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. Let's continue with the third team.
Third Team:
Abdoul Karim Coulibaly/ UMass-Lowell/ 6'9/ F:
Technician on either block and a very good rebounder, Coulibaly proved to be dominant as well as being the premier low post scorer in the America East. The All America East Second Team selection, battled through constant double teams to average 11.4 points and a team high 7.6 rebounds on 57.6 percent shooting from the field.
Ayinde Hikim/ UMass-Lowell/ 5'11/ PG:
The engine of a Riverhawk's team that was a game away from reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time. Hikim is a one man fast break, tenacious defender and savvy playmaker. It's not far fetched to say that UMass-Lowell will only go as far as Hikim takes them. Hikim averaged 10.7 points, 3.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 82.7 percent from the free throw line during the 22-23 season.
Ishmael Leggett/ Pittsburgh/ 6'3/ G:
Transfer from Rhode Island is coming off a season where he averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, leading the Rams in scoring and steals as well as being second in rebounds and assists. Leggett is a tough, physical guard who impacts both ends, while living at the free throw line. The versatile guard will be counted on heavily to lead a young and inexperienced Pittsburgh backcourt this upcoming season.
Erik Reynolds II/ St Joseph’s/ 6'2/ G:
St Joseph's was one of the top scoring teams in the A-10 last season, ranking fourth in the conference with 72.4 points per game. A big reason for that was junior guard Erik Reynolds II. Reynolds, one of the top scorers in college basketball, finished second in the A-10 in scoring with 19.6 points per game on 37.9 percent shooting from deep and 88.5 percent from the charity stripe. Reynolds also posted 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals a game during the 22-23 season.
Donta Scott/ Maryland/ 6'8/ F:
Versatility is the term best used to describe Donta Scott's game and why he's a difference maker. Scott is a forward that can get it done inside the paint and outside on the perimeter, making him a match-up nightmare when he's on his game. His numbers dipped a little bit last season as he looked to get acclimated to a new system under new head coach Kevin Willard. After seeing Scott up close over the summer during Kenner League/Nike Pro City DC play, he looks primed to regain his efficient, versatile form that made him one of the most productive players in the Big Ten.
