Top 20 Mid-Major Glue Guys to Watch in 2024-25
Explore the top 20 mid-major glue guys poised to make a difference in the 2024-25 college basketball season with their versatile play and leadership.
Recently Jon Rothstein released a “Top 16 Glue Guys” list for the 2024-2025 season on College Hoops Today. As a result, we had a few requests come in to do something similar for mid-major teams, so why not?
Here are the Bracket Busters’ Top 20 Mid-Major Glue Guys to monitor in the upcoming 2024-2025 men’s college basketball season (in no specific order):
Quinton Mincey, UMass Lowell
Quinton Mincey is a 5th year senior for the UMass Lowell River Hawks. Mincey won the America East 6th Man of the Year award last season after averaging 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and one assist across 32 games last season. The 6-6 wing is returning for his final season in Massachusetts where he will once again be a crucial piece to the River Hawks’ success.
Luke Barrett, Saint Mary’s
Luke Barrett has been getting some early buzz before the season starts. The 6’6 5th year senior averaged 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds across 34 games last season while shooting 47.4% from the floor. His offensive board average was an impressive 1.7 per game, or 3.5 across a 36 minute average. His road and away stats were a big piece for the Gaels last season as he averaged 7.3 points, and 3.8 rebounds on the road across 12 games. Saint Mary’s is a deep team this year and Luke Barrett will be holding down as a true glue man.
Joe Anderson, Lipscomb
If you read our offseason review of the Lipscomb Bisons (Linked Below), you already know that we are high on Joe Anderson. The 6’0 5th year senior averaged 8.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game last season for the Bisons. He was used as a starter, but never the less is a glue guy for the Bisons. He’ll fill the stat sheets, providing both an impact on the offensive and defensive ends. The Bisons on paper are the team to beat in the Atlantic Sun (despite the Preseason Poll for the ASUN) and Anderson having a strong season will help Lipscomb climb the mountain.
Enoch Cheeks, Dayton
Enoch Cheeks is another 5th year senior on the list as he enters his final season with the Dayton Flyers. The 6’3 senior averaged 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2 steals across 33 games last season. The Flyers were 9-1 in games where Cheeks scored double-digit points last season. Despite his size, he’s strong on the boards as he nabbed double-digit rebounds four times while also racking up four steals in three games. Cheeks is a true do-it-all guard who will leave his heart on the floor.
Izaiyah Nelson, Arkansas State
The Arkansas State Red Wolves are one of the fastest rising mid-major teams in the country and Izaiyah Nelson is the perfect glue guy for this team. The 6’10 Junior averaged 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game across an averaging of 22.5 minutes in 37 games. Last season, the Red Wolves were 13-5 when Nelson finished with double-digit points. This team has plenty of fire power from the guard position, so Nelson truly rounds out the team down low and whether or not they can achieve their potential this season will most likely lay on Nelson’s shoulders.
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Jack Clark, VCU
Jack Clark is a 6’10 super senior for the VCU rams who started his career out in 2018 with La Salle. Since, he’s made spots at NC State and most recently Clemson last season. For the Tigers, he averaged 4.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 23.5 minutes on averaging in 25 games. He was used as a versatile player, starting in 17 and coming off the bench in eight games. Clark proved his value in the NCAA tournament where he averaged 6.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, two assists, and one steal per game. Clark isn’t going to light it up offensively, but he’s tremendous on the glass, where the Tigers had a record of 6-2 when Clark finished with seven or more rebounds. He’ll be a key piece to this Rams team that was picked to finish first in the A-10 preseason poll.
Trae Benham, High Point
The High Point Panthers are looking to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history and on paper they are poised for that this season. Trae Benham started in all 36 games last season, while filling a “do-it-all” role. Benham averaged 8 points and 4.6 rebounds a game. Last season, the Panthers were 12-2 when Benham finished with double-digit points. The 6’4 senior is going to be a key glue-guy for these hungry Panthers.
Bryant Selebangue, McNeese
McNeese was one of America’s underdogs last season after some impressive wins in the non-conference, however, it ended in heartbreak in the NCAA Tournament. This season, Will Wade is going to be looking to take another step forward and not only make the tournament for the second year in a row, but win a game. Bryant Selebangue is one of the impressive incoming transfers for this deep Cowboys team and he’s going to be an important glue-guy. Selebangue averaged 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season for Arizona State. He’s strong on the defensive end as well, as last season he had 5 games with two or more steals.
Dalen Davis, Princeton
Dalen Davis played a crucial role as a freshman last season for the Princeton Tigers. In 29 games off the bench, Davis averaged 6.6 points, 1.1 rebounds on 40.9% shooting overall and 36.9% from beyond the arc. The Tigers missed the tournament last season, but they did make an NIT appearance. They’ll be looking to re-enter the tournament this season and Dalen Davis is going to be an important glue-man for this roster.
