More player rankings: Top 30 Points and Combos | Top 30 Wings | Top 30 Bigs
This is about college basketball players -- not pro prospects.
In other words, our list of the sport's top 100 players -- the CBSSports.com Top 100! -- has nothing to do with what we think these prospects might be in the NBA, and it should not be interpreted that way. This is about these players at this level this season, and let me explain how we compiled the list. I, along with my colleagues Jeff Borzello and Matt Norlander, exchanged emails for more than a week. We basically sent each other lists of 10 players at a time. A player had to be on at least two lists before he could be included. So we established a top seven after Round 1, a top 13 after Round 2, a top 17 after Round 3 … so on and so forth. We argued and called each other names. It got heated at times. But, late Monday, we finally settled on a top 97, and then we each picked one player on our own to complete things and assemble this list of the 100 best college basketball players.
Now it's time for you to pick it part.
So have at it.
CBSSports.com Top 100 Players
1. Andrew Wiggins
Kansas
Vitals: 6-8 | Fr. | G
Comment: Wiggins is projected as the consensus No. 1 pick of next June's NBA Draft. So he's only spending one year in college. And, as you can see by this ranking, he's expected to have a terrific season and maybe lead Kansas to a 10th straight Big 12 title. -- Gary Parrish
2. Marcus Smart
Oklahoma State
Vitals: 6-4 | Soph. | G
Comment: Smart passed on the chance to be a top-five pick to return to Oklahoma State. He's capable of leading the Cowboys to the Final Four. -- Jeff Borzello
Creighton
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: McDermott is the premier scorer in college basketball. Don't get caught up in his NBA potential; enjoy him in his final year of college hoops. -- Matt Norlander
4. Russ Smith
Louisville
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. | G
Comment: Smith was the best player on the nation's best team last season. His return to Louisville for his senior season will give the Cards a chance to repeat as national champions.
Kentucky
Vitals: 6-9 | Fr. | F
Comment: Wiggins is getting more attention among the nation’s freshmen. But Randle is a physical specimen ready to dominate. -- JB
Duke
Vitals: 6-8 | Fr. | F
Comment: Parker was The Best Since LeBron® before Wiggins was The Best Since LeBron®. The Chicago native is the real deal because the game comes naturally to him. He's a great decision maker, a true 3 and a player that's going to contribute in just about every way. -- MN
7. Gary Harris
Michigan State
Vitals: 6-4 | Soph. | G
Comment: Harris battled injuries most of last season and has done the same this preseason. But he should be healthy soon and good enough to become the Big Ten Player of the Year. -- GP
8. Aaron Craft
Ohio State
Vitals: 6-2 | Sr. | G
Comment: One of the nation’s premier defenders and leaders, Craft is ready to take on a bigger offensive role with DeShaun Thomas gone. -- JB
9. Jahii Carson
Arizona State
Vitals: 5-10 | Soph. | G
Comment: Smart enters the season as the nation's best point guard. I can see a world where Carson is considered better by February. Averaged 18.5 points and 5.1 assists last season. Those numbers will go up. -- MN
10. Aaron Gordon
Arizona
Vitals: 6-8 | Fr. | F
Comment: Gordon averaged 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship, where he was USA Basketball's MVP. That performance secured his place as a projected future lottery pick. -- GP
11. Mitch McGary
Michigan
Vitals: 6-10 | Soph. | F
Comment: The sophomore big averaged 14.3 points and 10.7 boards in the NCAA tournament; can he do that consistently this regular season? -- JB
12. Andrew Harrison
Kentucky
Vitals: 6-5 | Fr. | G
Comment: Harrison is believed to be second only to John Wall in terms of UK point guards under John Calipari. At 6-5, 210 pounds, he's built tremendously well and will be a force because of his size and vicious, attacking personality. -- MN
Kentucky
Vitals: 7-0 | Soph. | F
Comment: Cauley-Stein could've been a lottery pick despite serving a reserve for much of his freshman season. He's the best of three future NBA bigs on the Kentucky roster. -- GP
