Building the Ideal 12-Man College Basketball Team

By Reed Hunnicutt

Building the Ideal 12-Man College Basketball Team

Buddy Hield — While there are a lot of great college basketball players who would be welcomed by any team, there are only so many seats on a bench. My selections are based on talent and how well the players would play together. For example, I wouldn’t want a team full of high-volume scorers, because there wouldn’t be enough shots to go around. With that being said, here are the 12 college basketball players that I would have on my ideal team.

PG: Monte Morris – Iowa State, Junior

Monte Morris

PG: Monte Morris – Iowa State, Junior

Monte Morris — I want a point guard who can distribute, defend, take care of the ball and score when needed. Morris fits that description better than anyone in the country. He makes great decisions with the ball (5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio) and he harasses opposing point guards defensively. Even though his shooting numbers are down this season, I trust him to make open shots and know he’s going to come through late in the game.

SG: Denzel Valentine – Michigan State, Senior

Denzel Valentine

SG: Denzel Valentine – Michigan State, Senior

Denzel Valentine — Valentine is a favorite for National Player of the Year, but that’s not the only reason I want him on my team. His leadership and competitiveness bring out the best in his teammates, and he can control the game even when his shots aren’t falling. The 6-foot-5 senior can excel off the ball thanks to his reliable outside stroke, or he can slide to the point guard in bigger lineups. He’s not a great athlete, but he’s a great all-around player.

SF: Ben Simmons – LSU, Freshman

Ben Simmons

SF: Ben Simmons – LSU, Freshman

Ben Simmons — Simmons is an absolutely freakish talent. Playing on a team full of talented players would be an issue for some superstars, but Simmons would thrive in a system next to other greats. Playing at the three would allow him to use his strength to get into the paint even more and create more scoring opportunities for his teammates. His shooting wouldn’t be an issue playing with a stretch four.

PF: Henry Ellenson – Marquette, Freshman

Henry Ellenson

PF: Henry Ellenson – Marquette, Freshman

Henry Ellenson — To allow spacing for Simmons, I want a four who can knock down outside shots. Not only does Ellenson require attention from deep, but he is skilled enough to expose mismatches in the post. In addition, he is dangerous as the screener or ball handler in the pick-and-roll game. The team could also utilize his passing skills to work the high-low with the other post player or Simmons.

C: Jakob Poeltl – Utah, Sophomore

Jakob Poeltl

C: Jakob Poeltl – Utah, Sophomore

Jakob Poeltl — With Poeltl starting at center, there would be four starters who are averaging at least 8.0 rebounds per game. Poeltl is the type of big man who can play with any style of player. His post-up game is vastly improved, and I no longer cringe when he goes to the free throw line. The Austrian is sensational defensively -- just remember when he locked up Jahlil Okafor in the NCAA tournament. You can trust him manning the paint.

Bench: Tyler Ulis – Kentucky, Sophomore

Tyler Ulis

Bench: Tyler Ulis – Kentucky, Sophomore

Tyler Ulis — I wish every athlete played with as much heart as Ulis. He’s an ideal backup point guard capable of running an offense and scoring in bunches. At 5-foot-9, Ulis is as tenacious as they come when guarding the ball. He’s on you from baseline to baseline constantly making you feel his presence. It helps that Ulis is used to playing on a balanced team full of talent.

Bench: Buddy Hield – Oklahoma, Senior

Buddy Hield

Bench: Buddy Hield – Oklahoma, Senior

Buddy Hield — Hield is a high-volume scorer who is only focused on winning. He used to force up tough shots, but now he understands how to get his points easier. He’s an efficient scoring machine who competes defensively. Even off the bench, I think Hield could be the leading scorer on this team.

Bench: Malcolm Brogdon – Virginia, Senior

Malcolm Brogdon

Bench: Malcolm Brogdon – Virginia, Senior

Malcolm Brogdon — Every team needs a guy who can shut down the other team’s best player. Hield and Valentine are smart defenders and Simmons has elite potential, but Brogdon is an established lockdown defender who wouldn’t need to focus on anything except that end of the court. On Virginia, he has become a comfortable go-to scorer, but I would let him focus on his strength.

Bench: Pascal Siakam – New Mexico State, Sophomore

Pascal Siakam

Bench: Pascal Siakam – New Mexico State, Sophomore

Pascal Siakam — Siakam is in an average conference on an average team, but he is as dominant as any forward in the country. He never stops attacking the glass and throws down like he’s got a grudge against the rim. The Cameroon native is averaging 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. While he wouldn’t get 17 shots a game on this team, he would feed on dump off passes from Simmons, Valentine, Morris and Ulis.

Bench: Diamond Stone – Maryland, Freshman

Diamond Stone

Bench: Diamond Stone – Maryland, Freshman

Diamond Stone — Stone turned a lot of heads with his 39 point performance against Penn State. Looking at his per game numbers, you can’t get an idea of the talent of this freshman. However, per 40 minutes, he is averaging 26.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. He struggles with foul trouble, so coming off the bench will allow him to get short spurts playing where he can give instant offense with his post skills.

Bench: Patrick McCaw – UNLV, Sophomore

Patrick McCaw

Bench: Patrick McCaw – UNLV, Sophomore

Patrick McCaw — It’s always nice to have a player who can do a little bit of everything. McCaw is incredibly long with the athleticism to defend all of the perimeter spots. He lives in the passing lanes (2.9 steals per game) and is shooting 39 percent from three. McCaw could come off the bench providing immediate energy and production.

Bench: Michael Humphrey – Stanford, Sophomore

Michael Humphrey Stanford

Bench: Michael Humphrey – Stanford, Sophomore

Michael Humphrey Stanford — Some people might be scratching their heads on this choice, but I think Humphrey is a blossoming star. Even though he’s still a little raw, the sophomore is a terrific shot-blocker and rebounder who finishes well around the rim. His athleticism and soft touch will allow him to thrive in pick-and-rolls and space the floor well. He would be the best shot blocker and would have accelerated growth practicing with star frontcourt players.

Reed Hunnicutt is an ACC Basketball Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @rd_hunnicutt04, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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