With the new college basketball season upon us, it's time to shine light on college prospects who either have local ties and/or play for a local college program, that fans should follow closely headed into the season. Some players, you may know, others, may be on your radar after you've finished reading this article. Nonetheless, these are some of the brightest players the area has to offer at the college level. These select players, will have a LOT to say regarding the success of their respective teams. We began with the best freshman entering the college ranks, added top defenders, now we continue with fourth team and honorable mention.
Fourth Team:
Max Edwards/ George Washington/6'5/ G-F:
The first Colonial to win A-10 Rookie of the Year since 2000, Edwards consistently improved throughout the 22-23 campaign, posting of 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The crafty lefty is a three level scorer, good rebounder, solid playmaker and versatile defender. Another leap is certainly expected this upcoming season and no one should be shocked if All Conference honors and more wins for the Colonials follows, if he elevates his overall game to another level.
Jahn Hines/ Christopher Newport/ 6'4/ G:
Arguably the best player in Division III. Hines led DIII powerhouse Christopher Newport to its first ever National Championship while leading the Captains in scoring (17.2 ppg), finishing second in rebounding (5.6 rpg) and second in assists (2.6). The shrewd guard was also deadly efficient during the Captains National Championship run, shooting 48 percent from the field and 44 percent from deep. The All American guard aims to lead Christopher Newport to a second straight National Championship this season.
Casey Morsell/ NC State/ 6'3/ G:
Morsell, emerged as one of the most efficient scorers not just in the ACC, but in all of college basketball last season, averaging 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 46.7 percent shooting from the field, 41.1 percent from three point range and nearly 80 percent from the free throw line. The result was NC State improved from 11-21 during the 2021-2022 season to 23-11 during the 2022-2023 season....culminating with the Wolfpacks first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2017-2018 season.
Jeremy Roach/ Duke/ 6'2/ G:
Roach was the steady presence for Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer to lean on to help guide a talented but young Duke team last season. Playing both guard spots, Roach averaged a career high 13.6 points (2nd on the team), 3.1 assists (2nd on the team) and 2.5 rebounds per game to help lead the Blue Devils to a 27-9 record and ACC Tournament Championship, taking home All ACC Tournament First Team honors after averaging 15 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists on a ridiculous 50 percent from the field, 57.1 percent from deep and 93.8 percent from the charity stripe. The next step is for Roach to lead Duke on a deep NCAA Tournament run while garnering a spot on the All ACC team.
Earl Timberlake/ Bryant/ 6'6/ G-F:
Bryant's swiss army knife wing, finally healthy, looked like the top 30 recruit version of himself consistently for the first time in his college career. The All American East team selection posted aveages of 13.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 52.6 percent shooting from the field. Timberlake versatility on both sides of the ball allowed him to have a major impact throughout the season. Improvement with his shooting will take his game and Bryant to another level.
Honorable Mention:
Trey Barber/ Christopher Newport
Cameron Brown/ St Josephs/ 6'5/ G-F
Rowan Brumbaugh/ Georgetown/6'4/ G
Armon Harried/ Binghamton/ 6'4/ G-F
Dante Harris/ Virginia/ 6'0/ G
Jay Heath/ Georgetown/ 6'3/ G
Delonnie Hunt/ Richmond/ 6'0/ G
Xavier Johnson/ Indiana/ 6'3/ G
Kino Lilly/ Brown/ 6'0/ G
Mekhi Long/ Virginia Tech/ 6'7/ F
Bez Mbeng/ Yale/ 6'4/ G
Shy Odom/ Howard/ 6'6/ F
Josh Oduro/ Providence/ 6'9/ F
Ronald Polite/ George Mason/ 6'2/ G
Rodney Rice/ Virginia Tech/ 6'4/ G
Matt Rogers/American/ 6'9/ F
Max Shulga/ VCU/ 6'4/ G
Cam Spencer/ Connecticut / 6'4/ G
Charles Thompson/ Towson/ 6'7/ F
Jelani Wiliams/ Howard/ 6'5/ G
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