5. Donnie Tillman, junior forward UNLV
Previous Stop: Utah (PAC-12)
Past Stats: 10.5 PPG 5.3 RPG 1.6 APG (18-19, 31 GMS/15 Starts)
Current Stats: 10.6 PPG 5.1 RPG 2.2 APG
How long do you have them for? (Eligibility estimator): 1 year and 10 games (19-20 season games remaining with 1 guaranteed conference tournament game)
Tillman along with other Rebels has helped bridge the gap in TJ Otzelberger’s first year in charge out in Las Vegas. He transferred into the program over the summer and received a hardship waiver to play immediately. Averaging double-figures for UNLV, Tillman has been a great addition to the frontcourt after several departures during the coaching change.
4. JaQuan Lyle, Redshirt Senior guard New Mexico
Previous Stop: Ohio State (Big Ten)
Past Stats: 11.4 PPG 3.2 RPG 4.6 APG 1.0 SPG (16-17, 31 GMS/23 Starts)
Current Stats: 17.1 PPG 4.1 RPG 4.9 APG 1.4 SPG 46%-FG
How long do you have them for? (Eligibility estimator): 9 games (19-20 season games remaining with 1 guaranteed conference tournament game)
Lyle had the potential to be atop this list coming into the season with maybe the most hype of any listed at the beginning of the season. He’s had some highs for the Lobos including an undefeated record at home (until San Diego State) and leading the team in scoring while being second in assists as well as steals. But now an injury and an incident at a party hosted by Lyle has derailed the Lobo’s attempted bounce back and resulted in a suspension. We’ll have to watch this closely as he is expected to make a return to the court this season.
3. Yanni Wetzell, Redshirt senior forward (GS) San Diego State
Previous Stop: Vanderbilt (SEC)
Past Stats: 5.9 PPG 3.8 RPG 0.6 BPG (18-19, 32 GMS/10 Starts)
Current Stats: 12.0 PPG 6.4 RPG 1.6 APG 0.7 BPG
How long do you have them for? (Eligibility estimator): 8 games (19-20 season games remaining with 1 guaranteed conference tournament game)
San Diego State is Wetzell’s third stop since arriving in the states from Auckland, New Zealand after high school, but it seems like he’s found the right fit. After stops at St. Mary’s (TX) in NCAA’s division II ranks followed by a one year stop in the SEC with a struggling Vanderbilt in Bryce Drew’s last season at the helm in Nashville, Wetzell made his way west. He’s been a force down low for the Aztecs who have had some depth issues in the post this season with injuries and health issues alike, it’s hard to imagine where this team would be without him given those setbacks.
2. Jalen Harris, Redshirt junior guard Nevada
Previous Stop: Louisiana Tech (C-USA)
Past Stats: 15.3 PPG 4.4 RPG 2.4 APG 1.1 SPG (17-18, 11 GMS/11 Starts)
Current Stats: 19.5 PPG 6.1 RPG 4.2 APG 1.1 SPG
How long do you have them for? (Eligibility estimator): 1 year and 9 games (19-20 season games remaining with 1 guaranteed conference tournament game)
Harris has been an absolute force for the Wolf Pack this season and a big reason why Steve Alford’s team is playing competitively in conference this season. Nevada is in a now four-way tie for third place this season and Harris who is bound for a first-team all-MWC finish is still leading a very young and shallow team. He leads the Wolf Pack in scoring and is in a back and forth race with Lindsey Drew to lead them in assists and rebounds as well. Harris has been an extremely bright spot for Nevada fans this season, can’t wait to see what he does next season when the show is his alone.
1. Malachi Flynn, Redshirt junior guard, San Diego State
Previous Stop: Washington State (PAC-12)
Past Stats: 15.8 PPG 4.3 APG 3.4 RPG 1.6 SPG (17-18, 31 GMS/30 Starts)
Current Stats: 16.5 PPG 4.9 APG 3.6 RPG 1.7 SPG
How long do you have them for? (Eligibility estimator): 1 Season and 8 games (19-20 season games remaining with 1 guaranteed conference tournament game) *But predicted as a second round draft pick by several mock drafts.
Flynn’s presence on the court for San Diego State is pretty obvious, he and others mentioned on this list have been the differences makers on an Aztec team that lost their top two scorers from last years squad.
His game has translated beautifully from the Pac-12 to Mountain West, from a bottom dwelling Washington State squad to a well you know how high they’re ranked Aztec squad. Flynn is the only Mountain West player listed on any mock drafts, but his future with the San Diego State will ultimately depend on the teams finish at the end of the year.
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