14. Rodney Hood
Duke
Vitals: 6-8 | Soph. | F
Comment: After transferring from Mississippi State and sitting out last season, Hood is recovered from an Achilles injury he suffered in the summer. -- JB
15. Adreian Payne
Michigan State
Vitals: 6-9 | Sr. | F
Comment: Payne is a beast of a forward for Michigan State and said to be in great shape and ready to dominate the league. He plays taller than 6-9 because he gets above the rim on both ends. -- MN
16. Montrezl Harrell
Louisville
Vitals: 6-8 | Soph. | F
Comment: Rick Pitino told me this summer that he expects to coach Harrell for just one more season. This will be college basketball's breakout player, most think. -- GP
17. C.J. Fair
Syracuse
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: Underrated nationally, Fair is the focal point of what should be one of the deepest frontcourts around. He can score in different ways. -- JB
Michigan
Vitals: 6-6 | Soph. | F
Comment: Robinson's NBA stock should be for the better after returning to school. He has a smooth stroke and a great pro body. -- MN
19. Semaj Christon
Xavier
Vitals: 6-3 | Fr. | G
Comment: Christon is a pro point guard who mostly operated off the radar last season because Xavier was done, relatively speaking. But NBA scouts saw him plenty. -- GP
20. Shabazz Napier
UConn
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. | G
Comment: The Huskies are looking to rebound after last season’s postseason ban. It will be up to Napier to lead the way. -- JB
Colorado
Vitals: 6-6 | Jr. | G
Comment: Colorado's been pumping out NBA talent in recent years, and Dinwiddie should be the next pro. He has a great first step he can use for penetration or for setting up the defender to pop a jumper. -- MN
22. Cleanthony Early
Wichita State
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: Early became nationally prominent last season during Wichita State's run to the Final Four. But he was good all season and could be an All-American this season. -- GP
23. Joe Harris
Virginia
Vitals: 6-6 | Sr. | G
Comment: The ACC’s leading returning scorer has more help this season. So Harris could end up more efficient and consistent. -- JB
24. Isaiah Austin
Baylor
Vitals: 7-1 | Soph. | C
Comment: He'll be thankful in the long run that he chose at least two years of college before moving to the NBA. Austin is a center but he's the lankiest, tweeniest center I can ever remember. He's a danger all over the court but still not a master of his skills yet. -- MN
25. Alex Poythress
Kentucky
Vitals: 6-7 | Soph. | F
Comment: Poythress was wildly inconsistent last season, much like Kentucky's team. But he sure did have his moments, and there will be more of them this season with a year of experience from which to grow. -- GP
26. LaQuinton Ross
Ohio State
Vitals: 6-8 | Jr. | F
Comment: Ross scored at least 17 points in his final three games last season. He will need to do that on a regular basis this year. -- JB
27. Kyle Anderson
UCLA
Vitals: 6-9 | Soph. | G-F
Comment: A point forward that was stunted under Ben Howland, even when Howland tried to loosen up his tactics. He's got great length, good vision and plays at his own pace -- in a good way. Future NBA pick, certainly. -- MN
28. Joel Embiid
Kansas
Vitals: 7-0 | Fr. | C
Comment: I was blown away when I saw Embiid workout late last month at KU. So long. Remarkably skilled. He can be the first pick of the 2015 NBA Draft if he spends two years in college, but I'm not sure he'll spend two years in college. -- GP
29. Sam Dekker
Wisconsin
Vitals: 6-7 | Soph. | F
Comment: The skilled sophomore started to hit his stride in Big Ten play; Dekker could breakout with the Badgers losing their entire frontcourt. -- JB
North Carolina
Vitals: 6-9 | Jr. | F
Comment: He was ranked 13th overall by us last year, and I knew it was too high then. This is more his speed. The junior forward is a good transition defender for his size and will probably be even better on the boards this season. -- MN
31. Wayne Selden
Kansas
Vitals: 6-3 | Fr. | G
