It’s going to be a lot quieter out West as The Jimmer took his talents to Sacramento, Kawhi Leonard moved on to San Antonio and BYU moves to the West Coast Conference this season. If that wasn’t depressing enough, these two conferences are about to wreak havoc on each other in the conference realignment rat race. So since I can’t keep track of which teams are in which league let’s just combine them and talk about the fantasy relevant players that could help your team.
Zane Johnson, guard, Hawaii
The sharpshooting Johnson was worth the wait after sitting out the 2009-2010 season following his transfer from Arizona. He led the team in scoring (15.8 points) while setting a school single-season record with 98 three-pointers. He is a one-dimensional player that took 67% of his shot attempts from beyond the arc but when you shoot it at a 41% clip you can pile up the points in a hurry. Although he relies on the deep ball he is consistent due to his soft, feathery touch. He scored in double digits 24 times and topped 20 points in nine contests. If he can improve on his 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists he could be set up for a monster senior season.
Vander Joaquim, center, Hawaii
If you need a center, the native of Angola could be your answer. Joaquim recorded eight double-doubles last year and averaged 9.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The 6-foot-10 junior should be a lock to improve on those numbers with Bill Amis (15.2 points, 7.8 boards) out of the picture. He showed his potential when he dominated a solid New Mexico State frontline with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and a career-high five blocks. Another bonus is that he shoots 71% from the charity stripe for leagues that use that stat. He has a chance to average a double-double so look to The Islands if you are in need of some help in the middle.
Dario Hunt, forward, Nevada
If you want to see what a power forward should look like, then take a look at the 6-foot-8 senior in Reno. The athletic freak used his length and leaping ability to lead the conference in rebounds (9.7) and blocks (1.7) last season. Even though he topped the conference chart in rejections, his total last season was a career-low so expect more swats out of him this year. He is still a little raw on the offensive side of the court but his 12.4 points were almost double his previous season-high. If that improvement continues he will be a double-double machine and be a candidate for Conference Player of the Year.
Keith Shamburger, guard, San Jose State
Big things are expected out of the 5-foot-11 sophomore after he scored more points (12.4) than any other freshman in school history. While that scoring average may not jump off the stat sheet, he finished third on the team behind Adrian Oliver (24.0 points) and Justin Graham (14.2 points) who are no longer around. He will be asked to also be the main distributor on offense now so he could also double his assist total (80) from last season. A recent stat line (25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists) from an exhibition game in Italy points out the type of potential we are talking about with Shamburger. Take a bite, you won’t regret it.
Wendell McKines, forward, New Mexico State
The 6-foot-6 senior returns to the hardwood after missing last season with a knee injury. When healthy, he is a glass eating machine. He averaged 10.0 and 9.8 rebounds during his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively. He won’t blow anyone away offensively (only three career 20-point games) but he is a double-double (27 career) threat every time he laces up his sneakers. He should see plenty of minutes as Troy Gillenwater declared for the draft and is currently playing overseas. If you need someone to get after it on the boards, call his name late in your draft.
Drew Gordon, forward, New Mexico
After sitting out the first seven games last year, the 6-foot-9 transfer from UCLA earned the Mountain West Newcomer of the Year Award after averaging 13.0 points and 10.5 rebounds. He set a Mountain West record with 23 rebounds in a game against Utah and is one of the few returning players in the country who averaged a double-double last season. For his effort, he has been named to the John Wooden Award Watch list entering this season. The athletic big man loves to run the floor and clean the glass which leads to easy offense. Look for him to add a couple of points to his average and become one of the better players out West this season.
Hank Thorns, guard, TCU
The 5-foot-9 senior can dish it with the best of them. He finished fourth in the nation in assists (7.0) last season and recorded ten or more assists on nine occasions. He isn’t just a one-category stud as he contributed 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds as well but don’t expect him to raise his scoring average that much as he can’t shoot a lick. He is a career 34% marksman that knows his limitations. In leagues that don’t use shooting percentages then upgrade him as one of the top point guards available. Draft him and use your other guard spot to load up on other stats.
Chace Stanback, guard/forward, UNLV
It’s time for the 6-foot-8 wing to become one of the best players in the Mountain West. He averaged 13.0 points and 5.9 rebounds but he has the talent to do even more. He has improved every year on campus (raised his field goal percentage from 40% to 48% since his freshman campaign) and could be poised for a breakout season. Tre'Von Willis graduated which means that everything will now be placed on Stanback’s shoulders. I’m betting (oops should I use that word when talking about a UNLV player) that he will take the next step. Beware though, he is suspended for the opener but that shouldn’t be a big deal.