College Basketball gets hurt every time a high school big man with potential or a college forward with one good season under his belt decides to test the NBA waters.

This is the new way of life: potential not proven, versatile not focused on just one attribute and with that we breed a new big man, one who can run the floor and sky, handle the ball, a pick up the fundamentals and post moves later.

With that said there are still big men who have had the benefit of the college level and bring complete games to the hardwood every night.

Presenting the best big men in college, these forwards have definite shot to come in and make an impact on the next level after they play out that college thing!

Emeka Okafor, sophomore, UConn, 6-9, 240

In the mold of a young Antonio Davis with offensive game,Okafor brings a long wiry frame to the game. The 6-9 forward has the ability to block shots from the weak side as well as right in front of his man. A young man with maturity beyond his years in school, Okaforis a junior in the classroom who is about to graduate in May with a 3.8GPA. His intelligence helps him on the court as he uses angles to pursue his offensive opponents and uses calculated, practiced and polished moves to put the ball in the hoop (15.5points a game). He averages an amazing 4.8 blocks a game good for 1st in the Big East, and grabs almost 11 rebounds a game (10.9). He shoots for a great percentage (57 percent), most on low post moves and put backs but one concern for his game is his free throw shooting (58percent)

Mike Sweetney, sophomore, Georgetown, 6-8, 260

Clearly the best big man in the college game right now, reminds me of a Charles Barkley, Elton Brand type. Sweetney has soft hands, an array of low post moves and the girth to go with it, he can’t be guarded by just one man in college (as witnessed in March 1, 2003 contest versus Syracuse when he dropped 30 points,17 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 blocks). So he faces constant doubles and sometimes triple teams. Not just a rock in middle with no movement and agility, Sweetney can run the floor, dominates the both boards and the middle, offensively and defensively (9.8 rebounds, 3.0 blocks) and looks to get others involved. His scoring average of 22.4 points shooting 55 percent from the field is an understatement to his game. He will (barring injury) be the next great power forward in college and subsequently the next level.

Nick Collison, senior, Kansas, 6-9, 255

This big man has watched a player like Drew Gooden leave and has filled up the stat book and victory column with a polished game that features a bevy of low post moves, the face up and drive game and the ability to step out and hit the three (37 percent), stretching the defense. The 6-9forward/center for Kansas (think Raef LaFrentz with better handle, less defense) averages 18.6 points and 9.2 rebounds along with 2 assists. He’s no slouch on defense grabbing a steal (1.2) and blocking a shot and a half a game (1.6). Not the most nimble, but works hard to establish a spot on the floor and take advantage. Collison has worked on the outside game, as he has gotten older. Needs to work on his defensive footwork and be more forceful on offense, not just settle for the jump shot.

Arthur Johnson, senior, Missouri, 6-9, 255

A key member of Missouri’s team that went to the elite eight in the 2002 March Madness, Johnson is the MVP of the Tigers guards because he puts back their misses (9.6 rebounds per game) and creates a presence in the middle helping to clean up their mistakes (1.6 blocks). His 16.5 points a game say he can do a little of everything like his Detroit brethren (Chris Webber, Derrick Coleman, Terry Mills to name a few) but to a less explosive level. Johnson is solid in the post, can hit the 10-15 foot jumper as well as put the ball on the floor once and drive. Has to work on his free throw shooting (55 percent) and handle to make a name for his self on the next level.

Erwin Dudley, senior, Alabama, 6-8, 240

Just a Rock down low, Dudley is undersized and playing center for an Alabama team playing in the always-competitive Southeastern Conference. The big man has a large frame and demand room when he’s in the paint. A tweener in height, he doesn’t play small averaging 15points (shooting 51 percent from the field) and 9 rebounds a game. He doesn’t have the footwork yet on offense and isn’t a serious shot blocking threat but has a passion to get every ball in the air and is a hard work on the offensive end. A Kurt Thomas, Dale Davis type for the future.

Honorable Mention:
Chris Massie, senior, Memphis, 6-9, 253
A two-year player at Memphis after playing at Oxnard Junior College for two seasons, Massie almost went professional after the 2002 season, but thought better and stayed. Good thing because he has the chance to one of the top picks in the upcoming draft with averages of 16.7points (shooting 60 percent from the field) and 11.4 rebounds. Plays in Conference USA with likes of Louisville, Marquette, and Cincinnati and holds own, showing great athleticism the ability to sky over people his same size for the rebounds and a decent 7-13foot jumper. Needs to work on his post moves and defense for the next level, looks to one move too much.

Who are your top big men?
email me at clayton@geoclan.com