Player of the Week
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton Blue Jays
Kalkbrenner is having a statistically marvelous start to the year. In three games thus far, he’s missed 3 shots from the field and 2 free throws. He’s averaging 30 points per game. Now, again, putting up better statistics than prime Shaq is not going to be sustainable. The Blue Jays haven’t played anyone significant, and their first game of the year where Kalkbrenner, who turns 23 in January, dropped 49 points was eye opening. Granted, his near school record in points came against UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, who did not have a player tall enough to match up with him. That being said, Ryan’s performance this year has still been electric, and his ability to stretch the floor a bit will definitely get the attention of scouts along with his size and defense.
Who’s Hot?
Kam Jones, Marquette Golden Eagles
Tyler Kolek was one of the most infuriating players to guard in college hoops last year. He was crafty, had a tight handle, he could move without the ball, was a lights-out shooter (60% TS), and arguably was the best playmaker in college basketball. Kam Jones was his sidekick. He led the league in scoring last year, sure, but Kolek was the face of the team. Jones’ performance this year is a result of him taking the reins, and that sled he’s driving? It’s fast. 24 points per game so far this year on almost comical efficiencies, his FG% is almost higher than his FT% (His FT% is 67). He’s also dishing out 5 assists a night with only 1.3 turnovers a game. Will these efficiencies remain the whole year? No. However, Marquette is going to need everything they can get out of their seniors this year if they want to get past that scary man in Storrs, Connecticut. Don’t worry, we’ll get to them later.
Who’s Not?
Kyle Neptune, Villanova Wildcats
Last night, I was out with some friends at a bar. I sat down and looked at the TV next to us, the Virginia and Nova game was on. Virginia won the game, handing Villanova their third loss of the season in five games. My friend said to me, “Oh how the mighty have fallen.” That’s how it feels in Philadelphia for the Wildcats right now. Kyle Neptune has failed to get the team anywhere close to where it had been in the Jay Wright era, and his coaching seat is hotter than ever. Losses to Columbia and Saint Joe’s are inexcusable. Neptune is going to have to work a miracle to get this team ready for conference play, and in that conference play he’ll have to get plenty of big wins. Lucky for him, he’ll have plenty of chances against some top ranked teams. Neptune needs his first NCAA tournament appearance to save his job at this point, but as I said, he has time to right the ship. Look to their matchup with Maryland next weekend to see if those changes are being made. If not? Neptune had a good quote for that scenario in his presser after the Columbia loss: “It is what it is.”
Big East Player of the Year Prediction:
Alex Karaban, UConn Huskies
I know, I know. It could be biased. But hear me out, I understand the starts that guys like Kalkbrenner and Jones are getting out to, and Eric Dixon on Nova has been outstanding. And what about that freshman on Georgetown? Thomas Sorber? He’s averaging 23 and 10! I get it guys, but Karaban didn’t return to UConn to F around. The guy is experienced, more experienced than maybe any other player in the country. He’s been on two championship rosters, and he’s eyeing a third. He’s in prime position to be THE guy this season, and has taken advantage of that by being the Huskies’ leading scorer through three games. He’s also averaged 4 blocks per game, all while playing a point-wing kind of role in the offense. He’s battle-tested, efficient, and will be a safe bet for 20, 5 and 5 every night of the week. My thought process here is that if he continues to impress defensively, and hover in that 20 to 25 point margin all season, and the Huskies continue to dominate, he’ll have a shot to be the first UConn player to win the honor since Hasheem Thabeet in 2009.
Big East Champion Prediction:
UConn Huskies
I don’t feel like I have to explain this that much. Dan Hurley is clearly the best coach in college basketball, he has this almost cosmic ability to find a way to get the best out of every single guy in his rotation. Hurley is simply put, a basketball sicko. His extension at UConn may be the best thing the school has done for it’s athletics since the hiring of Geno Auriemma. The return of Karaban, a contributor on two championship rosters, and Hasan Diarra, a key bench piece for their run last year, allows for that championship chemistry to start brewing again once you add in their shiny new 5 star recruit, Liam McNeeley, a shifty guard like Solo Ball, the lanky Michigan transfer Tarris Reed, and tie it all together with the craftsmanship of Dan Hurley’s offensive genius. Remember, this team hasn’t just won back-to-back championships, they have steamrolled their way to both of them.
Power Rankings:
5. DePaul Blue Demons
DePaul has taken care of business on route to a 4-0 start, and their backcourt of Rivera and Enright is one of the best in the conference. They could be sneaky contenders in the conference this year, and don’t be surprised if they get an upset victory in the near future.
4. Creighton Blue Jays
I worry about this team because I don’t think they have been dominant enough to start the year, but in Kalkbrenner they will continue to trust. I guess I will too.
3. Saint John’s Red Storm
They continue to impress in the early stages of the season, for SJU it’s all about longevity, can they go the distance without a midseason spinout? We’ll see. For now, though, their roster is solid as usual and they’ve taken care of business.
2. Marquette Golden Eagles
Stevie Mitchell is one of the best defenders in the country, and Kam Jones going nuclear on offense all season is scary sight for anyone to see. Can Marquette finally clear that hurdle over to the east in Connecticut? We’ll have to see.
1. UConn Huskies
Pray for East Texas A&M, they’re about to run into the buzzsaw of all buzzsaws. Sidenote, I don’t think this position will change all season.
Back to my Roots
For the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of covering the BIG10 for this website. As a Penn State student, which is something I’ve mentioned many times, it’s been cool to write about players I can easily go and see play at the Bryce Jordan Center here in Happy Valley. However, there’s something you probably don’t know about me: I’m not just a Nittany Lion, I’m also a Husky! I went to school as the great UConn my freshman year, so this Big East switch is very welcome. I’m ecstatic to get back to the grind this season, so let’s get into it! It’s been a busy first two weeks in college hoops, and the Big East is as interesting as ever.