List of top 5 returning big men in college basketball

The traditional big man is making a comeback in college basketball. In the NBA we see a lot of 7-footers wanting to step out and shoot 3-pointers. But in college, there is nothing wrong with a back-to-the-basket post threat who can protect the paint and make one or two low-post moves to get a basket.

Here are the top five big men returning in college basketball.

Armando Bacot, North Carolina

Armando Bacot is a 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward/center out of North Carolina. Last year, Bacot Averaged 12.8 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Tar Heels. These stats will increase significantly with the loss of three big men. Dayron Sharpe went in the NBA draft and Walker Kessler and Garrison Brooks both transferred. A lot will be put on the shoulders of Bacot from new head coach Hubert Davis. It will be vital that he rises to the new responsibility.

Drew Timme, Gonzaga

Drew Timme is a 6-10, 235-pound forward out of Gonzaga. Last year, Timme averaged 19 points and seven rebounds for the Bulldogs while shooting 65.5% from the field. After deciding to return to school and withdrawing from the draft, Timme comes back with the hopes of not only leading Gonzaga to another Final Four appearance but boosting his draft stock as one of the better big men in the field.

David McCormack, Kansas

David McCormack is a 6-10, 265-pound paint beast who is a returning senior for Bill Self‘s Jayhawks. McCormack averaged 15 points and six rebounds for KU last year. McCormack is looking to have another breakout year and build off of his increasing shooting ability and high defensive IQ.

Kofi Cockburn, Illinois

Kofi Cockburn is a 7-foot, 291-pound junior at Illinois. Cockburn averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game for the Fighting Illini during his sophomore campaign. After slipping out of his preferred spot on the draft boards, Cockburn returned for his junior season. He hopes to show how his height, strength and speed will put him in the category with NBA-ready centers.

Trevion Williams, Purdue

Trevion Williams is a 6-10, 280 pound Junior that returns to Purdue after averaging 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists last season. Williams hopes to be the most dominant big man, not only for the Boilermakers but also in the Big 10 Conference. Williams hopes to boost his averages to a double-double in his senior season. If he does, then he definitely becomes a hot commodity with NBA scouts.