Adam_Ganeles's blog

Player of the Week

Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Georgia

Kentavious Caldwell-PopeThe former McDonald’s All-American led the previously 1-7 Bulldogs to a pair of impressive conference victories this week. He scored 18 points in a home route of Arkansas, connecting on 6/10 from the field and 3/6 from distance while also adding 3 steals. In a shocking OT road win at #18 Mississippi State, Caldwell-Pope went for 20 points on 6 made three-pointers, 8 rebounds and 3 assists (zero turnovers) in 40 treacherous minutes. He’s been asked to carry the scoring load on a deprived roster, and currently leads all SEC freshmen with 14.5 PPG and ranks 3rd amongst all conference performers with 57 made threes. Ironically he’s shooting 51% on two-point attempts yet is firing up 7 treys per game. His shot distribution will only improve with experience. Standing at 6’5 (still growing) with a pure stroke and true scorer’s mentality, look for Caldwell-Pope to rise from his current #24 slot in our 2013 mock draft.

Who’s Hot

Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague, Kentucky

UK’s backcourt has been inconsistent for much of the season, but they stepped up big against the elite of the SEC. Lamb averaged 17 points in the two victories over Florida and Vanderbilt, knocking down 12/21 shots and 6/12 threes. He finally turned up the aggression meter against the Commodores, attempting a team-high 13 field goals (highest in a game since December 17th versus UT Chattanooga). Teague recorded his first career double-double vs. Florida with 12 points and 10 assists (5 turnovers). He followed up that effort with 13 and 8, committing just one turnover in a challenging road environment. A comfortable Teague running the show makes UK a clear front runner to cut down the nets. He’s penetrating to create, not necessarily to score.

Player of the Week

Anthony Davis, Kentucky

Anthony DavisThe dominance of Davis continues to astound. The one-and-done freshman swatted 15 shots in two games this week, passing Shaquille O’Neal for the SEC frosh record in blocked shots with 116. Davis leads the country with 4.8 BPG, and has eight games of 6+ rejections. On the offensive end, he averaged 20 points in victories over Tennessee and South Carolina, connecting on 15/17 field goal attempts (66% on year) and 10/12 free throws (70%). He added 8 RPG, assisted on 4 buckets and committed just a single turnover (0.9). Davis is a man amongst children, despite hardly an offensive set being run for him. Kentucky faces a rough patch of games in February beginning with tilts versus Florida and at Vanderbilt this week. The feeding on conference cupcakes is over.

Who’s Hot

Kenny Gabriel & Varez Ward, Auburn

The Tigers played tremendous ball this week (home W over Georgia and three-point road L at Mississippi State), and the two names above are a big reason why. Gabriel continued his dynamic ways on both ends of the floor, scoring 19 PPG, grabbing 9.5 rebounds, blocking 2.5 shots, swiping a steal, knocking down 12/13 from the charity stripe and drilling 4 treys at MSU. Ward, who had struggled miserably in recent weeks shooting the rock, averaged 21.5 points, 4 assists and made an eye popping 21 free throws on 24 attempts. When you’re shooting 34% from the field, uncontested opportunities at the line are a welcomed sight.

Player of the Week

Jarnell StokesJarnell Stokes, Tennessee

It’s taken Stokes a whole three games to earn his keep amongst the Vols. The 18-year old freshman has acclimated remarkably well to the college game after graduating from high school a semester early, and he’s attacking college basketball’s biggest names without hesitation. In an upset victory of 13th ranked Connecticut, Stokes made his first start with 16 points (6/10 FG), 12 rebounds and 2 blocks in 29 minutes. He poured in 10 of his 16 in the second half, outplaying Andre Drummond who finished with 6 points, 9 boards and 3 turnovers. Earlier in the week he scored 11 points (5/9 FG) and grabbed 8 rebounds (plus a block and steal) in an overtime loss at Georgia. Not a bad early impression from the well-schooled 6’8 270 pounder. Stokes’ 6/14 from the free throw line won’t cut it, however, as he’s likely to get there with great frequency. A road matchup with Vanderbilt and Festus Ezeli is on deck.

Who’s Hot

Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Moultrie continued his machine-like season with another pair of double-doubles this week. He played the full 45 minutes in a 78-77 overtime victory at Vanderbilt, finishing with 21 points, 14 boards and 4 steals as the Bulldogs won in Memorial Gymnasium for the first time since 2004. Moultrie also went for 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals in a road loss at in-state rival Mississippi.

Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

It took nearly two months to get healthy and shake the rust off, but Ezeli has finally found his form. He averaged 12 points on 55% shooting, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks against Alabama and Mississippi State. His importance to the Commodores cannot be understated. He forces double teams, opens up space for a loaded perimeter attack and cleans up mistakes on D.

Player of the Week

Anthony DavisAnthony Davis, Kentucky

Davis takes down POW honors for the third time this season. His breakout 27 point (10-12 fg) 14 reb, 7 block effort against Arkansas looked effortless. His offensive efficiency and game-wrecking defense simply never take a night off, and along with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist he continues to carry his inconsistent teammates. In two road victories this week at Auburn and at Tennessee, he scored 16 PPG on 13/19 shooting, grabbed 7 RPG, blocked 8 more shots and swiped 5 steals (exceptional hands for a big, 1.6 SPG). In 72 minutes of composite court time he did not turn the ball over. Davis leads the country in blocked shots at 4.6 per contest, and is 7th in FG percentage at 64.3%. UK will face an upgrade in the talent of their opposition this week, as Arkansas and Alabama head to Rupp.

Who’s Hot

Murphy Holloway, Mississippi

After missing three games with a sprained ankle he suffered against MTSU, the Rebels energizer bunny returned with his trademark vengeance. Boasting a double-double on the year (10.6 & 10), Holloway added two more DD’s to his tally in a home win over Arkansas and 2OT road loss at Auburn. He averaged 15 points on 13/19 field goals, snatched 12.5 rebounds per game including 5.5 offensive boards, 2 steals and a block. Holloway logged 46 hard fought minutes against Auburn, five more than any other Ole Miss starter. The Rebels are still a jumbled mess, but seem to have improved cohesion since the dismissal of Dundrecous Nelson from the program.

Player of the Week

Justin Hamilton, LSU

Justin HamiltonA new face emerges at the top of the page, as the Tigers big man put forth two dynamic efforts against stellar competition. In two games versus Virginia and Mississippi, Hamilton averaged 22 points on 18/26 shooting (69%), 12.5 rebounds (5 offensive), 3 blocks and 1.5 steals. His 16-rebound explosion on Saturday against Ole Miss was a career-high, and the Rebels don't lack for size on the frontline.The 6'11 260 pounder was utilized in a more finesse role during his two seasons in Ames, but he's thriving at LSU mixing it up on the interior. Hamilton has been essential to the Tigers 11-4 (1-0) start. Games at Alabama and at Arkansas this week will assuredly test his valor.. and foot speed.

Who's Hot

John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

The conference's leading scorer at 20.3 PPG, Jenkins hit 10 of 18 treys in two games this week and 21 of 35 over a four-game stretch. The good news is he's shooting 46% on the year on nearly 9 attempts per game. The bad news is his overt reliance on the three-point shot is back with a vengeance. In that same four-pack of games he's attempted just 13 two's and 5 free throws. A leopard can't change his spots. His specialty has earned him a spot at #25 in our 2012 mock.

Kenny Gabriel, Auburn

Gabriel is making ignoring his accolades an impossibility, putting up wild numbers week after week. The electric 6'8 forward recorded the first triple-double in Auburn history, scoring 24 points (11/13 FG), notching 13 boards and swatting 10 shots versus Bethune Cookman. He also added 2 three's, 3 assists and 4 steals. He continued his statistical barrage at Florida State with 3 blocks and 2 steals, albeit in a 29-point defeat. The senior has the look of a developmental league project.

Co-Players of the Week

Anthony Davis & Michael Kidd Gilchrist, Kentucky

Anthony Davis & MKGSame player recognition, different week. The pair of freakish freshmen continue to carry the load as the remainder of the Wildcats fight their way through a mid-season slump. In a seven-point victory over Louisville on Saturday, the two combined for 10 of the team's 17 field goal makes (rest of team 7/37), 21 of 32 free throw makes, 42 of 69 points and 29 of 49 rebounds. Davis shattered season-high FT marks converting 12/13, while Kidd-Gilchrist snatched 19 boards from the SF position. In a week that also included a W over Lamar, Davis averaged 14 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6 blocked shots. MKG compiled 21 points per game, 12.5 rebounds and 16 FT makes. Kentucky opens up conference play on Saturday the 7th versus South Carolina. The night in, night out rigors of the SEC will test the mental and physical fortitude of UK's freshmen. No more cupakes to reserve strength.

