Top 5 College Basketball Players by Position: Part 2: Power Forwards

For my second installment of series I will take close look at the top 5 power forwards in college basketball. My criteria for the power forwards is more of a mixed bag of skills. I like power forwards who can do a little bit of everything. Whether that be facing the basket, having their back to the basket, shooting jumpers, and rebounding, power forwards should be jack of all trades. This is what I graded these guys on. So here we go.

Part 2: Top 5 Power Forwards

No. 5 Isaiah Austin (Baylor)

Points: 14.0

Rebounds: 9.7

Blocks: 1.5

Steals: 1.6

At 7'1", 220 pounds, Austin is a body that can do many things. He has had a monster freshmen year and has gotten better every week. What separates Austin from the other guys on this list is his ability to shoot. His shooting form is a little unorthodox but that ball goes in for him a lot. If he can continue to improve his ball skills he will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. It also doesn't hurt that his arms touch the floor standing up.

No. 4 James Michael McAdoo (North Carolina Tar Heels)

Points: 14.9

Rebounds: 8.2

Blocks: 0.4

Steals: 1.4

McAdoo is a very gifted athlete. With the supreme ability to finish in the lane above others, McAdoo is an elite finisher. His back to basket game has continued to improve but he excels when facing the basket. He tends to be exploited physically as he appears to be a little weak mentally. This aspect of his game he must improve. He must play with a bit more swagger. But as far as the physical aspects, McAdoo has it. His versatility will continue to bolster the Tar Heel attack.

No. 3 C.J. Leslie (North Carolina State Wolfpack)

Points: 15.6

Rebounds: 7.5

Blocks: 1.4

Leslie is one of the more gifted leapers in this group. If he is coming down the lane uncovered watch out because he is not forgiving to that rim. Leslie has steadily improved to a viable scoring option for the Wolfpack. Where he excels is in transition, as Leslie is very mobile and quick. Much more comfortable in pick and role situations, Leslie must improve ball skills. But this hasn't stopped scouts from drooling over his potential. You can't argue with his supreme potential.

No. 2 Anthony Bennett (UNLV Rebels)

Points: 18.3

Rebounds: 8.6

Blocks: 1.6

Bennett is NBA ready right now no question about it. He physically is one of the more gifted guys. He is big and strong but can rise up with the best of them. He can even play some 3 with a touch of salt. Bennett is the best jump shooter of this group. He loves the midrange and will shoot 3's by the boatloads. Bennett is the stereotypical mould of NBA power forwards. If he stays for another year I will be surprised. He might also be one of the better back to basket scorers as well but maybe number 1 takes the cake on that one.

No. 1 Mason Plumlee (Duke Blue Devils)

Points: 18.2

Rebounds: 10.7

Assists: 1.9

Blocks: 1.7

Plumlee is as good as they come. He is one of the biggest dudes in college basketball. And he might have the most springs in the country as well. He is on Sportscenter almost every night with a highlight dunk. But Plumlee has become much more than that this year. He has now added a low post game and a turn around jumper. He is probably the biggest inside presence as his numbers show, he dominates inside play with 10 rebounds and almost 2 blocks a game. That is an inside force to be dealt with. He has put together 14 double-doubles this year already which is a staggering amount. He is now being mentioned in Player of the Year talks and expect him to be in the top 5 of that voting.

And there ya go. My top 5 power forwards. If you guys have any comments feel free to comment away. And don't be shy or a big meany, follow me on twitter. @superpowers90