No. 16 Cincinnati – Dillon Mitchell
A former top-100 prospect who spent the past two seasons at Texas, Mitchell is emerging with the Bearcars this season averaging career-highs of 12.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG and 1.6 STLPG. With Cincinnati off to an undefeated 5-0 start on the campaign, he’s scored double-digits in all five games and even added a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards in a win at Georgia Tech.
Colorado – Andrej Jakimovski
Though the Buffs haven’t been significantly tested early in the season, Colorado is managing a 4-0 record behind its leading scorer in Jakimovski who’s averaging 14.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG. Arriving from Washington State, he recently contributed a career-high 20 points as Colorado beat Harvard 88-66 but on the horizon will be a much tougher test against Michigan State.
No. 6 Houston – Milos Uzan
For the 3-1 Sixth ranked Cougars, Uzan has been a critical veteran addition with the Oklahoma transfer starting all four of the opening games for his new program and leading in minutes played. Though it’s seen him average just 8.8 PPG, Uzan is shooting 47% from the field, 40% from three and has been filling up the statsheet with 4.5 RPG, 6.3 APG and 1.5 STLPG.
No. 5 Iowa State – Joshua Jefferson
With the Cyclones sitting 3-0 heading into matchups against Auburn and Marquette, Iowa State will finally be tested this week and need a major performance from the former Saint Mary’s forward. He’s shooting 70% from the floor, averaging 10.7 PPG and 6.7 RPG and recently managed a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists to help see out a win versus IU Indy.
