Fansided

5 most underrated players in college basketball

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 9, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Robert Carter (4) works the ball against Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (3) at the Kohl Center. Maryland defeated Wisconsin 63-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Robert Carter (4) works the ball against Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (3) at the Kohl Center. Maryland defeated Wisconsin 63-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) defends Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Kahlil Felder (20) during second half at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) defends Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Kahlil Felder (20) during second half at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kay Felder, G, Oakland

The nation got a brief glimpse of Felder during Oakland’s overtime loss to Michigan Stat. Felder may have gotten more attention had the Golden Grizzlies completed the massive upset, and he remains underrated as one of the best mid-major players in the nation.

Felder is one of the best scorers in college basketball, averaging 24.6 points per game according to CBB Reference. That puts Felder fourth in the nation in scoring, just behind Howard’s James Daniel, Hield, and Davidson’s Sterling Gibbs.

However, Felder has a much more well-rounded game than that, and does a little bit of everything for the Golden Grizzlies. Felder leads the nation with 9.2 assists per game and has cut way back on turnovers compared to last season.

Those numbers have not been inflated against lesser competition, either. Felder played well against the Spartans and poured in 38 points in a road upset of a solid Washington Huskies team.

Felder can take over a game offensively like few other players in the nation can, as he already has five 30-point outings this season. If Oakland can make the NCAA Tournament (a tough task with Valparaiso standing in the way), Felder is the type of player who can lead a team to a first round upset by himself.

Next: 3. Robert Carter, F, Maryland