College Basketball Waiver Wire: Pickups of the Week

Power Conferences

Chris Lykes, G, Miami

A move to stay ahead of the curve. Lykes has missed 10 games but is reportedly close to returning from a bad ankle sprain. He'll likely be eased into action when he does return, so there's likely time to make this move, but a healthy Lykes can be a difference-maker, and you have to assume he was dropped given the extended absence. In two games before injury, he averaged 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals to go along with his volume scoring.

Steffon Mitchell, F, Boston College

Mitchell is/was drafted for his rebounding ability, but he hadn't been tremendously consistent there while also laboring through a calf injury. He appears back in for now, and is seeing a scoring uptick to go along with rebounding, and blocks, swatting nine shots while scoring in double-digits in three straight.

John Harrar, F, Penn State

The Nitany Lions returned to action for the first time since December 30th yesterday, and Harrar had his best performance to date, posting 14 points, 14 boards and three assists. He's an inconsistent scorer, but assuming managers held Myreon Jones and Izaiah Brockington through the team's pause, Harrar look to be the best choice for a boost now that they are back in action.

Mike Smith, G, Michigan

Smith is a bit of a one-trick pony, but that one trick is a challenging stat to come by in fantasy. He's dished out six or more assists in six straight and seven of his last eight, including a season-high 10 dimes Saturday against Minnesota in a game where the Wolverines scored only 57 points. Smith is absolutely a liability in the scoring column, failing to score at all Saturday and reaching double-digits just three times in this eight-game stretch. But he can certainly provide a boost in roto leagues and should be rostered and deployed for those needing help in distribution.

Kamaka Hepa, F, Texas

With Greg Brown presumably out this week due to a positive COVID-19 test, Hepa figures to start for the short term. He pumped in 15 points in his first opportunity, doing so by nailing five 3-pointers, making for a solid streaming option.

Tyrese Martin, F, Connecticut

Brendan Adams has moved into the starting rotation with James Bouknight sidelined, but it's Martin that's assumed the alpha role offensively, coming off of a 29.1 percent usage rate against DePaul where he finished with 18 points, four boards and five steals. Bouknight looks like he'll be out for the next month, so Martin has staying power.

Myles Tate, G, Butler

Tate is coming off of his first career double-double, has started consecutive games and played 79 minutes in those outings after seeing 41 minutes total in his previous two. At 4-7, it's reasonable to think the Bulldogs can look more towards their future, giving this freshman as much run as he can handle moving forward. He's a nice preemptive addition as such.

Pelle Larsson, G, Utah

Larsson has seen his opportunity grow, starting the Utes' last four games. He's managed double-digit points in two of those, but only 10 total points in the other two, so he's a bit of a liability there, but he's finding ways to be a multi-dimensional contributor, posting a 12-point, six-board, four-assist line, and a seven-point, six board, four assist line. That all-around effort should make him a valuable option in Pac-12-heavy formats.

Grant Anticevich, F, California

Anticevich averaged a usable 10.3 ppg and 5.9 rpg prior to going down with an abdominal issue, and has been eased into a role in his return. He saw 31 minutes over the weekend, however, and responded with 14 points and seven rebounds. He looks good to go moving forward and can be added where dropped accordingly to bolster your frontcourt.

Jahvon Quinerly, G Alabama

Quinerly was eased back into action in his first run in four games due to an illness, but should return to heavier minutes moving forward. He's been a tad inconsistent, but who isn't at this point of the season when scouring your wire? 'Bama's pace lends itself to multiple fantasy options, and Quinerly is averaging a serviceable 12.3 points, 3.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds. He can safely be added where previously dropped.

Tier 2

Morris Udeze, C, Wichita State

Maybe it's just a two-game surge and not repeatable, but assuming center eligibility, Udeze's recent outings make him worthy of a gamble. He put up 38 points and 13 boards in that span, playing 24.5 minutes. He's started every game to date, and his opportunities appear limited only by his ability to not foul.

Feron Hunt, F, SMU

Hunt has been a consistent rebounder all year, and has now pulled down double-digit boards in three straight. He's not a scoring liability though his point totals do fluctuate, but he's averaging a personal best 12.3 ppg and 8.7 rpg, and that boost on the glass from 6.7 a season ago makes him rosterable in nearly all formats.

Jaren Holmes, G, St. Bonaventure

Holmes cooled off a bit over the weekend, but he's still seeing huge usage and is worth rostering where still available. He's averaged 23.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals over his past four games, hoisting 16.3 shots nightly.