Comment: Selden is a relentless attacking guard who seems to be more aggressive than his more heralded classmate and teammate. He could be a future lottery pick, too. -- GP
32. Jordan Adams
UCLA
Vitals: 6-5 | Soph. | G
Comment: Other players got more attention for the Bruins a season ago, but Adams was the team’s most consistent option. -- JB
33. Rasheed Sulaimon
Duke
Vitals: 6-4 | Soph. | G
Comment: Sulaimon is probably one of my five favorite players in the sport. He can have a mean streak in a good way and, if he wants, can be the vocal leader for Duke this season. Will he elevate to be a 15 point-per-game guy? -- MN
34. Tyler Haws
BYU
Vitals: 6-5 | Jr. | G
Comment: Haws averaged 21.7 points per game last season. He's the WCC's best player, which is rare for somebody who doesn't wear a Gonzaga jersey. -- GP
Ole Miss
Vitals: 6-2 | Sr. | G
Comment: Take away the on-court antics and off-court issues, and Henderson is still one of the best pure scorers in the country. -- JB
36. Aaron Harrison
Kentucky
Vitals: 6-6 | Fr. | G
Comment: The lesser talented of the twins in UK's backcourt, Harrison is the shooting guard who's still projected as a first-round pick by many. In reality he might be hurt on this list due to the team he's on and all that surrounds him. -- MN
37. Cory Jefferson
Baylor
Vitals: 6-9 | Sr. | F
Comment: Jefferson averaged more points in fewer minutes last season than his more celebrated teammate (Austin). He's a big part of a terrific frontcourt. -- GP
38. P.J. Hairston
North Carolina
Vitals: 6-5 | Soph. | G
Comment: Hairston will miss games this season. But he should be back in plenty enough time to become the Tar Heels’ go-to-guy on the wing. -- JB
39. Chane Behanan
Louisville
Vitals: 6-8 | Jr. | F
Comment: Behanan is famous for being the recruit Rick Pitino once said was his best since Jamal Mashburn. Behanan's not that, but he is reliable within 12 feet of the hoop. He should be a double-double guy this year now that Gorgui Dieng's 9.4 rebounds per game are gone. -- MN
40. Jarnell Stokes
Tennessee
Vitals: 6-8 | Jr. | F
Comment: What Stokes lacks in size he makes up for with pure strength and bulk. He'll lead the Vols to the NCAA tournament this season. -- GP
41. Kevin Pangos
Gonzaga
Vitals: 6-2 | Jr. | G
Comment: Pangos was up and down late in the season but will have a bigger offensive role this season with the focus for the Zags moving to the backcourt. -- JB
42.. Jordan McRae
Tennessee
Vitals: 6-6 | Sr. | G
Comment: McRae led the Vols in scoring last season and should do it again this season. -- MN
43. Sean Kilpatrick
Cincinnati
Vitals: 6-4 | Sr. | G
Comment: If Cincinnati cracks the top three in the American Athletic Conference, Kilpatrick will be the reason. He's averaged double-figures in points in all three years of college. -- GP
44. Noah Vonleh
Indiana
Vitals: 6-10 | Fr. | F
Comment: There is opportunity for a freshman to blossom in Bloomington this season. The talented Vonleh is the best candidate to do so. -- JB
45. Joe Jackson
Memphis
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. | G
Comment: Now a senior at Memphis, Jackson has become a steadier hand and much more able to handle his duties than he was two or three years ago. He'll drive a Tigers backcourt that's arguably the best in college basketball. -- MN
46. Kendall Williams
New Mexico
Vitals: 6-4 | Sr. | G
Comment: The reigning Mountain West Player of the Year scored 46 points against Colorado State last season. He can carry the Lobos. -- JB
47. Alex Kirk
New Mexico
Vitals: 7-0 | Jr. | C
Comment: Kirk made a big jump (in minutes per game and production) from his freshman to sophomore year. Might another jump be on the way? -- GP
48. Jarell Martin
LSU
Vitals: 6-9 | Fr. | F
Comment: Martin is a five-star guy out of Baton Rouge that Johnny Jones was able to keep local. He's one of those "oozing potential" players. -- MN
49. Michael Dixon
Memphis
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. |G
Comment: Dixon was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 at Missouri. His transfer to Memphis might be what pushes the Tigers to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. -- GP
50. Andre Hollins
Minnesota
Vitals: 6-1 | Jr. | G
