8.) Rafael Castro – George Washington
After two season’s on the bench at Providence of never averaging more than 3.0 PPG, Castro has exploded onto the scene for GW with 10.1 PPG and 8.0 RPG, currently fourth in the Atlantic 10 in rebounding. It’s already led to a trio of early season double-doubles with Castro shooting 65% from the field, including 16 points and 10 rebounds over Mercyhurst in the season opener followed by 13 points and 13 boards over Louisiana. Additionally, the Dover, NJ native is 52nd nationally in true shooting percentage, 69th in effective field goal percentage, and third in free throw rate, all according to KenPom.
7.) Zed Key – Dayton
Falling out of favor at Ohio State last season as the Buckeyes struggled to finish above .500 in consecutive seasons led Key to transfer down to the Atlantic 10 this offseason and the move has paid off. Through our first month of the season, Key is averaging a career-high in scoring with 12.1 PPG while adding 4.1 RPG and 1.3 BKPG as a nine game starter for the Flyers. Against high-major competition, Key hasn’t been afraid to take the reins with 10 points in a loss to UNC followed by 15 points and nine boards to upset UConn with Dayton now just outside the national rankings.
