NBA DRAFT WATCH: CBB GAMES TO WATCH (FRI. 01. 28. 22.)

Freshman DaRon Holmes (Dayton) projects to be a future NBA Draft pick 
(Photo Credit: Erik Schelkun/Dayton Athletics)

* Betting Lines provided courtesy of DraftKings (accurate as of 6:00 PM today)

Rankings with # next to them are LIVE 25 rankings provided by Matt's Draft Journal, accounting for analytics and statistics as well as the objectivity of evaluating each team's performance at face value

Rankings with * * surrounding them are KenPom ranking of team in country according to a cumulative analytical formula, composed of team's offense, defense, and strength of schedule being determining factors

THE STARTING 5

7:00 (CBS SP): *67* TOLEDO (-7) vs *151* AKRON

TOLEDO: (16-4, 8-1); Players 2 Watch (#5 Ryan Rollins, So Guard; #32 JT Shumate, Jr Forward; #10 Rayj Dennis, Jr Guard)

TOLEDO EXPECTED ROTATION

#0 Ra'Heim Moss (Fr. Guard, 6'4/205)

#10 Rayj Dennis (Jr. Guard, 6'2/180)

#5  Ryan Rollins (So. Guard, 6'4/180)

#32 JT Shumate (Jr. Forward, 6'7/210)

#4 Setric Millner Jr. (Jr. Forward, 6'6/205)

#24 Keshaun Saunders (Jr. Guard, 6'5/190)

#12 Kooper Jacobi (Fr. Forward, 6'6/200)

#13 Mihai Carcoana (Fr. Center, 6'11/240)

Defeated on New Year's Day at Kent State by a score of 66-63, the Rockets have rattled off 7 straight wins and 9 of their last 10. They're triggered by a well-balanced offensive attack that sees them average 80.2 ppg on 47.1 shooting from the field, 36.3 from 3, and 78.7 from the free throw line (ranking 9th in the country). Led by one of the best kept secrets in the country in sophomore wing Ryan Rollins who averages a crisp 20.0 points, shooting 47.8 from the field and 83.0 from the line. The skilled wing is a three-level scorer, also knocking down 1.6 3's per game at 34.4 percentage. Senior Big JT Shumate leads the team in rebounds (6.3), blocks (1.1), and 3 point percentage (48.8) and makes per game (2.0). After ranking first in the country last season in offensive rating amongst all players (138.6), he currently is first in the MAC and 3rd in college basketball at 140.5. The rest of the starting lineup is supplemented by a strong group consisting of junior forward Setric Millner (14.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 34.4 3p%), junior guard Rayj Dennis (11.8 pts, 6.1 reb, 3.7 ast), and freshman guard Raheim Moss (7.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.5 ast, 1.1 stl).

AKRON: (13-5, 6-2); Players 2 Watch (#24 Ali Ali, So Forward; #13 Xavier Castaneda, Jr Guard; #25 Enrique Freeman, So Big)

AKRON EXPECTED ROTATION

#24 Ali Ali (So. Forward, 6'8/206)

#13 Xavier Castaneda (Jr. Guard, 6'1/195)

#2 Greg Tribble (So. Guard, 6'1/192)

#25 Enrique Freeman (So. Forward, 6'7/205) 

#4 Bryan Trimble Jr (Jr. Guard, 6'2/216)

#22 Mikal Dawson (So. Guard, 6'5/220)

#11 Garvin Clarke (Fr. Guard, 6'0/180)

#21 Aziz Bandaogo (Fr. Center, 7'0/225)

Akron faces a tough challenge against a very good Toledo team that it is currently trailing by a narrow margin in the MAC standings. While the Zips have won four straight and 8 of their last 10, they are 3-4 on the road and are going up against an opponent that is 8-0 at home. Still this Akron squad is more than capable of coming away with the win and improving their postseason chances. Their starting lineup features four players who score in double digits in Ali Ali (14.1 pts, 48.1 fg, 44.6 3p), Xavier Castaneda (13.5 pts, 2.3 made 3's per game, 87.7 ft), Enrique Freeman (12.2 pts, 64.0 fg, 10.8 reb), and Bryan Trimble (11.1 pts, 2.8 made 3's per game, 90.0 ft), while sophomore starter Greg Tribble is tied for the team lead in steals (1.3) and is the most consistent perimeter defender in the first five (94.8 defensive rating). Akron won on Tuesday at Central Michigan 60-56. 