Comment: Half of the unrelated all-Hollins backcourt, Andre can do a little of everything and will be asked to do more this season under first-year coach Richard Pitino. -- JB
51. Dez Wells
Maryland
Vitals: 6-5 | Jr. | G-F
Comment: At his best, Dez Wells is a top 30 player. But we're projecting as best we can what a player will give in full, and Wells is likely to be quite good, but not undeniably great. -- MN
52. Markel Brown
Oklahoma State
Vitals: 6-3 | Sr. | G
Comment: Smart gets all of the attention at OSU. But Brown essentially averaged the same amount of points last season while shooting a better percentage. -- GP
53. T.J. Warren
North Carolina State
Vitals: 6-8 | Soph. | F
Comment: With all five starters gone from a year ago, Warren will have the chance to demonstrate his outstanding scoring ability. -- JB
54. Olivier Hanlan
Boston College
Vitals: 6-4 | Soph. | G
Comment: Hanlan led the Eagles in points as a freshman and is already projected by some to be a second-round pick. There's a lot on his shoulders this season. -- MN
55. Juvonte Reddic
VCU
Vitals: 6-9 | Sr. | F
Comment: Reddic averaged 15 and eight for Shaka Smart last season. He's 6-9 and perfect for the HAVOC style of play. -- GP
56. Branden Dawson
Michigan State
Vitals: 6-6 | Jr. G-F
Comment: Dawson’s scoring numbers took a hit in the second half of the season, but he’s a terrific offensive rebounder. -- JB
57. Jerrelle Benimon
Towson
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: Benimon is arguably -- arguably -- the best player in the nation from a non-power conference. He's a 6-8 forward who can pass and doesn't tire. -- MN
58. Chaz Williams
UMass
Vitals: 5-9 | Sr. | G
Comment: Williams is tiny but great. Don't be surprised when he leads UMass to the NCAA tournament this season. -- GP
59. Nick Johnson
Arizona
Vitals: 6-3 | Jr. | G
Comment: Johnson is an outstanding athlete, a terrific defender, and he can play both guard spots. But can he be a go-to-guy for the Wildcats? -- JB
60. Le'Bryan Nash
Oklahoma State
Vitals: 6-7 | Jr. | G-F
Comment: It's been potential, potential, potential with Nash to this point. He's become a good college player that teases with next-level material. If he can't be a top-60 player in college hoops playing alongside Marcus Smart, it's time to worry. -- MN
61. Treveon Graham
VCU
Vitals: 6-6 | Jr. |G
Comment: Graham led the Rams in scoring last season while developing into a reliable option on the wing. There's no reason to think he won't be even better this season. -- GP
62. Augustine Rubit
South Alabama
Vitals: 6-7 | Sr. | F
Comment: Rubit is a threat to get 20 and 10 every night and could end his career with an NCAA tournament appearance. -- JB
63. Dwayne Evans
Saint Louis
Vitals: 6-5 | Sr. | F
Comment: Evans is a compact, abusing player that represents so well what Saint Louis is all about. He's the leading man on a team that won by committee last season. Will he rise above this year? -- MN
64. Elfrid Payton
Louisiana-Lafayette
Vitals: 6-3 | Sr. | G
Comment: Payton was the surprise of USA Basketball this summer after his coach, Bob Marlin, really pushed for Payton to get a spot on the roster. Now he's considered an NBA prospect. -- GP
65. Derrick Marks
Boise State
Vitals: 6-3 | Jr. | G
Comment: Marks had six separate games last season in which he scored 25 or more points – and five games in which he dished out seven or more assists. -- JB
66. Bryce Cotton
Providence
Vitals: 6-3 | Jr. | G
Comment: Vincent Council was Providence's best player entering last year, but that was most definitely not the case by conference play … because of Cotton. He'll probably average more than 20 points per game this season. -- MN
67. Dwight Powell
Stanford
Vitals: 6-10 | Sr. | F
Comment: Powell is an All-Pac-12 player and future NBA Draft pick who will be largely responsible for where Johnny Dawkins' career goes from here. -- GP
68. Nik Stauskas
Michigan
Vitals: 6-6 | Soph. | G
Comment: Stauskas won’t be a third or fourth option on offensive anymore, not with Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. gone. He'll have a chance to show he’s not just a 3-point shooter. -- JB
69. Tyler Ennis
