"The disrespect to Khaman Maluach": College hoops fans react to Andy Katz's top 10 international players for World Basketball Day
Basketball analyst Andy Katz revealed his top 10 international college players in honor of World Basketball Day. Here's the list:
- Kasparas Jakucionis (16.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.6 apg)
- VJ Edgecombe (11.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.1 apg)
- Egor Demin (13.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.8 apg)
- Will Riley (13.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.5 apg)
- Great Osobor (14 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.7 apg)
- Ryan Nembhard (12 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 10.3 apg)
- Vladislav Goldin (13.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 0.9 apg)
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser (12.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 0.6 apg)
- Tomislav Ivisic (14.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.5 apg)
- Maxime Raynaud (21.5 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 1.9 apg)
Fans jumped into the comments and let their thoughts be known, particularly their disagreements with Katz's list.
There were a few names that were mentioned by fans in the comments that were left off the top 10 list, and suffice it to say, they weren't happy. Check out some of the comments below.
"[Simas] Lukosius robbed wtf" one fan wrote.
"Why is [Maxime] Raynaud now 1 đź’€" another commented.
"The disrespect to Khaman Maluach smh" another fan wrote.
Maluach is currently averaging 7.8 ppg, 5 rpg, and just under one block per game.
The takes from the comments kept on coming on World Basketball Day.
"Disgusting putting a NPOY candidate at 6 @therealandykatz" one fan commented.
"Khaman Maluach?" another wrote.
"Simas Lukosius is missing" another fan commented.
World Basketball Day is an opportunity to recognize the quality international talent in CBB
World Basketball Day highlights the growing international presence in college basketball, and you don’t have to look far to see its impact. For example, the University of Tennessee at Martin’s has 13 players born abroad, including two redshirts.
The Skyhawks showcase a truly global roster. Leading scorer Josue Grullon hails from the Dominican Republic, top rebounder Vladimer Salaridze comes from the Republic of Georgia and assists leader Afan Trnka represents Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Last season, Division I men’s basketball featured over 800 international players. This year, across Divisions I and II, that number exceeds 2,000, surpassing the total student enrollment at Davidson College.
Today, international players dominate rosters across the Associated Press Top 25. Out of 49 international athletes on the list, Iowa State is the only team without one. Duke boasts three, Gonzaga has four, and Florida rotates five. Tennessee, currently ranked No. 1, relies on Croatian-Polish player Igor Milicic Jr.
Illinois itself leans on Lithuanian Kasparas Jakucionis and Croatian Tomislav Ivisic as top scorers. Ivisic’s twin brother, Zvonimir, plays for Arkansas, creating a family rivalry when their teams met earlier this season.
At Duke, Australian guard Tyrese Proctor nailed five 3-pointers against Kansas, while South Sudanese 7-foot-2 phenom Khaman Maluach patrols the paint with a staggering 9-foot-8 standing reach.
Individual stat leaders also highlight international stars. Louisiana Tech’s Daniel Batcho, born in Paris, leads the nation in shooting percentage. Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard, from Canada, is the national assist leader.
Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud, another Parisian, tops international Division I players in scoring with 21.5 points per game and leads the nation in double-doubles. Close behind is Australia’s Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State.
Today, basketball is truly a global game, and World Basketball Day is a celebration of that fact.