There is no arguing that big men will be the big men on campus this season, but what makes a good big man even better? An outside shooter who can keep defenses honest.
That's where these guys come in.
Now, these are not necessarily the best 3-point shooters in college basketball.
Repeat. These are not necessarily the best 3-point shooters in college basketball.
This, however, is what they are: the players who need to shoot well in order for their team to succeed.
1.Terry Rozier, Louisville Cardinals
Luke Hancock is gone, taking with him the lone reliable outside threat on last season's Cardinals team. As tough as Montrezl Harrell will be inside, someone has to stretch the defense to give him room to breathe. Rozier, who shot 41 percent from outside the arc in league games a season ago, is the best bet to be that someone.
2. Aaron Harrison, Kentucky Wildcats
Folks in Wichita, Kansas, and Wisconsin can attest to Harrison's ability to make big 3-pointers. Now he needs to make them consistently. The Wildcats, you might have heard, have a few good (big) men on their roster, but they need Harrison to be a threat on the wing.
3. Ron Baker, Wichita State Shockers
From walk-on to possible All-American to potential draft pick, it's been a wild ride for Baker. There's no questioning his ability to connect from the perimeter, but without Cleanthony Early, his role becomes even bigger.
4. Michael Frazier II, Florida Gators
No Patric Young. No Will Yeguete. No Casey Prather. No Scottie Wilbekin. Which explains why Frazier, a lights-out shooter, will be so vital to the Gators' success.
5. Stanley Johnson, Arizona Wildcats
As good as the Wildcats were a season ago, they weren't exactly an offensive juggernaut. Johnson, a talented freshman wing, could help to change that.
6. Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Wiltjer will not have to go it alone -- Kevin Pangos is pretty good from beyond the arc, too. But the Kentucky transfer, who shoots like he's simply playing a game of H-O-R-S-E, gives coach Mark Few another needed scorer and dimension to his offense.
7. Marcus Paige, North Carolina Tar Heels
Paige is critical in just about every way for the Tar Heels, so singling out just his outside shooting might seem silly. But when the junior can score from the perimeter, he becomes that much harder to defend, which means he becomes that much more valuable to UNC.
8. Quinn Cook, Duke Blue Devils
The senior could move to the off-guard with the arrival of Tyus Jones, which would mean his ability to hit 3s will be even more vital. He was up and down last season and a very good Blue Devils team could use more up than down.
9. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State Buckeyes
If you hadn't heard, the Buckeyes weren't terribly good on offense last season -- and that was with Aaron Craft, LaQuinton Ross and Lenzelle Smith Jr. That's why Russell, ranked the best 2-guard in the incoming class by RecruitingNation, is so important for Thad Matta.
10. Darrun Hilliard II, Villanova Wildcats
Jay Wright's blue-collar team was not a great outside shooting team last season, but Hilliard was the best threat. He needs to be even better this season, now that James Bell isn't there to relieve the pressure.