Zek Montgomery, Bradley
Zek Montgomery is returning to the Bradley Braves after a one year stint in Rhode Island. Last season for Rhode Island, Montgomery averaged 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 31 games (15 starts). Montgomery is a versatile wing at 6’6 that can knock it down from deep as well. This Bradley Braves team is deep and is poised to win the Missouri Valley this season and return to the NCAA Tournament. If you missed it, you can read our offseason review of the Braves below. Montgomery will be an important piece of the puzzle for the Braves this season.
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Lok Wur, Grand Canyon
Lok Wur is entering his final season of eligibility with the Grand Canyon Lopes and he’ll look to help Bryce Drew make the NCAA Tournament once again. Last season, Wur averaged 5.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game on 46.2% shooting overall and 32.1% from deep. When Wur racked up two or more blocks in a game, the Lopes were undefeated at 10-0. In the last 12 games of the regular season, Wur averaged 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Wur is a crucial member of the rotation for the Lopes and will continue to be in this coming season.
Sheldon Edwards Jr., Loyola Chicago
Sheldon Edwards Jr. is another 5th year senior that is looking to help his team reach the NCAA Tournament. Last season for the Ramblers, Edwards averaged 6 points and 2.1 rebounds on 40% shooting overall and 40.2% from 3pt. The Ramblers were undefeated at 5-0 when he scored double-digit points. He can light it up from deep when needed as proven in his 27 point performance against George Mason on 6-10 shooting from 3pt. He’s a true glue-guy who can provide the team with excellent offense off the bench.
If you missed it, you can read our offseason review of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers below.
Elijah Jones, College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is going to be a fun team to watch this season with Chris Mack at the helm. Elijah Jones transferred in from Green Bay where he averaged 8.1 points and 6.7 rebounds on 59.3% shooting overall and 53.6% from beyond the arc (15-28 on attempts). The Cougars are loaded with offensive firepower so having Jones who had also contribute offensively while locking down the boards will help elevate the Cougars to another level.
Ndewedo Newbury, San Francisco
This is one of the deepest San Francisco teams in recent history and Ndewedo Newbury is the perfect glue-guy. Last season for the Dons, Newbury averaged 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks. The 6’7 senior can do it all while shooting 52.6% overall and an incredible 40% from deep. The Dons were 12-2 in the regular season when Newbury scored double-digit points. When Newbury is on, the Dons win.
Eric Mulder, Purdue Fort Wayne
The Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons are looking like the team to beat this year in the Horizon League and Eric Mulder is going to be a key glue-guy. Last season, Mulder averaged 6.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, one block, and 1.3 steals per game. The 6’8 junior does it all and had some ridiculous stat lines including a 10 point, 15 rebound, three steal, and one block performance against Tarleton State in the CIT. The Mastodons were 5-1 when Mulder racked up double-digit rebounds and he’ll be a big reason for the Mastodons success if he can replicate his performance from last season.
Chase Cormier, Wofford
The SoCon is going to once again be one of the most fun mid-major conferences to watch this coming season. The Wofford Terriers are a well constructed team and Chase Cormier has an opportunity to help his team this season. Last year, Cormier averaged 7.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and one assist per game on 48.3% shooting overall and 50% from beyond the arc. He can absolutely light it up from 3pt and he’s a huge spark off the bench.
Christian Coleman, UAB
UAB is well positioned in the AAC this season and Christian Coleman is going to be an important contributor. Coleman averaged 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds last season. The Blazers were 9-4 when Coleman finished with double-digit points. This team is deep and Coleman helps bring energy both on the offensive end and defensive while cleaning up the boards.
Nick Boyd, San Diego State
San Diego State are looking to once again going to be a Top-25 team this season and Nick Boyd is going to have an important role in the rotation. The Florida Atlantic transfer averaged 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists last season on 40% shooting overall and 34.1% from 3pt. The Owls were 10-2 when Boyd finished with double-digit points last season. The Aztecs are going to need Boyd to be a glue-guy on this deep team that will have their eyes set on a solid NCAA Tournament run.
TJ Hurley, Vermont
The mid-major dynasty in Burlington continues once again as the Vermont Catamounts are the team to beat in the America East conference. TJ Hurley is going to be a large contributor for this team. Last season, Hurley averaged 7.4 points, and 2.7 rebounds on 43.3% shooting and 36.8% from deep. The Catamounts were 8-2 when Hurley finished with double-digit points last season and he’ll be a great offensive spark this season.
Tanner Cuff, Evansville
Did you really think I’d make this list without mentioning one of the most underrated glue guys in the country from my alma mater? Tanner Cuff averaged 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for the Purple Aces last season across 35 games. He was a true perfect sixth man for David Ragland last season as he’s a stat sheet stuffer. He even had a near triple-double against UT Martin as he finished with 14 points, eight assists and eight rebounds. The Evansville Purple Aces are looking to take another step forward in their rebuild this season and a lot of that will depend on senior Tanner Cuff. You can read more about the Aces in our offseason review below.
