I wrote about Taylor above could be said about Dieng. They are both guys that the advanced stats like, and they need to cut down on the fouls. However, the key difference with Dieng is that he is an accomplished shot blocker. He averaged nearly two blocks per game last year in limited minutes. At 6-foot-10, 225 pounds, Dieng probably needs to bulk up to handle the physicality of Big East play. If he has and he can stay healthy, he could be a fantasy monster.
Jae Crowder, forward, Marquette Golden Eagles
Some may debate if Crowder fits the definition of a "sleeper" as he was very productive last year, but I feel he is still underrated enough to be worth a mention. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds last year. Crowder played a little over 27 minutes a game and that number should only rise with the departure of Jimmy Butler. There isn't much Crowder doesn't do well on the basketball floor. He is a solid rebounder, and is a good shooter from both inside and outside the three- point line. He would make a nice addition to any fantasy owner's frontcourt.
Ryan Boatright, freshman guard, Connecticut Huskies
Meet the heir apparent to Kemba Walker. Granted, I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but I'm excited about this freshman. Boatright is a dynamic scoring point guard who was Illinois' Co-Mr. Basketball along with Chasson Randle. Boatright averaged 32 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game his senior year in high school. He will likely be competing with Shabazz Napier for playing time during the season, but Boatright is still definitely a name to remember.
Chane Behanan, freshman forward, Louisville Cardinals
Behanan is the second player from Louisville to make the list. At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, he has a nice inside-outside game that will make him a matchup nightmare for Big East coaches. He averaged 23.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.2 steals per game as a senior in high school. With Terrence Jennings leaving the program early, Behanan should get a chance to crack the starting lineup right away.
Maurice Harkless, freshman forward, St. John's Red Storm
With an astounding nine-man recruiting class, the Johnnies will be a cavalcade of callowness this year. It is really anybody's best guess on who will break out. Harkless is the most highly touted of Steve Lavin's class. After facing eligibility questions this summer, the athletic swingman has been cleared by the NCAA. Keep an eye on Philadelphia's Nurideen Lindsey. He is expected to see a significant amount of minutes as a lead guard. I would also be remiss if I didn't mention all-name team member God`s Gift Achiuwa. He averaged over 23 points and 11 rebounds at Erie Community College in Buffalo last year.