We’re past the midway point of the men’s college basketball season. Sure, teams have played fewer games than usual. But given the compressed nature of the schedule and the fact that February is a few days away, it’s time to start believing some of what we’re seeing. Here are five much-improved players worth your time and attention the rest of the way, and who may have real roles to play in the big picture, even if they weren’t household names two months ago.
Justin Champagnie, Pittsburgh
It’s way past time to start talking about Champagnie, who’s gotten less credit than maybe any high-major player for his emergence as one of the best players in the country.