5 most underrated players in college basketball

Buddy Hield and Ben Simmons are grabbing all the national headlines, but a few underrated college basketball players could make some noise come March.

With one of the most wild and unpredictable college basketball seasons in recent memory, a few stars have emerged into the national spotlight.

This was billed as the year upperclassmen were supposed to take over the college basketball season after one-and-dones from the likes of Kentucky and Duke dominated the 2014-15 season, and it has not disappointed. Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield has taken a commanding lead in the National Player of the Year race, while other senior stars like Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine are leading their teams to high rankings.

The nation’s current No. 1 team, the Villanova Wildcats, don’t have a superstar like that, but are succeeding behind a deep and experienced roster. Other top teams like the Iowa Hawkeyes and Virginia Cavaliers don’t have the type of impact freshman that we’ve seen so much in recent times.

While this freshmen class is not nearly as strong as last year’s, it does have some standouts. Ben Simmons of LSU has lived up to his considerable hype, while Duke’s Brandon Ingram has played well for an under-performing Blue Devils squad.

Hield and Simmons are dominating the national headlines, which is understandable given that they are the two best players in the nation this season. However. the 2015-16 season also has a number of underrated players who could soon be on the radar.

The sheer number of upsets and teams who could potentially reach the Final Four has given fans a chance to watch some players and programs they might not otherwise have seen. With more sure to breakout in the NCAA Tournament, these five stars stand out as the nation’s most underrated players.

Next: 5. Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette