6. DJ Burns, Youngstown State: 10.1 RPG
Burns, a New Orleans native, started his career at Southern where he averaged about nine points and five rebounds. At Murray State for the last two seasons, Burns averaged seven and six. Now in his senior season at YSU, Burns has put it all together. The two-time transfer leads the Penguins in rebounds and adds 12.6 points per contest as well. Burns’ performance Wednesday against Robert Morris led Youngstown State to an 87-77 win. Burns scored 24 with 17 boards following 32 and 16 the previous game.
T-5. Daniel Batcho, Louisiana Tech: 10.5 RPG
Paris native Daniel Batcho had a significant impact last season for Texas Tech. The 6-11 forward started 16 of 23 games played and scored a then career high 21 in a win over Ohio State. Batcho is averaging 14.7 points per game, good for second on the team. Batcho’s Bulldogs sit at 16-8 and first in Conference-USA. Batcho has doubled both his points and rebounds per game from last season and would be a huge reason for a potential La Tech run in March.