PICK: TOLEDO OVER AKRON

7:00 (ESPNU): *105* BUFFALO (-2.5) vs *67* OHIO

BUFFALO: (10-7, 4-3); Players 2 Watch (#11 Jeenathan Williams, Sr Forward; #10 Ronaldo Segu, Sr Guard; #34 Josh Mballa, Sr Big)

BUFFALO EXPECTED ROTATION

#10 Ronaldo Segu (Sr. Guard, 6'0/160)

#1 Jeenathan Williams (Sr. Forward, 6'5/206)

#34 Josh Mballa (Sr. Forward, 6'7/220)

#42 David Skogman (So. Center, 6'10/223)

#33 Maceo Jack (Sr. Guard, 6'5/190)

#4 Keishawn Brewton (Sr. Guard, 6'2/178)

#3 Curtis Jones (Fr. Guard, 6'5/165)

#24 Tra'Von Fagan (Sr. Forward, 6'8/208)

Coincidentally, Buffalo lost their most recent game to Toledo, feature in the game above highlighted amongst tonight's games to watch. Make no mistake about it though, this Buffalo team is a tough one and a sleeper for a bid to make some noise in March Madness. Steadied by a strong starting unit, the Bulls are buoyed by their 'Big 3' of Jeenathan Williams (19.1 pts, 42.6 3p, 5.8 reb, 1.3 stl), Ronaldo Segu (15.8 pts, 5.0 ast, 39.5 3p), and Josh Mballa (13.3 pts, 8.3 reb, 1.6 stl, 1.1 blk). Maceo Jack (9.5 pts, 3.9 reb, 90.9 ft) and David Skogman (7.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 60.5 fg) are quality contributors in the first five as well. Prior to their loss to Toledo on Tuesday, the university best known as UB had been on a four-game winning streak, taking two at home and two on the road. They'll have an excellent opportunity at home to regain their winning ways against a quality opponent in Ohio.

OHIO: 15-3, 6-1; Players 2 Watch (#1 Mark Sears, So Guard; #30 Jason Carter; Sr Forward; #5 Ben Vander Plas, Sr Forward)

OHIO EXPECTED ROTATION:

#1 Mark Sears (So. Guard, 6'1/185)

#5 Ben Vander Plas (Sr. Foward, 6'8/232)

#2 Miles Brown (Jr. Guard, 6'1/180)

#30 Jason Carter (Sr. Forward, 6'8/227)

#3 Ben Roderick (Jr. Forward, 6'5/205)

#22 Tommy Schmock (Sr. Guard, 5'11/180) 

#11 Sam Towns (So. Forward, 6'9/185)

#23 AJ Clayton (Fr. Forward, 6'7/195)

One common theme Ohio and Buffalo both share is a recent loss to Toledo, as the Bobcats dropped a contest to the Rockets last Friday 87-69. Outside of that loss Ohio, has been excellent of late. Having their last loss prior to that coming on December 1st. Their offense is taken charge by Mark Sears who after earning All-MAC Rookie Team honors last season has upped his scoring average from 8.5 to 19.6 points. Sears is joined in the double-digit scoring category by a couple of experienced senior forwards in Jason Carter (14.3 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.3 stl, 1.1 blk) and Ben Vander Plas (12.9 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.6 stl). In their most recent win against Northern Illinois the trio combined for 49 of the team's 74 points, in the 74-62 win. On the defensive end they force opponents into an assist to turnover ratio of 11.2 to 14.4. A win on the road against a talented Buffalo team could be the game to get them right back on track with their eyes on a tournament bid.