Syracuse
Vitals: 6-2 | Fr. | G
Comment: This point guard who played for Team Canada over the summer has Syracuse fans not really fretting over losing dynamic sophomore Michael Carter-Williams. Ennis is a different kind of man with the ball, but he'll most likely adapt faster as a freshman than Carter-Williams did. -- MN
70. Chris Jones
Louisville
Vitals: 5-10 | Jr. | G
Comment: Peyton Siva was a nice senior leader, but most think Louisville upgraded a point guard with the addition of Jones. He's the reigning National Junior College Player of the Year. -- GP
71. Deonte Burton
Nevada
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. | G
Comment: The Wolf Pack were a disappointment in their first season in the Mountain West, but it wasn’t Burton’s fault. He could be an NBA player. -- JB
72. Melvin Ejim
Iowa State
Vitals: 6-6 | Sr. | F
Comment: Ejim is a tweener forward who can play down low but floats to the mid-range as well. He'll easily average a double-double this year. -- MN
73. James Young
Kentucky
Vitals: 6-6 | Fr. | G
Comment: Young is more of a natural wing than Alex Poythress but will have his minutes limited because of Alex Poythress. Either way, he's a special talent. Could be a freshman role player and sophomore All-American. -- GP
74. Justin Cobbs
California
Vitals: 6-3 | Sr. | G
Comment: Cobbs injured his right foot in August but should be good for the start of the season. How he adapts without backcourt partner Allan Crabbe will be interesting. -- JB
75. Markel Starks
Georgetown
Vitals: 6-2 | Sr. | G
Comment: The senior point guard had a muted breakout year last season due to the fact Otto Porter was putting up ridiculous numbers while carrying Georgetown to a No. 2 seed. Starks can/should average 15 points and four assists this season. -- MN
76. Will Sheehey
Indiana
Vitals: 6-7 | Sr. | F
Comment: Sheehey is Indiana's leading returning scorer and one of the few Hoosiers you'll actually recognize from last season's team that earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. -- GP
77. Jerian Grant
Notre Dame
Vitals: 6-5 | Sr. | G
Comment: Grant's heroics against Louisville in the five-overtime game got him some attention, but his all-around skillset will keep eyes on him this season. -- JB
78. Mike Moser
Oregon
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: We ranked him top 10 last year! Moser was at UNLV then, and his 2012-13 season underwhelmed. Personally, I think he's still a top-70 player if he buys into what should be a fun Oregon offense. -- MN
79. Wesley Saunders
Harvard
Vitals: 6-5 | Jr. | G-F
Comment: Saunders is the best player on a Harvard team that should cruise to an Ivy title and really scare somebody in the NCAA tournament. -- GP
80. Corey Hawkins
UC-Davis
Vitals: 6-3 | Jr. | G
Comment: The son of former NBA veteran Hersey Hawkins, Corey is one of the best scorers on the West coast. He can really shoot it. -- JB
81. Ryan Anderson
Boston College
Vitals: 6-9 | Jr. | F
Comment: Boston College has been mediocre the past two seasons. So chances are you haven't seen the 6-9 Anderson establish himself as one of the better bigs in the ACC. -- MN
82. Keith Appling
Michigan State
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. | G
Comment: The Spartans need Appling to be better and more consistent than he was last season. If he is, Michigan State could win the national championship. -- GP
83. Anthony Drmic
Boise State
Vitals: 6-6 | Jr. | G-F
Comment: Drmic combines with Derrick Marks to form a dangerous duo at Boise State -- with Drmic providing the consistent long-range shooting. -- JB
84. Johnny O'Bryant
LSU
Vitals: 6-9 | Jr. | F
Comment: LSU's probably making the NCAAs this year and O'Bryant will lead the charge. Big man put up 14 points and nine rebounds per game last season, basically playing in the shadows. -- MN
85. Jakarr Sampson
St. John's
Vitals: 6-9 | Soph. | F
Comment: St. John's could win the Big East -- but only if Sampson is even better than he was last season. And he was really good last season while averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game. -- GP
86. Dakari Johnson
Kentucky
Vitals: 7-0 | Fr. | Sr.
