The Most Important Player for USF Basketball - Number 5

After a two week hiatus, the TMIPFUSFB countdown is back. For those new here, you can view a brief background on the countdown, and find all of our previous entries here.

When we last left you, I was mildly reprimanded for putting Gus Gilchrist in at number 6 due to him missing half the year. The next two players on the countdown should be easy to place, so let's get to it. Number 5 on The Most Important Player for USF Basketball this season is Toarlyn Fitzpatrick!

The 6'8" freshman out of King High School in Tampa was by far the most improved player as the season progressed. For the season, Toarlyn averaged 4.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and one block a game for the Bulls this season, and towards the end of the season he was defending the opposing team's best post scorer. The biggest thing you could see throughout the season is Toarlyn's confidence within the team. Fitzy said it best when he spoke with Greg Auman earlier this year,

"I'm learning something every game, and I'm starting to get more comfortable with my teammates. In practice, they're always pushing me to be better, and that's gotten me ready to play at this level."

I can say with the utmost confidence that no one had a bigger moment this season for the Bulls basketball team than when Fitzy made his miracle three at the buzzer versus Providence, one of only three triples Toarlyn made all year mind you.

Watching that still puts a smile on your face, doesn't it.

So do we expect out of Fitzpatrick next season? With Ron Anderson Jr. eligible next season, Toarlyn's minutes will go down to around the 15-18 range, but his stats should stay about the same.

So who should Number 4 be on the countdown? Your options as always are below.