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One of the best freshman in Conference USA last year not named Vince Hunter quietly had a very solid freshman season for the struggling Marshall Thundering Herd.
Ryan Taylor averaged 12.8 points per game, to go along with a team leading 7.2 rebounds per game last season all while emerging as an up and coming C-USA household name.
With the losses of Kareem Canty and Chris Thomas, I feel Dan D'Antoni will rely heavily on Taylor for overall production who showed last season he is one the better returning rebounders in the league.
Evidence that Taylor could be something special was shown during last year's season opener when he went off for 17 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor also scored in double figures in twelve out of fourteen games from the middle of December until the beginning of February, also notching seven rebound and points double-doubles during the season.
Marshall added some size in the off-season, though their lack of guard depth could show in the standings once January rolls around. With Taylor in the lineup Marshall will not be a game-to-game door mat, I feel Taylor gives Marshall a physical presence who can score, though will need some help shouldering the scoring load to stay at around .500.
Taylor came to Marshall as a C-USA Prop 48 guy, further proving that advantage C-USA coaches have pays off as I feel Taylor is a a strong All-Conference team candidate this season.
Honorable Mention
Michale Kyser LA Tech
C.J. Cooper UTEP
George Fant Western Kentucky
Willie Clayton Charlotte
Jeromie Hill UTSA