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NBCSports.com’s Top 100 Players: The Countdown

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The college basketball season officially kicks off on Friday, and at this point, we’ve given you just about all the season preview content that you can handle. We’ve counted down our Top 25 teams, we’ve released our Preseason All-Americans, we’ve ranked players at each position and we’re five leagues away from releasing previews for every conference.

What’s left?

Our Top 100 Players countdown.

Over the course of this week, we’ll be counting down our Top 100 list over at the official College Basketball Talk twitter account, @CBTonNBC. We’ll be embedding the tweets here as we go. So bookmark this page, follow CBT on twitter, and join us in the conversation using the hashtag #CBTtop100:

No. 1 Marcus Smart: Winner, defender, playmaker. Unstoppable if he improves his jumper. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013


No. 2 Andrew Wiggins: Elite perimeter defender, freak athlete, will only get better as he gets more aggressive offensively #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 3 Julius Randle: Big, physical, athletic PF with perimeter skills. @KentuckyMBB fans will like this kid a little bit. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 4 Jabari Parker: The @dukeblueplanet forward was thought to be the best player in loaded 2013 class before JR year injury #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 5 Doug McDermott The best scorer in the country. Period. Will lead @GoCreighton to Big East era despite @DoubleGfor3‘s return #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 6 Russ Smith: Reputation as Russdiculous, but Smith is a tenacious defender, more efficient scorer than public realizes #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 7 Gary Harris: @MSU_Basketball‘s SG is finally healthy. Proven shooter, but excels attacking the rim. No more shoulder issues #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 8 Jahii Carson: @SunDevilHoops PG is one of the nation’s most entertaining players. Scores, dunks, explosive in transition #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 9 C.J. Fair: One of the nation’s most underrated players, the @Cuse combo-forward will lead the Orange into the ACC this year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 10 Aaron Craft: Terrific defender with all the intangibles, Craft will need to be a more prolific scorer for @OhioStateHoops #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 11 Mitch McGary: If the @umichbball center can’t get his back healthy, this ranking will look silly. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 12 Rodney Hood: Mississippi State transfer is expected to have huge year after sitting out last season for @dukeblueplanet #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 13 Glenn Robinson III: Was a spot-up shooter as a frosh. Expect the @umichbball SF to showcase all-around game this year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 14 Aaron Gordon: Most athletic player in the country. Will be an all-american if he embraces playing PF for @APlayersProgram #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 15 Montrezl Harrell: Trendy pick for breakout player. Plays hard, plays aggressive, was impressive for Team USA in U19s. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 16 Shabazz Napier: Quietly has put together a terrific career for @UConnMBB. Senior season = a return to the NCAA tournament? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 17 Adreian Payne: Consistency is key for Payne. Tons of potential, had some huge games, avg’d 10.5 ppg/7.6 rpg. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 18 Tyler Haws: Efficient, high-volume shooter for @byuathletics. Maybe best in nation at moving without the ball #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 19 Spencer Dinwiddie: 6-foot-6 PG, Dinwiddie is a terrific defender and a better-than-you-realize scorer. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 20 Joe Harris. 6-foot-6 SG for @UVAMensHoops avg’d 16.5 ppg for one of slowest teams nationally. Most underrated guard? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 21 Rasheed Sulaimon: Numbers may not be huge as 3rd option offensively, but a big-time talent at SG for @dukeblueplanet. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 23 Isaiah Austin: 7-foot-1 combo-forward for @BaylorMBB. Handles the ball, hits some threes, compliments Cory Jefferson well #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 24 Cleanthony Early: 6-foot-8 athletic combo-forward for @ShockerHoops that needs to be less streaky, more consistent on O #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 25 Sean Kilpatrick: Big-time shooter/scorer whose numbers take a hit because of lack of offensive balance on Cincy roster #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 26 Kyle Anderson: Was a “disappointment” last season. Avg’d 9.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.8 spg. What’s a “good” season then? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 8, 2013