PICK: OHIO OVER BUFFALO

7:00 (ESPN2): *78* DAYTON (-6) vs *101* RHODE ISLAND

DAYTON: 13-7, 5-2; Players 2 Watch (#15 DaRon Holmes, Fr Big; #11 Malachi Smith, Fr Guard; #2 Toumani Camara, So Forward)

DAYTON EXPECTED ROTATION

#11 Malachi Smith (Fr. Guard, 6'0/170)

#15 DaRon Holmes (Fr. Forward, 6'10/220)

#24 Kobe Elvis (Fr. Guard, 6'2/170)

#2 Toumani Camara (So. Forward, 6'8/220)

#23 RJ Blakney (Fr. Forward, 6'6/195)

#4 Koby Brea (Fr. Guard, 6'6/175)

#22 Mustapha Amzil (Fr. Center, 6'10/220)

#0 Elijah Weaver (Jr. Guard, 6'6/205)

Winners of 7 of their last 10, the Flyers found their way to victory Tuesday verse Fordham 68-61, after having narrowly lost their previous game at George Mason 50-49. Featuring a lineup that starts four freshman and a sophomore, Dayton is one of the fastest rising teams and an energetic bunch to witness. A top-50 recruit in the country last season, DaRon Holmes has taken the torch as 'the man' for the program, that having most recently been occupied by Obi Toppin. Malachi Smith is a shifty lead guard from one of New York City's top programs, St. Ray's. Kobe Elvis a native of Canada and can knock down shots from the perimeter, while also being capable of attacking the basket. Transfer Toumani Camara is a versatile young forward from Belgium who is beginning to blossom after starting his career in the SEC at Georgia. While freshman forward RJ Blakney is efficient in scoring in the paint and is a positive defender on the other end.

RHODE ISLAND: 12-6. 3-3; Players 2 Watch (#22 Makhel Mitchell, So Big; #2 Jeremy Sheppard, Sr Guard; #21 Makhi Mithcell, So Big)

RHODE ISLAND EXPECTED ROTATION

#0 Sebastian Thomas (Fr. Guard, 6'1/180)

#22 Makhel Mitchell (So. Forward, 6'10/245)

#21 Makhi Mitchell (So. Forward, 6'9/230)

#42 Ishmael El-Amin (Sr. Guard, 6'1/180) 

#10 Ishmael Leggett (Fr. Guard, 6'2/180)

#12 Malik Martin (Jr. Guard, 6'6/210)

#5 Antwan Walker (Jr. Forward, 6'7/230)

#15 Jalen Carey (So. Guard, 6'3/185)

The Rams are right there in position in the A-10 to make a push towards the postseason in hopes of continuing their season past the conference tournament in March. They'll play to avoid a 3-game losing streak, having dropped their last two games at home against George Washington (63-61) and Richmond (70-63). Rhode Island runs out some quality players, with two occupying the paint in brothers Makhel (11.6 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.1 blk, 58.9 fg) and Makhi Mitchell (9.4 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.1 blk, 55.5 fg). Senior guard Jeremy Sheppard (10.9 pts), who has put up double-digit points throughout the majority of his college career is questionable for tonight's matchup as he missed last game with an injury. While the Mitchell brothers make up 2/5 of the Rams starting lineup, two Ishmael's make up another 2/5 in senior guard Ishmael El-Amin (7.7 pts, 47.1 3p, 93.1 ft) and freshman guard Ishmael Leggett (8.4 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.3 stl). A trio of transfers in Malik Martin (Charlotte), Antwan Walker (Georgetown), and Jalen Carey (Syracuse) provide experience and productivity off the bench, supplementing the Rams some solid depth.

