Bilas/Ford: Nation's Most Underrated Players

[csfoster]

3. Jamaal Franklin, G/F, San Diego State Aztecs

It seems like two years ago we were having this same discussion with a fellow Aztec, Kawhi Leonard. Everyone loved how hard Leonard played and his athletic ability -- but no one could quite figure out what he was. While some scouts were in love with Leonard, many others felt he was a "tweener" with a poor jump shot. He ended up getting drafted outside of the lottery in 2011 and then turned around and became one of the best rookies in the league for the Spurs. Franklin has the potential to do that, as well. His jump shot isn't great, but he plays hard, is a great athlete and is one of the best rebounders in the country. Without him, San Diego State would struggle to win against any opponent. With him, the Aztecs can beat just about anyone. We have him ranked 18th on our Big Board, but many scouts are still struggling to put him that high

insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8820379/jay-bilas-chad-ford-top-five-underrated-players-college-basketball

[mojo]

Nice find and nice recognition. Good pub for SDSU as well.

[podpeople]

after winning the MWC POY award as a true sophomore, this article makes me scratch my head. To whom is he underrated? One of the best basketball conferences in the nation surely didn't underrate him by giving him the POY award. So, whom is it? anyone?

[csfoster]

Jan 12, 2013 14:31:03 GMT -8 podpeople said:

after winning the MWC POY award as a true sophomore, this article makes me scratch my head. To whom is he underrated? One of the best basketball conferences in the nation surely didn't underrate him by giving him the POY award. So, whom is it? anyone?

It is twice as hard to get national recognition when you rarely play on ESPN.

[DeeMoney]

Jan 12, 2013 14:31:03 GMT -8 podpeople said:

after winning the MWC POY award as a true sophomore, this article makes me scratch my head. To whom is he underrated? One of the best basketball conferences in the nation surely didn't underrate him by giving him the POY award. So, whom is it? anyone?

Because even though the #s say that the MWC is one of the best conferences in the land the names on the front of the jersey mean more to most than the names on the back.

If you are not from one of the power 6 (soon to be power 5) then you better have a cutsie name and game (Jimmer) or you may not get the pub. Heck Ive read on here multiple times that UNC would dominate the MWC this year, and how because teams in the past didnt go far in the tourney then that means this years version must not be good.

Its just the way things are.