College Basketball: Top 4 Players At Each Position

Dec 2, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) walks off the court against the Loyola Marymount Lions at Gill Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Payton II, Oregon State SG

Oregon State’s Gary Payton II (yes, the son of The Glove) is averaging 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game, but flying under the radar playing in the Pacific Northwest. His jump shot has improved; he’s shooting 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three-point range on the season. What really sticks out about Gary Payton II, aside from his athleticism, is his defense. As the 2014-2015 Pac 12 defensive player of the year, Payton II is probably one of the best perimeter defenders in the nation, illustrated by the fact that he’s averaging three steals and a block per game. Payton II also collected first team All-Pac 12 honors last season, rounding out a solid campaign.

Payton II – not to be confused with his brother Gary Jr. – is tasked with leading the Beavers to an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 1990, when none other than his father Gary Payton was setting school records. Like many of the major conferences, the opportunities to make a name for yourself in the eyes of the selection committee exist within the Pac 12. Oregon State faces the likes of Arizona, UCLA and Utah in conference play, and travels to Kansas for an outside shot at a quality road upset prior to beginning the conference slate.

Next: In East Lansing