College Basketball: Top 4 Players At Each Position
By Brad Wechter
Dec 6, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Luke Kornet (3) defends Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) during the first half at the Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Taurean Prince, Baylor PF
Coming off a pair of honors in the Big 12 last year, which included the Big 12 Sixth Man Award and being named second-team All Big 12, Baylor’s Taurean Prince looks to be the fourth best power forward in the college game. He’s averaging 16 points, six rebounds and four assists per game, with a true shooting percentage of 52 percent. The junior can also step out and hurt opposing defenses, hitting at a 38 percent clip from down town. Tabbed as a potential Big 12 Player of the Year Candidate by Bears Coach Fran Fraschilla, Prince will have a load to bear on his 6’ 7” frame.
The Bears have already notched a win over a ranked Vanderbilt squad, but lost their only other top-25 matchup to Oregon. With the usual gauntlet of Texas A&M, Kansas, Iowa State, Oklahoma and West Virginia all on the league slate, Prince will have his opportunities to stake his claim to some national recognition if he keeps it up. I’m inclined to like his chances at maintaining his performance and elevating Baylor past their current slot at 16th in the AP Poll, but the competition is as fierce as usual in the Big 12. Pick up a couple of quality wins, hover around the top 25 all year, and we’ll be hearing Prince’s name in the NCAA tournament.
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