No. 27 Sam Dekker: The @BadgerMBB sophomore wing will be first option. Potential Big Ten POY if he makes the jump this season #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 28 James Young: The 6-foot-7 lefty may end up being the second-leading scorer on @KentuckyMBB this season. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 29 P.J. Hairston: All-American talent, but when will he finally get back onto the court? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 30 Quinn Cook: Cook was terrific early last season but struggled in March. Duke has scorers/shooters, need Cook to be creator #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 31 Semaj Christon: @XUAthletics’ PG averaged 15.2 ppg, 4.6 apg as a freshmen. Can he lead Musketeers back to NCAA tourney? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 32 Michael Dixon Jr.: Bulldog defender, talented lead guard could be the best player in a loaded @UofMTigersHoops back court #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 33 Jordan McRae: Talented perimeter scorer for @Vol_Hoops. Avg’d 15.8 ppg, but need 3PT shooting to open space in paint #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 34 Kendall Williams: The @UNMHoops PG is the reigning MWC POY. Terrific leader will be counted on more with Tony Snell in NBA #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 35 T.J. Warren: The @PackMensBball SF shed some weight this offseason. A prolific scorer that could lead the ACC in ppg #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 36 Jarnell Stokes: @Vol_hoops bruising big man, Stokes is a double-double machine that will anchor UT’s tournament push #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 37 Aaron Harrison: The non-PG Harrison, Aaron gets less hype that brother Andrew but has drawn rave reviews this preseason #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 38 Markel Brown: Highlight reel dunker, but Brown proved as a JR that he’s more than just an athlete for @OSUMBB @CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 39 Cory Jefferson: Isaiah Austin gets the pub, but Jefferson’s @BaylorMBB‘s most dominant low-post presence. 13.3 ppg 8.0 rpg #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 40 Nik Stauskas: Pigeonholed as a shooter as a frosh, expect to see more of @umichbball‘s star SG’s all-around game this year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 41 Chaz Williams: Diminutive PG for @UMassBasketball is one of the most entertaining players in the country to watch #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 42 Justin Cobbs: Needs to get healthy, but @CalMensBBall‘s PG is a 1st team all-Pac 12 talent. Will lead Cal back to tourney #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 43 Willie Cauley-Stein: Can’t do much more than dunk offensively, but length/athleticism/ability to run floor is unique #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 44 Wayne Selden: A physical off-guard, Selden’s a freshman that should compliment Andrew Wiggins on @KUHoops‘s perimeter well #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 45 C.J Wilcox: Avg’d 16.8 ppg as a JR, potential Pac-12 POY if @UW_MBB has a big year. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 46 Luke Hancock: Reigning Final Four MOP. Will be key playmaker on @UofLCardinals’ wing, but needs to get healthy (achilles) #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 47 Deonte Burton: High-flying scoring PG doesn’t get attention he deserves w/ @NevadaHoops struggles #CBTtop100 http://t.co/Y1iCHoKuUA

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 7, 2013

No. 48 Kevin Pangos: People forget just how good Pangos was as a freshman thanks to how well Olynyk played for @ZagMBB last yr #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 49 Marshall Henderson: Questionable decision-making aside, Henderson still averaged 20 points in the SEC last season #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 50 Le’Bryan Nash: Thought to be a one-and-done in HS, Nash makes @OSUMBB dangerous as a supremely talented 3rd option #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 51 James Michael-McAdoo: JMM has the potential to be a star, and @UNC_Basketball is hoping their PF makes the jump this year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 52 Jerian Grant: The @FightingIrish PG teams with Eric Atkins to form one of the nation’s best back courts. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 53 Alex Kirk: Kendall Williams gets the attention, but the @UNMLOBOS center is a one of the most underrated bigs nationally #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 54 Jerelle Benimon: Maybe the best rebounder in the country, the @Towson_MBB PF could average 20 and 10 this year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 55 Will Sheehey: The senior leader for @IndianaMBB, Sheehey is an athletic defender, emotional sparkplug on a young team #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 56 Jordan Adams: Much of the talk about @UCLAMBB centered on Shabazz/Anderson, but Adams was most consistent scorer last year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 57 LaQuinton Ross: Promising talent ended ’13 tourney in terrific fashion. @OhioStateHoops needs Ross to be consistent scorer #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 58 Trevor Releford: Releford avg’d 14.9 ppg as JR, takes on bigger role this year for @AlabamaHoops w/ offseason departures #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 59 Joel Embiid: Embiid is tough to peg. Potential is through the roof, but is he ready to contribute for @KUHoops right away? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 60 Joe Jackson: Jackson quietly had a impressive JR year for @UofMTigersHoops w/ 13.6 ppg, 4.8 apg, 44.7% 3PT, 51.9% FG% #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 61 Treveon Graham: Most dangerous scorer on @VCUathletics, Graham’s ability to rebound as SF playing PF makes Rams dangerous #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 62 Augustine Rubit: PF for @SouthAlaMBK avg’d 19.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg as a JR. Relative unknown, which’s a shame given his ability #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 63 Dez Wells: Powerfully athletic off-guard will take over the point for @TerrapinHoops until Seth Allen returns from injury #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 64 Chris Jones: @UofLCardinals’ replacement for Peyton Siva at PG. JuCo PoY will join Russ Smith in Rick Pitino’s back court #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 65: Dwight Powell. Center for @stanfordbball made the jump as a JR, avg’d 14.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg. Key to Cardinal return to dance #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 6, 2013

