Rothstein Files: Top 5 College Basketball 'Glue Guys'
By Jon Rothstein
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Glue guy - a player who does all the necessary things needed for a team to win at all costs. Let's take a look at the top five "glue guys" in college basketball.
REEVES NELSON, UCLA
Perhaps no player in Ben Howland's coaching career reflects his personality better than Nelson. Hard nosed and gritty, the undersized power forward has been the Bruins' rock the past two seasons and has every intention of leading them to another PAC-12 title this year. Although he arrived in Westwood as a bruiser, Nelson has refined his perimeter skills and really resembled a tougher version of David Lee towards the end of last season.
AARON CRAFT, OHIO STATE
A pit bull on defense and an orchestrator on offense, Craft does all the things that make winners win. One might think a blue collar point guard would be overshadowed when arriving in Columbus in the same class as a talent like Jared Sullinger but that's not the case with this warrior. "He plays every possession like it's 4th and 1, " said one Big Ten assistant about Craft.
DARIUS MILLER, KENTUCKY
A three-year starter in the Commonwealth, Miller has been the only consistent piece of personnel that John Calipari has had during his three years of coaching at Kentucky. Blessed with the ability the play multiple positions, Miller should be able to bridge the Wildcats influx of talented freshman with returnees Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb.
JORGE GUTIERREZ, CAL
It would be easy to call Gutierrez one of the best perimeter defenders in the country --- but that wouldn't be doing him justice. Armed with the fierce approach that entails doing whatever it takes to win, this 6-foot-3 guard could be just as effective in a bar fight as he is on the basketball court. Regularly known for adding new bruises on a daily basis, Gutierrez plays every second with the biggest weapon he has --- his heart.
NASIR ROBINSON, PITT
Always full of energy, this power forward only stands 6-foot-5 but plays like he's four inches taller. With his motor always at its highest gear, Robinson embodies the one constant that is always associated with the Panthers --- toughness.
Who's No. 6? Let Rothstein know in the comments below...
