Player of the Week
Kemba WalkerKemba Walker AKA The One Man Band was up to his old tricks this week, dropping 31 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds on Georgetown, ending the Hoyas 8 game win streak. He was unstoppable getting to the basket, making it easier for Walker to create separation on jumpers off the dribble. Earlier in the week, Walker put up 22 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds against Providence on 7-10 shooting, including 3-4 from downtown and only 1 turnover. As his assist numbers continue to rise, so will his stock as an NBA point guard.
*** Check out Walker deciding the backboard was a better option than a teammate – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBiR9UwAPSk
Feelin’ It
Marshon Brooks, G, Providence – This dude just can’t be contained. His arms are so long I’ve seen him finger roll from the free throw line (Brent Barry style though, foot halfway across). He’s averaging 30 points and 7.7 rebounds per game over his last four.
Dwight Hardy,G, St. Johns – Hardy is averaging 25 points per game over his last six, including 17 for his last 33 from downtown. St. Johns goes as far as Hardy can take em’.
Brandon Triche, G, Syracuse – Triche’s confidence is sky high, and as a result he’s playing the best basketball of his career. He’s scored 20 and 21 in the last two games respectively, looking comfortable shooting the ball and finishing after contact.
Jonathan Mitchell, F, Rutgers – Mitchell is in the zone, scoring over 21 points in four consecutive games. Nailing 16 of his last 27 three point attempts (59%), Mitchell has found a groove for a team that lacks any real appeal.
Coolin’ Off
Vincent Council, PG, Providence – In Providence’s 2 point loss to Georgetown, Council shot 0 for 10 from the floor and 3 for 6 from the free throw line. He followed that memorable performance with an 0 for 7 showing in a blowout loss to UConn. It couldn’t have gotten any worse for Council and the Friars, unless you consider a loss to DePaul on national television worse.
Jeff Robinson, F, Seton Hall – After scoring 20 against Providence, Robinson is 14 of his last 60 field goal attempts. Shockingly, the Pirates didn’t beat UConn, Villanova or West Virginia during that stretch.
Preston Knowles, G, Louisville – Despite putting up points, Knowles is shooting just 29% from the floor in his last seven games. That’s what you get when you ask a three year role player to suddenly shoot 14 times a game.
Top Five Most Disappointing Players
1. Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Was Melo a swing and miss? He’s practically averaging as many personal fouls as he is points, and at times looks more lost than my grandfather driving without his navigation. You always have to worry about raw 7 footers becoming busts, and so far Melo has at least put himself in that conversation. Nevertheless, he’s only played in this country for about three years. Maybe in about eight years or so he’ll make me eat my words.
2. Kevin Jones, F, West Virginia
This was his year. De’Sean Butler, gone. Devin Ebanks, gone. It was time for Kevin Jones to break out, activate the aggressive switch and call for the ball. Or maybe it’s not his time. Jones’ numbers remained relatively the same, expect for dropping to 43% shooting from the floor. For whatever reason he refuses to use his 6’8, 260 pound body to his advantage, taking over three 3-pointers per game where he shoots a dreadful 24%.
3. Yancy Gates, PF, Cincinnati
Another guy who was supposed to break out of his shell, Gates has taken too many nights off through an up and down Junior year. He’s Cincinnati’s clear-cut top offensive option, yet sometimes he just blends in like the paint he walks on, disappearing through large portions of the game. Scoring 20 points only once all season, Gates has no doubt been a disappointment for the Bearcats.
4. D.J. Kennedy, SF, St. Johns
One of the Johnnies’ most important players, Kennedy has seen his average drop from 15 points per game to 10, and his three point % dip below the 35% mark. It’s not that he’s been bad, he just hasn’t stood out to warrant any attention from scouts after a promising junior year as an NBA prospect.
5. Maliik Wayns, G, Villanova
Next to Kemba Walker, Wayns is probably the top point guard prospect in the Big East. Still, he looks a bit uncomfortable facilitating in the half court. He’s averaging 3 turnovers per game to go alone with his 4.7 assists, and remains pretty much a non threat from the outside, shooting 25% from downtown and 41% from the floor. With Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes in their last year at Nova’, Wayns will have the opportunity to dominate the ball next season and improve his shooting and offensive efficiency.
Weekly Thoughts
Freshman James Bell doubled his career high at Villanova, knocking down four three pointers on route to 21 points in a tight win over Seton Hall.
Congratulations to DePaul, who with their one point win over Providence earned their first Big East win since January of 2010.
his was his year. De’Sean
his was his year. De’Sean Butler, gone. Devin Ebanks, gone. It was time for Kevin Jones to break out, activate the aggressive switch and call for the ball. Or maybe it’s not his time. Jones’ numbers remained relatively the same, expect for dropping to 43% shooting from the floor. For whatever reason he refuses to use his 6’8, 260 pound body to his advantage, taking over three 3-pointers per game where he shoots a dreadful 24%. top hot girls, best hot girl