ESPN Rates Steven Adams Among Nation's Best Shotblockers

ESPN.com took a look at some of the best shot-blockers in college basketball for 2011-12. Among those on the list: Pitt's Steven Adams.

Adams came in at No. 8 on the list, despite having never played a game in college yet:

Steven Adams (Pittsburgh): Yes, another freshman on the list. Another guy who hasn’t competed in a collegiate game yet. But I think Davis’ success last season means these youngsters earn early credit on potential alone. This 7-footer has been a beast on the AAU and prep circuits. The standout from New Zealand also has international experience. So he’ll be a young veteran for a Pitt team that needs his physical presence inside. Adams has the athleticism to be a great shot-blocker at this level.

One notable left off the list is a name that should be familiar to us - Khem Birch. Birch averaged about two blocks a season last year in fairly limited time. But while it doesn't specifically say so, transfers for next season could have been left off of the list.

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