College Basketball Waiver Wire: Pickups of the Week

We're a bit guard heavy this week. One important thing to remember this week and next are mid-season transfers gaining eligibility. With the first semester now over, a plethora of players are being added to the mix and could see roles vary over the holidays. This column isn't too heavy there yet, but those type players figure to be sprinkled in over the coming weeks.

Power 6 Conferences

 Jose Alvarado, G, Georgia Tech

There may not be much upside here, but Alvarado has been a consistent producer for the Jackets. Now back from a sprained ankle, expect Alvarez to be his usual self, putting up somewhere near 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals nightly. 

 Jeremiah Francis, G, North Carolina

A new week, another new Tar Heel to consider as they continue figuring out their rotation without Cole Anthony. Francis hasn't moved into the starting lineup yet, but that seems like only a formality. His minutes have increased in each of his four appearances, and it's very obvious the Heels offense runs better with him at the lead. He can get into the lane successfully, leading to assists and free throw chances, aiding his scoring potential. So long as he stays healthy, he looks like a terrific dynasty target, and it's reasonable to think he and Anthony can co-exist when the latter returns, with Anthony shifting off the ball. Anthony Harris also merits consideration for UNC.

 Devonte Green, G, Indiana

Green was slowed by a hamstring injury to start the year, and after being a spark plug off the bench upon his immediate return, he's been inserted into the starting lineup for the last three games. It oddly led to one game with just 15 minutes, but Green has seen 30 in his other two. He's had some shooting woes since moving into the top 5, which likely keeps his ownership low. He popped for 30 points earlier in the year against FSU, and remains the Hoosiers' best bet for production on the perimeter.

 Boo Buie, G, Northwestern

Buie made his first start of the year Saturday and poured in 25 points, adding six assists, two steals and three rebounds. The start came with Anthony Gaines sidelined, but Buie had 26 points in the game prior, and seems like someone the Wildcats need to feature as he can clearly inject offense. He's hit 9-of-16 from 3-point range during this hot streak, raising his shooting percentage to 33.3, so there will clearly be some valleys however.

 Jericho Sims, F/C, Texas

Sims probably falls into a category where he's putting up enough numbers to be owned, but he's been inconsistent game-to-game, making him hard to plug in as a starter. He's started every game to date, six times reaching double-digit points while pulling down nine or more boards five times. He's been a steady source of blocks -- likely his biggest selling point -- and there is potential for center eligibility.

 Rasheem Dunn, G, St. John's

The Red Storm seem content leaving Dunn as a sixth-man, but he's more than productive enough to merit roster consideration. The St. Francis transfer has scored in double-digits in all but two games to date and has four or more assists in four of his last five. His roll has remained unchanged with Mustapha Heron sidelined, so the ceiling is capped, but Dunn is a rare trustworthy reserve.

 Josiah James, G, Tennessee

With Lamonte Turner going down for the season, James is going to take on more playmaking duties. He had already been trending up, scoring in double-digits in three of his last four, and had a career-high six assists Saturday. He's seen 30+ minutes in three straight and four of five and has played less than 27 minutes only twice all year. That's clearly not going to change now without Turner. Yves Pons was probably overdue to be mentioned in this column, and if he's still available, he should be a priority add, as should Jordan Bowden, though Bowden is likely the highest-owned of the bunch.

 Nick Weatherspoon, G, Mississippi State

Weatherspoon was reinstated from suspension, playing 18 minutes in his first game of the year Sunday. He averaged 27.8 minutes last year, and 28.4 minutes as a freshman so he's seemingly likely to see an increase as he gets his game shape, seemingly at the expense of freshman Iverson Molinar. Weatherspoon is a capable scorer who can help with steals as well.

 Jaime Jaquez Jr., F, UCLA

Jaquez has started the Bruins last five games and is coming off of his second double-double of the year Saturday against North Carolina. He's averaged 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 steals in over his last six, taking double-digit shots in four of those. Chris Hill isn't completely out of the picture, but Jaquez's play is keeping him on the court.

Tier 2 Conferences

 Jake Forrester, F/C, Temple

Justyn Hamilton was seemingly a starter by definition only, playing more than 20 minutes once to date prior to Saturday, where he didn't get off the bench once. Forrester drew his first start instead, putting up 14 points and four boards in 21 minutes and has now scored in double-digits in four of his last five. He may be more appealing where center eligible, but his role has been trending upward for most of December, and the move to the starting five seems to solidify that.

 Jamarius Burton, G, Wichita State

Burton has started four straight, and his role should be even more secure with Dexter Dennis taking a leave of absence. He's a three-category contributor, having grabbed eight rebounds in two of his last three while handing out 11 assists last week against Oklahoma State in addition to scoring in double-digits six times to date.

 Caleb Mills, G, Houston

Mills is another guard who has recently moved into the starting lineup. His minutes still aren't huge, as he has yet to see 30 in a given night, but he's been a volume scorer of late, pumping in 17 or more points in three of four. Having taken 11 or more shots in four straight and seven times overall, the floor seems safe nightly.

 Javonte Perkins, G/F, St. Louis

The Bilikens lost Gibson Jimerson for the year last week, opening up spots in their guard rotation. While Demarius Jacobs has remained the starter, it's Perkins that has seen his opportunities go up. This was a trend even before Jimerson was sidelined. Perkins has played 30 minutes or better in four of his last six, scoring in double-digits in four of his last five. 

 Abu Kigab, F, Boise State

The Oregon transfer is now eligible after sitting out the first semester, and wasted no time making an impact for his new team. Kigab started right our of the gates, putting up 17 points in 29 minutes against Georgia Tech, adding three boards, two assists and two steals.