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In the months leading up to the 2015-16 college basketball season, BTPowerhouse will be releasing a new series called the 'BTPowerhouse 25,' which features the Top 25 players in the Big Ten as voted by members of the staff. All players set to be on Big Ten rosters for next season were eligible during the staff vote with their top selection receiving 25 points and their 25th and final selection receiving 1 point.
Today's edition will look at Rasheed Sulaimon, Maryland's incoming transfer from Duke who is likely to make a huge splash in the Big Ten.
'BTP 25' - #22 Rasheed Sulaimon
- Eligibility: Senior
- Career Totals: 90 games, 2307 minutes, 902 points, 244 rebounds, 184 assists,
- 2014-15 Averages: 19.3 mins, 7.5 pts, 2.0 rebs, 1.8 asts, 0.1 blks, 1.0 stls
- Positional Role: Shooting Guard
Rasheed Sulaimon transferred to Maryland after getting kicked off Duke's team last winter. He instantly became one of the hottest transfers on the market, and the Terrapins' ability to snatch him up will give them a huge boost heading into the 2015-16 season, as they'll look to contend for the Final Four and even a National Title.
Player Strengths
Sulaimon has consistently displayed himself as a dynamic guard who can beat defenses in a number of ways. From the three point line, he's deadly, but give him some space, and he'll take the ball right to the basket. One of his greatest attributes at Duke was his ability to make big plays in big games, most of the time from off the bench. A season high 14 points for Sulaimon last year came at one of the most opportune moments, when the Blue Devils ventured into Madison where they went on to get a 10 point victory over Wisconsin. Suliamon's ability to show up at the biggest moment is an asset that Maryland will certainly utilize next season.
Areas for Improvement
Sulaimon will have to embrace a completely new role with new expectations when he plays his first game as a Terrapin. No longer does he have Tyus Jones or Quinn Cook to play behind, though he does have Melo Trimble, and he will likely take on a huge role in Maryland's offense as a starter. This means playing more minutes and being expected to score more points. As he's had a larger time off from basketball than most players, and he's used to coming off the bench as a 6 man, he will need to live up to the expectation that he will be a huge attribute to Maryland's dominant team next season.
Player Projection
Sulaimon should take on a huge role for Maryland who will look to have one of the best backcourts in the Big Ten this season. Working with rising star Melo Trimble, it wouldn't be surprising to see Sulaimon have a huge season after transferring from Duke. He should add shooting depth and good ball-handling at the top of the key. Look for Sulaimon to be in consideration for a Second Team All Big Ten Award, and maybe even a trip to the Final Four with the team Maryland is bringing in.
'BTPowerhouse 25 Rankings'
- Players That Just Missed The Cut
- #25 - Kendrick Nunn (Illinois)
- #24 - Bryant McIntosh (Northwestern)
- #22 (tie) Rasheed Sulaimon (Maryland)
- #22 To be continued...