Nov. 28
Let's talk about underrated players. Some unsung guys don't get the notoriety they deserve because there's another star on their team. But this group deserves some publicity, baby, so I'm going to give it to them! My All-Underrated Team is special -- I really love these guys. They are so vital to the success of their teams.
Aaron Miles | point guard | Kansas
People hear a lot about juniors Wayne Simien and Keith Langford, two dynamite scorers. But another junior, point guard Aaron Miles, sets the table.
Miles is such a fierce competitor and shows such mental toughness. He is a flat-out winner, and when all is said and done, he should shatter Jacque Vaughn's career assist record at Kansas.
Delonte West | guard | Saint Joseph's
At Saint Joseph's, coach Phil Martelli has maestro man Jameer Nelson, the nation's best player pound-for-pound and inch-for-inch. But his running mate, junior guard Delonte West, is outstanding. He doesn't get much notoriety, but he can put points on the board! He had back-to-back 30-point performances last season.
Torin Francis | forward | Notre Dame
At Notre Dame, sophomore forward Torin Francis plays in the shadow of All-America point guard Chris Thomas. But the big man has to score inside for the Irish to win. He got off to a great start in the season-opening win over Northern Illinois, scoring 24 points, grabbing 19 rebounds and blocking five shots.
Chevon Troutman | forward | Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh junior forward Chevy Troutman rarely misses a shot, baby! Last season, he made almost 72 percent of his field-goal attempts, but he didn't take enough shots to qualify among the national leaders. Troutman made all eight of his attempts in a recent win over St. Francis.
Jawad Williams | forward | North Carolina
At North Carolina, you hear about the combination of Raymond Felton and Rashad McCants. McCants is an explosive scorer who's now working hard on the defensive end, while Felton is one of the nation's premier point guards ("Everybody Loves Raymond," baby!). But junior forward Jawad Williams doesn't get enough ink. He gives the Tar Heels an inside-outside threat. Recently against Davidson he scored 28 points on 10-of-11 shooting while grabbing seven boards in 32 minutes.
Hey, get these underrated guys some PR, baby -- they flat-out deserve recognition!
Click here to send a question for Dick Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