Comment: He might not start right off the bat, but Johnson is a low-post force who can carve out position and finish at the basket. He’s talented. -- JB
87. Ryan Boatright
UConn
Vitals: 6-0 | Jr. | G
Comment: Personally, I wouldn't have Boatright on this list. But let's talk positive: great in transition, unafraid player, has a penchant for being a spark plug. Near-impossible to stop in open space. -- MN
88. Trevor Releford
Alabama
Vitals: 6-0 | Sr. | G
Comment: Releford needs to be an All-SEC player for Alabama to reach its potential. He's probably the SEC's best point guard not named Andrew Harrison. -- GP
89. Eric Atkins
Notre Dame
Vitals: 6-2 | Sr. | G
Comment: Atkins faded somewhat down the stretch, but his ability to run the show will be key as Notre Dame pushes toward the top 10 in the national polls. -- JB
90. Mike Tobey
Virginia
Vitals: 6-11 | Soph. | F-C
Comment: Tony Bennett told me this summer that Tobey's growth as an all-around player has been huge, and he'll be a viable 5 man for the Cavs this year. -- MN
91. Jake Odum
Indiana State
Vitals: 6-4 | Sr. | G
Comment: Doug McDermott is out of the MVC. So now Odum has a real shot at winning the league's Player of the Year award. -- GP
92. C.J. Wilcox
Washington
Vitals: 6-5 | Sr. | G
Comment: Before a foot injury hampered him down the stretch, Wilcox was on pace to put up more than 20 points per game in the Pac-12. -- JB
93. Jabari Bird
California
Vitals: 6-6 | Fr. | G
Comment: This McDonald's All-American is an explosive athlete and basically a bonus piece for the Bears that will have them contending in the Pac-12. -- MN
94. Alec Brown
Green Bay
Vitals: 7-1 | Sr. | F-C
Comment: Butler left the Horizon but the league still has an NBA prospect. Brown is that NBA prospect. -- GP
95. Georges Niang
Iowa State
Vitals: 6-7 | Soph. | F
Comment: Niang is a difficult matchup for opponents due to his ability to shoot from the perimeter and knack for scoring at the rim. -- JB
96. Davante Gardner
Marquette
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: My favorite thing about Davante Gardner is how he continued to kick Big East butt last year despite nasty, inappropriate chants and heckles from opposing fans about his weight. -- MN
97. Geron Johnson
Memphis
Vitals: 6-3 Sr. | G
Comment: Most considered Johnson a risk for Josh Pastner, but he's been splendid on and off the court. The former junior college star is one of the nation's best perimeter defenders. -- GP
98. Eric Mika
BYU
Vitals: 6-9 | Fr. | F
Comment: Mika could be one of the nation’s most impactful freshmen. He rebounds at both ends, has a nice touch, and is physical in the paint. -- JB
99. Anthony Ireland
Loyola-Marymount
Vitals: 5-10 | Sr. | G
Comment: Our final three guys listed were our own choices to get on the list. I fought for Ireland in the 60s. He'll lead the WCC in scoring and carry that team -- at under 6 feet tall. Monster player that commands high respect in that conference. -- MN
100. Josh Davis
San Diego State
Vitals: 6-8 | Sr. | F
Comment: Davis averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds at Tulane last season. He'll have an immediate (and big) impact at SDSU. -- GP