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 roll on with the second team.
Supreme Cook/ Georgetown/ Georgetown/ 6'9/ F:
To say Cook is a grown man is an understatement. Cook is a PHYSICAL, HIGH MOTOR low post threat that should make Hoya fans reminisce about the glory days when Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning roamed the paint. That's how ferocious Cook is in the paint. Hoya fans got an early look at what Cook brings to the table over the summer during Kenner League play where he routinely posted double doubles. Expect that same level of production from the Fairfield transfer throughout the season.
Sherif Gross-Bullock/ Bryant/6'4/ G:
Gross-Bullock proved to be one of the best all around scorers, not just in the America East, but in all of college basketball. Gross-Bullock averaged 17.1 points (1st in the AEC) , 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists for Bryant during the 22-23 season, however, the efficient manner in which he did so, is what separated him as a scorer from other top scorers throughout college basketball. Gross-Bullock shot 46.6 percent from the field (5th in the AEC), 39.6 percent from deep and 71.3 percent from the free throw line. When he's on his game, Gross-Bullock is one man wrecking crew and one all opponents will for sure have at the top of their scouting report.
Ismael Massoud/ Georgetown/ 6'8/ F:
Massoud will provide some efficient, deep range shooting for Georgetown as well as another ball handler and playmaker. Yes, Massoud is another versatile piece in the front court for the Hoyas who will help spread the floor in a way very few front court players in the Big East can. Massoud is a career 36 percent shooter from thee point range and 81 percent shooter from the charity stripe. Once he's able to display his point forward skill set for the Hoyas to compliment his high level shooting, it could lead to a lethal 1-2 punch up front for the Hoyas between Massoud and Cook.
Judah Mintz/ Syracuse/ 6'3/ G:
Established himself as one of the best players in the ACC....AS A FRESHMAN. While his scoring gets all of the attention, Mintz is a multi-dimensional player. Mintz gets it done on both ends. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game, finishing 8th in the ACC in points per game, 5th in assists per game and 1st in steals per game. Improvement in his efficiency scoring the ball is the next step for the ACC All Freshman Team selection to elevate himself into an All ACC player and to elevate Syracuse back into the NCAA Tournament.
Julian Reese/ Maryland/ 6'9/ F:
Reese has improved each season dating back to his high school days and it's no reason to doubt that he will take another leap this upcoming season. The 6'9 junior is known for his combination of size, athleticism and his motor, yet, his versatility, along with his ability to score inside and out, will give Maryland an edge every time Reese is on the floor. Reese has improved as a mid range shooter as well as with his point forward skills. That's right, don't be shocked to see Reese rebound and initiate the Terps offense this upcoming season. After averaging 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game on 63 percent shooting as a sophomore, it's not far fetched to believe that a All Big Ten team selection is on the way for the rising junior.
