Ron Chenony-US PRESSWIRE
While the scorers in college basketball get the majority of the publicity on television and in print, let’s not forget about the folks that clean the glass for their respective team. There are several guys returning this season that ranked at or near the top in rebounding last season. Let’s take a look at our 2012 – 2013 Rant Sports NCAAB Season Preview: Nation’s Top-5 Returning Rebounders:
1. O.D. Anosike, Siena – The Saints are looking forward to the final season of this 6’8 monster from Staten Island. Anosike played a career high in minutes a season ago, and picked up nearly 400 rebounds on the season. He finished as the nation’s leading rebounder with 12.5 per game. Siena also saw the big man do his load of scoring; which will be needed for a relatively inexperienced squad. The Saints went 14-17 on the season, including going 8-10 in MAAC play. Anosike will need a huge season to lead the Saints to their 7thever NCAA tournament appearance.
2. Jamelle Hagins, Delaware – Playing just 30.9 minutes per game a season ago, Hagins was the third leading rebounder in all of the nation. Hagins finished the season with 354 rebounds, which equated to 11.1 per game. Delaware finished fifth in the Colonial Athletic Association Conference a season ago, behind Drexel, VCU, George Mason and Old Dominion. Hagins is 6’8, 220lbs and from Roanoke Virginia. In his three seasons at Delaware, he has acquired just over 700 rebounds and 800 points. Look for Hagins to be a double-double guy again for the Blue Hens.
3. Andre Roberson, Colorado – The 6’7, 210lbs forward from San Antonio is poised to have a monster junior senior season. The Buffaloes saw Roberson grab 7.8 rebounds per game his freshman year, and then back that up with 11.1 last season. Roberson is approaching 700 career rebounds, all while playing stiff competition. Colorado played their first season out of the Pac-12 last season, winning 24 games and making it into the NCAA tournament; beating UNLV and then falling to Baylor. Look for Roberson to be in the running for Pac-12 player of the year all season long.
4. Mike Moser, UNLV – You will not find a more athletic 6’8 forward than Moser. The Portland Oregon native was 10thin the country a season ago with 10.5 rebounds per game. The Running Rebels advanced into the NCAA tournament falling to Colorado in their first game. Look for Moser to have an even better season in 2012 – 2013, and the Running Rebels will be in the running in the Mountain West Conference again.
5. Arsalan Kazemi, Rice – Kazemi will start his senior season looking to improve upon his double/double season of 2011 – 2012. Kazemi is a 6’7, 220lbs power forward that completely dominated the paint. In his first two seasons, Kazemi grabbed over 600 total rebounds, and then he capped it off with an additional 340 last season. Kazemi will start the season just 37 rebounds shy of 1000 for his career. Look for Kazemi to make his way into the Top 5 in rebounding this season, with an outside shot at being the leader.
Will these be the top rebounders in 2012-13? Every season we see new names emerge, it will be interesting to sit back and watch to see how these individuals do, and others that are have a knack for cleaning up the glass.