PICK: RHODE ISLAND OVER DAYTON

9:00 (FS1): *35* COLORADO STATE (-12.5) vs *122* UNLV

COLORADO STATE: (16-1, 6-1); Players 2 Watch (#21 David Roddy, Jr Forward; #4 Isaiah Stevens, Jr Guard, #1 John Tonje, Jr Wing)

COLORADO STATE EXPECTED ROTATION

#4 Isaiah Stevens (Jr. Guard, 6'0/180)

#21 David Roddy (Jr. Grd/Fwd, 6'5/250)

#3 Kendle Moore (Sr. Guard, 5'10/150)

#13 Chandler Jacobs (Sr. Guard, 6'3/185)

#11 Dischon Thomas (Jr. Forward, 6'9/230)

#1 John Tonje (Jr. Guard, 6'5/220)

#23 Isaiah Rivera (So. Guard, 6'5/210)

#15 Jalen Lake (Fr. Guard, 6'4/185)

Colorado State comes into tonight's tip-off against UNLV as one of the hottest and most consistent teams in the country. Having loss just one game thus far this season, 79-49 to San Diego State on January 8th, the Rams have reeled off a 5-game winning streak since their lone setback. Listed at 6'5, 252 pounds while playing the guard position, David Roddy (18.6 pts, 7.8 reb, 3.0 ast, 1.2 stl, 1.1 blk, 57.5 fg, 45.8 3p) is one of the most impactful and unique players in college basketball, currently. He is a productive and powerful force from wherever may be operating on the offensive end, capable of drilling a shot, putting the ball on the floor to get into the paint, or passing to create an opportunity for one of his teammates. He is joined in the starting lineup by Isaiah Stevens (15.1 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.2 ast, 1.3 stl, shooting 47.2 fg, 35.8 3p, 88.7 ft) who has started all but one game during his career at Colorado State, having scored 1110 points already in just his third season. They'll hope to be joined by fellow classmate John Tonje (10.6 pts, 52.5 fg, 47.9 3p, 83.3 ft) who missed last game due to a reported knee injury. Tonje offers scoring support off the bench as the team's sixth man and 3rd leading scorer, joining Roddy and Stevens as the only other player to average 10+ points.

UNLV: (11-9, 3-4); Players 2 Watch (#13 Bryce Hamilton, Sr Wing; #2 Donovan Williams, Jr Wing; #14 Royce Hamm, Sr Big)

UNLV EXPECTED ROTATION

#13 Bryce Hamtilon (Sr. Guard, 6'4/205)

#5 Jordan McCabe (Sr. Guard, 6'0/190)

#14 Royce Hamm (Sr. Forward, 6'9/225)

#3 Donovan Williams (Jr. Guard, 6'6/190)

#1 Michael Nuga (Sr. Guard, 6'2, 180)

#10 Kershon Gilbert (Jr. Guard, 6'4/180)

#0 Victor Iwuakor (Jr. Forward, 6'7/225)

#2 Justin Webster (Jr. Guard, 6'3/175)

Going 3-4 since the start of 2022, the Running Rebels have ran into some tough matchups, losing twice to a staunch San Diego State squad on New Year's (62-55) and in their most recent game on Monday (80-55). Prior to that, they beat San Jose State 70-62 last Saturday, led by Bryce Hamilton's 30 points and 9 rebounds. Royce Hamm put together 7 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in that game, while Texas transfer Donovan Williams (13.9 pts, 3.6 reb, 49.2 fg, 43.6 3p) and 2nd leading scorer for UNLV missed the contest against San Jose State. Williams did play in their last game against San Diego State, having a modest performance (2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 14 minutes) in a return to the starting lineup. West Virginia transfer Jordan McCabe (6.4 pts, 4.6 ast, 1.1 stl) joins them in the starting lineup and will drill a shot when called upon or make a play during a pivotal point in the game.