No. 66: Elfrid Payton. Uber-productive PG for @ULRaginCajuns, Payton came from nowhere to make Team USA U19 roster this summer #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 67: Olivier Hanlon. Ryan Anderson’s @BCHoopsNews co-star. 15 ppg as frosh, PG will get better as he learns to distribute #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 68: Juvonte Reddic. Tock in the middle that let @VCUAthletics guards run wild and create #Havoc. Dbl-dbl waiting to happen #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 69: Travis Bader. Shooter!!! Barring injury, the @OUGrizzlies gunner will break JJ Redick’s 3PT record http://t.co/vKtETXbtLa #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 70: JaKarr Sampson. Thrilling athlete avg’d 14.9 ppg for @StJohnsBBall as a frosh. Lottery pick when he learns to shoot. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 71: Fuquan Edwin. Sensational defender, Edwin avg’d 16.5 ppg, shot 41.2% 3PT for @SetonHallMBB as a JR. Criminally underrated @CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 72: Akil Mitchell. Athletic big man avg’d 13.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg for @UVAMensHoops. Big reason ‘Hoos have can finish top 3 in ACC #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 73: Ryan Anderson. Underrated PF avg’d 14.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg last season, will help spark the @BCHoopNews resurgence this year. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 74: Markel Starks. The @GeorgetownHoops PG is this year’s leader, ready to prove doubters wrong: http://t.co/leucP0o1ua #CBTonNBC

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 75: Damyean Dotson. Avg’d 11.5 ppg for @OregonMBB last season, will be primary scorer as the Ducks compete for Pac-12 title #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 76: Branden Dawson. Dawson was slowed after ACL surgery but now at 100%, @MSU_Basketball‘s explosive SF will have a big year #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 77: Bryce Cotton. Big East’s reigning leading scorer, @PCAthletics’ SG is big the reasons the Friars have a shot at tourney #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 78: Ryan Boatright. An high-flying, dynamic scoring PG, the 5-10 Boatright will be one half of @UConnMBB‘s loaded back court #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 79: Noah Vonleh. @IndianaMBB‘s big frosh hasn’t gotten the hype but he’s a natural rebounder, burgeoning offensive repertoire #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 80: Keith Frazier. A McDonald’s All-American, Frazier was Larry Brown’s first recruiting coup at SMU. Big time wing scorer. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 81: Yogi Ferrell. Sophomore PG be most important player in the country. Indiana needs leadership and a go-to guy offensively. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 82: Geron Johnson. Third-best guard in Memphis’ loaded back court, Johnson is the most athletic, may be the best defender. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 5, 2013

No. 83: Nick Johnson. Quietly posted great numbers for Arizona last season: 11.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.9 spg, 39.3% 3PT. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 84: Jabari Bird. Explosive, 6-foot-6 freshman will help Cal offset the loss of Allen Crabbe on the wing. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 85: Dwayne Evans. 85th may be too low for the undersized-yet-underrated Evans, who avg’d 14.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg for St. Louis. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 86: Anthony Ireland. CT native put up huge numbers (20.6 ppg, 3.6 apg) as only option on injury-riddled Loyola Marymount. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 87: Alex Poythress. Lottery pick talent but does he have mentality to dominate? Will he crack Kentucky’s frontcourt rotation? #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 88: Tyler Ennis. Syracuse’s freshman PG will be a difference maker for the Orange, who lack perimeter depth this season. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 89: Andre Hollins. Minnesota PG had some monster games last season, will be leaned on by new head coach Rick Pitino. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 90: Anthony Drmic. Aussie avg’d 17.7 ppg, shot 39.2% 3PT to lead Boise State to ’13 tourney. Big reason Broncos could win MWC #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 91: Davante Gardner. A load to handle on the block, key for Marquette’s best post: endurance. 11.5 ppg/4.8 rpg only 21.5 mpg #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 92: Ryan Arcidiacono. PG led Villanova back to NCAAT despite coming off back surgery. Expect healthy Arch to have a big year. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 93: Melvin Ejim. Key piece for Iowa State’s run at return to NCAAs. 11.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 34.8% 3’s. Out a month w/ knee injury. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 94: Josh Davis. Tulane transfer will anchor San Diego State’s front court. Avg’d 17.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg last season. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 95: Johnny O’Bryant. Will anchor front court for underrated LSU team with a chance to finish top three in the SEC. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 96: Chasson Randle. Slow start led to a down sophomore year for Randle, who will be key leading Stanford back to the tourney #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 97: Kadeem Batts. Providence PF shared Big East most improved with Mike Carter-Williams last year after 14.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg. #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 98: R.J. Hunter. Posted 17.0 ppg as frosh at Georgia St. Coach’s son will lead Panthers into Sun Belt: http://t.co/tTwfy1dkbt #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 99: Javon McCrea. Buffalo’s PF avg 18 ppg, 8 rpg, 2.6 bpg. Should thrive under new coach Bobby Hurley: http://t.co/QZ0xwtA2pV #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

No. 100: Roy Devyn Marble. Led Iowa with 15.0 ppg/3.0 apg last year, will be a leader in Hawkeyes push to return to the tourney #CBTtop100

— CollegeBasketbllTalk (@CBTonNBC) November 4, 2013

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