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Providence’s Ben Bentil Headlines College Basketball’s Unsung Heroes

By Nathan Giese

Dec 9, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) celebrates against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) celebrates against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard George King (24) intercepts a pass intended for Portland Pilots guard Rashad Jackson (3) in the first half at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard George King (24) intercepts a pass intended for Portland Pilots guard Rashad Jackson (3) in the first half at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

George King, Colorado Buffaloes

Josh Scott is the center of Colorado’s team, that much cannot be denied. The veteran big man is as efficient as he’s ever been and leading the Buffaloes in scoring (17.4 points) and rebounding (9.5). It’s his team.

But George King has taken a huge step forward this season, helping fill the void for the departed Askia Booker (graduation) and Xavier Johnson (injured; has not played this season) to help Colorado be a legitimate threat in the Pac-12.

King didn’t even play last year, utilizing his redshirt and sitting out the 2014-15 season. Now that he’s back in the fold, Colorado has another scoring option (14.7 points per game), another long body to bang in the post (4.2 rebounds) and a deadly shooter from the outside (48 percent on the season on nearly five attempts per game).

With King, as well as Providence transfer Josh Fortune, taking some of the heavy lifting off of Scott, Colorado has a 17-5 record and sits just one game back of league-leading Oregon. The Buffaloes are actually one of the losses to the Ducks’ conference record, so they already have the edge with a rematch set for Thursday in Eugene.

Regardless, King has developed himself into a go-to player, one that Tad Boyle is able to call upon in key situations and he should also help Colorado get back to the NCAA Tournament.

Next: Melvin Johnson