PICK: COLORADO STATE OVER UNLV

11:00 (FS1): *59* FRESNO STATE vs *40* BOISE STATE (-1.5)

FRESNO STATE: (14-5, 4-2); Players 2 Watch (#10 Orlando Robinson, Jr Forward; #3 Isaiah Hill, Jr Guard; #25 Anthony Holland, Jr Wing)

FRESNO STATE EXPECTED ROTATION

#25 Anthony Holland (Jr. Guard, 6'5/225)

#3 Isaiah Hill (Jr. Guard, 6'0/165)

#23 Leo Colmerio (So. Guard, 6'7/190)

#10 Orlando Robinson (Jr. Forward, 7'0/235)

#5 Jordan Campbell (Jr. Guard, 6'4/195)

#11 Donovan Yao (So. Guard, 6'3/175)

#30 Robert Vaihola (Fr. Forwrd, 6'8/245)

#13 Deon Stroud (Jr. Guard, 6'5/200)

Having their first three games of 2022 postponed, Fresno State was able to find their winning ways once they resumed play January 11th. Going on a 3-game winning streak to start the new year, before suffering their first defeat of 2022 last Friday on the road against Nevada. The Bulldogs bounced back with a 65-60 victory over New Mexico on Tuesday, led by Anthony Holland who poured in 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Isaiah Hill (10 points, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 steals) and Orlando Robinson (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) both contributed double-digit scoring efforts. In Robinson, Fresno State has one of the most versatile players in the country, as the 7'0 multi-faceted forward contributes in multiple categories (19.3 pts, 8.5 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.1 stl, 1.4 blk) and projects to have a future in the NBA. He, Hill, and Holland are joined in the starting lineup by Jordan Campbell (7.5 pts, 3.1 reb, shooting 45.3 fg, 72.7 ft) and Leo Colmerio who sports a solid offensive (121.8) and defensive rating (93.3). Coming off the bench for Fresno State this season is Deon Stroud (6.7 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.1 ast, shooting 85.4 ft) who was primarily a starter last season while averaging 12.2 points. 

BOISE STATE: (16-4, 7-0); Players 2 Watch (#24 Abu Kigab, Sr Forward; #10 Marcus Shaver, Sr Guard; #33 Mladen Armus, Sr Big)

BOISE STATE EXPECTED ROTATION

#2 Tyson Degenhart (Fr. Forward, 6'7/232)

#10 Marcus Shaver (Sr. Guard, 6'2/185)

#14 Emmanuel Akot (Sr. Guard, 6'8/210)

#24 Abu Kigab (Sr. Foward, 6'7/220)

#33 Mladen Armus (Sr. Center, 6'10/232)

#12 Max Rice (Jr. Guard, 6'5/195)

#23 Naje Smith (Sr. Forward, 6'7/200)

#25 Lukas Miner (Sr. Center, 6'10/225)

An experienced team with palpable length and strength, Boise State brings a tenacity and toughness to the defensive end that makes it difficult for their opponents to put up points. Ranking 6th in the country in scoring defense (58.1 points allowed per game), the Broncos are a handful to have to deal with while also allowing only 8.7 assists against 13.7 turnovers. The anchor of their defense is an experienced senior center from Serbia in Mladen Armus (7.3 pts, 9.0 reb, 1.3 blk, 84.2 defensive rating and 20.6 total rebound percentage are 2nd in MWC), while leading scorer Abu Kigab (13.3 pts, 6.6 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.2 stl, tied with Armus for 2nd in MWC with 84.2 defensive rating) is also of impact on the other end as well. Joining those two in the starting lineup are Marcus Shaver (12.8 pts, 3.9 reb, shooting 38.1 3p), Emmanuel Akot (11.2 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.0 ast, 2.0 made 3's per game at nearly a 40 percent clip), and Tyson Degenhart (9.4 pts, 3.2 reb, shooting 52.4 fg, 40.0 3p, 76.6 ft). Degenhart is the lone freshman able to find regular time in the rotation as the rest of players who play consistent minutes are primarily seniors.  They'll look to continue to keep their undefeated conference record unblemished as they vie for a win on the road in California when they face Fresno State tonight. 

PICK: BOISE STATE OVER FRESNO STATE