Thanks to ESPN+ and the Red Wolves’ crowd-pleasing upward trend, I’ve seen more Sun Belt games (both live and through streaming sorcery) than ever. In that well-spent time, I’ve identified players from various teams that provide the most intrigue and entertainment. These aren’t necessarily the best players (although many are). But what each player provides to their team is something all hoops aficionados can appreciate.

Nika Metskhvarishvili, Senior Forward, ULM

We’ve seen the Big Georgian (the nation, not the state) demolish opponents with huge rebounds and spirit crippling three-pointers since 2021. Metskhvarishvili’s (6’8″ 240-lb) speciality is gobbling boards (nearly six per game) while waiting until the last possible second to nail a three-ball that emotionally scar opponents for a lifetime.

Justin Abson, Sophomore Forward, Appalachian State

The Human Block Party leads the nation’s block-happiest program by contributing a mind-boggling 2.8 blocks per game. The 6’9″, 235-lb flyswatter is only a sophomore, which means his hunger for blocked shots is likely only to become greater.

Hosana Kitenge, Junior Forward, Louisiana

Kitenge may be an Englishman, but he’s not serving tea in the paint. The 6’8″ 270-lb British Behemoth is serving bruises! Surrounded by exciting players like Julian Kobe and Joe Charles, Kitenge is more a wreaking ball in the middle, cleaning-up lay-ups, drawing fouls and picking up nearly 7 boards a game.

Izaiyah Nelson, Sophomore Forward, Arkansas State

At 6’10”, Nelson ranks third in the Sun Belt for blocked shots, which is exciting enough. However, the man’s specialty is alley-oops that force fans to their feet. Nelson plays with a youthful exuberance that fuels his team and his fans, who will also delight on those rare occasions when he jacks up a three.

Andre Curbelo, Senior Guard, Southern Miss

Curbelo, who landed in Hattiesburg via St. Johns and Illinois, spent the majority of the 2023-24 season nursing a variety of ailments, but the transfer acquisition is healthy now, and his play is dynamite. With most eyes of Golden Eagle star Austin Crowley, Curbelo is free to perform circus shots from nearly anywhere on the court.

Ginika Ojiako, Senior Center, Coastal Carolina

Nobody grabs more boards in the Sun Belt than the Chanticleers’ 6’10” center Ginika Ojiako, who averages nearly 11 a game and ranks 8th nationally. Honestly, I love the Dennis Rodman’s of basketball – guys who throw the elbows and dish the hips in search of the loose ball. What Ojiako do his work and enjoy.

Samuel Tabe, Grad Student Guard, South Alabama

As a Red Wolves fan, few opponents fill me with more fear than the hard charging Tabe, who scores a solid 12 points per game, but always seems to catch fire when the Jaguars need a burst of production. When South Alabama is behind, count on the ball finding Tabe.

Toneari Lane, Sophomore Guard, Georgia State

The 6’5″ Lane not only has nice size for a guard, he has nice outside touch, too, leading the Sun Belt with 82 three-pointers made. You’re just going to have to accept that Lane is going to drop a three-ball on you – he’s recorded at least one three-pointer in every conference game this season save one (Appalachian State).

Caleb Fields, Senior Guard, Arkansas State

No homerism here; Fields is a legit joy to watch. At 6.5 assists per game, Fields averages better than two more assists per contest than the second-most prolific Sun Belt disher (Dwon Odom of Georgia State). While the assists are things of beauty, also appreciate Fields’ willingness to sacrifice very cell in his body by slashing into the paint and driving for the layup!

Terrance Edwards Jr., Junior Guard, James Madison

Edwards is a leading scorer who buckets better than 17 points per game, but his artistry is best appreciated at the free throw line, where he had more 20 attempts more than anybody in the Sun Belt – and nailing 82% for the effort. I’d advise you not to foul Edwards, but you’re going to have to foul Edwards.

Did I miss anybody? Too bad. These are my 10 favorite. List your own.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeremy Harper