10 Brits to Watch in NCAA Division 1 this season

The 2021-22 college basketball season is upon us and so it is time to spotlight 10 Brits that are worth keeping an eye on this year.

This was a remarkably hard list to put together – there are a number of players that could also have a case for inclusion, with more Brits than ever playing at Division 1 level this season due to the extra year of eligibility granted as a result of COVID-19.

To keep on top of all the Brits in college this year, check out ESPN Player, who are sponsoring this post, as they will broadcast over 2000 regular season games and the March Madness tournament – new subscriptions include a 7 day free trial!

Here are 10 guys to look out for:

Dan Akin (Graduate) – California Baptist University

Having completed four years at UMBC, Akin took advantage of his extra year of eligibility (like many Brits) to do a graduate year with California Baptist University.

He averaged 7.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in his final season with the Retrievers and looks ready to build on those numbers this year.

It’s still early in the season, and the opponents haven’t been overwhelming but Akin is averaging 13.3 points and 9.3 rebounds on 70% shooting in a starting role, with over a block per game to boot.

Mate Okros (Junior) – Drexel

Heading into his Junior year, Mate Okros has cemented himself as one of the best three-point shooters in the CAA, finishing seventh in 3-point percentage (.390) last season.

The former Myerscough guard dropped 16 points on Syracuse in a loss, and is shooting 50% from three after three games.

Drexel also feature British big man and Okros’ former Myerscough teammate Amari Williams, who is also making strides and looks to play a much larger role for the Dragons this coming year.

Tosan Evbuomwan (Junior) – Princeton

Returning to the fray after no basketball last season due to the Ivy League being cancelled, Tosan Evbuomwan looks set for a breakout year as a starter.

Nice game for @PrincetonMBB junior Tosan Evbuomwan @Tosan_Evb (6’8 217) in a narrow win against South Carolina, displaying his rebounding, ability to attack in straight lines and pass on the move. pic.twitter.com/LjRVNXX8lZ

— Eurohoops Scouting (@EHoopsScouting) November 13, 2021

Already having registered a career-best 16 points through the early stages in the season, the former Newcastle Eagle was named to the Asheville Championship All-Tournament team and is on an upward trajectory with his size and skill set.

Kayne Henry (Senior) – Jacksonville State

A starter all of last season, Kayne Henry comes in with four years of experience under his belt, taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility COVID-19 has granted Seniors.

Seeing more than 34 minutes a game early in the season, he’s averaging 10 points and 7.3 rebounds plus using his long wingspan to add 1 block and 2 steals a game, and the extra 10 minutes on the floor could see a significant jump in his numbers this season (8ppg last year).

Cameron Hildreth (Freshman) – Wake Forest

The most hyped player making the hop across the pond in recent years, the intrigue on what Cameron Hildreth will be able to do at Wake Forest has the British hoops community buzzing.

Having risen to the occasion at every challenge so far in his young career, he starred at BBL level as a teenager in the UK with Surrey Scorchers, and now the early signs for the former Sussex Storm guard are promising.

He’s seeing over 22 minutes per game as a freshman, and averaging 11 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists through three non-conference games. He suits up alongside fellow incoming Freshman Brit Matthew Marsh, who makes the switch from France – make sure you have Wake Forest on your watch list!

Jeremy Sochan (Freshman) – Baylor

Sochan, alongside Hildreth, is one of the most talented players to come out of the UK in recent years, but perhaps has not received as much attention due to spending the last two years abroad in both the US and then Germany.

Having already made his Polish senior national team debut (has both Polish and American passports but was raised in the UK – we’re claiming him!) Sochan joins the reigning NCAA national champions and three games in is already seeing over 20 minutes per outing as a Freshman and averaging double digit points, and has a double-double to his name.

The future is bright!

Jubrile Belo (Junior) – Montana State University

Montana State should be on your watch list for the fact they have three Brits representing in Jubrile Belo, Amin Adamu and Great Osobor, but if we were pressed to pick one, it would be Belo.

The 6’8″ big man is coming off a season where he was named to the All-Big Sky Conference Third Team (along with Amin Adamu) and is opening eyes at MSU.

A dominant force inside, he’s already registered a 21-point game on the season (in just 23 minutes) and is shooting 78% from the field through three games.

RJ Eytle-Rock (Senior) – Utah State University

Having made the switch to Utah State from UMBC to follow his Coach Ryan Odom, it is clear RJ Eytle-Rock will have a major role for the Aggies.

Named to the America East All-First Team last season, the 2016 Hoopsfix All-Star Classic Under-16 MVP, Eytle-Rock will do a little bit of everything – expect him to do a variety of things on the box score.

In their season opener, the former BA guard had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block and a steal.

Caleb Fuller (Junior) – UC Davis

One of the few Brits to register a 30-point game in his college career, Caleb Fuller heads into his fourth year as a Junior, taking advantage of the COVID-19 eligibility waiver.

He’s improved his outputs every season at UC Davis, averaging double-digits in scoring last year, including the aforementioned 30-point outburst against CSUN.

The former Barking Abbey and Ipswich lefty guard moves into a full-time starting position in a backcourt that features fellow Brit Ade Adebayo, his former BA teammate, who will also be turning heads in his third year stateside.

Shaquille Walters (Redshirt Senior) – Northeastern University

A lockdown defender for Northeastern, Shaquille Walters will once again start for the Huskies and look to build on his production last year.

Last season, the former City of London Academy guard was no. 7 in the CAA in rebounding (6.6), no. 9 in steals (1.2) and three-point field goal percentage (.382) and no. 12 in assists at 2.6 per game.

Three games in, he is seeing over 31 minutes a game as a starter with averages of 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per outing.

What do you think? Anyone else British fans should be keeping a close eye on?