Who's Hot

Lance Goulbourne, Vanderbilt

Last season Goulbourne waited until mid-January to turn on the jets. This year he's found his stride in late December. In a startling road demolition of 14th ranked Marquette, he scored 13 points (4/5 FG), grabbed 16 rebounds, swiped 3 steals and swatted 3 shots. His defensive effort held Jae Crowder to 4/13 shooting, and the Golden Eagles shot only 32% as a unit. Over his last three contests he's putting up 14 PPG on 74% shooting (17/23), 10 RPG and 2+ SPG. When healthy and on his A game, Goulbourne puts up some beastly numbers.

Player of the Week

Brad Beal, Florida

Brad BealBeal has often been the best player on the court for the 11th ranked Gators, despite relatively unspectacular shooting for his standards. His versatility at 6'3, strength and defensive aptitude have been early season calling cards. He's now starting to heat up from the perimeter- a scary proposition for Florida's SEC opponents. Beal connected on 11/22 from the field and 7/12 three-pointers last week in wins over Mississippi Valley State and in-state rival Florida State for 17 PPG. He continues to rebound the rock at a fever pace, adding two more 6 board efforts to his 6.3 season clip. The thievery has not halted either with a 3-steal game versus FSU. His 36% from deep and 70% from the FT line will assuredly take an upwards spike as the year progresses. Thursday at Rutgers is the next test for Beal and the Gators.

Who's Hot

Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

The Bulldogs have reeled off 11-straight W's and stand atop the SEC at 12-1. Moultrie has been the catalyst. He notched his 4th consecutive double-double in impressive fashion during an 82-67 win over Northwestern State, scoring 24 points (8/11 FG & 8/8 FT), grabbing 14 rebounds (a ridiculous 11 offensive boards) and handing out 4 helpers. Other than block shots, the UTEP transfer has done EVERYTHING. He's no longer playing in a hurry, and as a result his athleticism and motor on the interior have been accompanied by efficiency: 18 PPG, 12 RPG, 58% FG, 88% FT and 1 SPG. Dee Bost is the Bulldogs engine, but Moultrie is the anchor.

Gerald Robinson, Georgia

Georgia's number one playmaker continues to play solid ball. In home triumphs over Mercer and Furman he averaged 16.5 points on 52% FG (11/21) and 9/10 FT makes. He dished out 9 assists against 4 turnovers, a ratio far superior to his 3.4:2.8 season mark. Robinson shoots 80% from the free throw stripe and is clearly at his best when attacking, yet for whatever reason phases in and out of aggression. The Bulldogs and their inept offense would greatly benefit from more opportunities at free points.

Player of the Week

Michael Kidd Gilchrist, Kentucky

Michael Kidd-GilchristThe St. Patrick's product is beginning to erupt with conference play on the horizon. In his last three games Kidd-Gilchrist went for 17 and 11 versus North Carolina, 18 and 9 at Indiana and produced his best all around effort in a thrashing of Tennessee Chattanooga. He scored 17 points, pulled down 8 boards, assisted on 6 baskets, nailed 2 treys, converted on 7/8 at the charity stripe and added a block and a steal. Few players at the collegiate level, if any, possess the offensive and defensive versatility that MKG brings to the floor. Despite a raw offensive canvas, his overwhelming physical advantage over opposing SF's had led to 13 PPG on stellar 52% FG. As he continues to add strength and polish his ball handling, Kidd-Gilchrist is all but assured a spot in the 2012 lottery (currently projected at #10). Fellow freshman teammate Anthony Davis also deserves serious love for his seemingly"routine" 14 point, 18 rebound and 5 block effort versus UTC.

Who's Hot

Dundrecous Nelson, Mississippi

With Jarvis Summers inheriting the starting point guard reigns, Dundrecous Nelson has assumed the role of lightning rod off the bench. The 5'11 gunner scored 40 points in 48 minutes this week (W vs ULL & L at USM), hitting 12/25 shots, 9/15 threes and 7/9 from the FT line. He's averaged 15 points and 2.6 three-point makes per game in seven games since exiting the starting lineup. The results are hit and miss, but when on his game Nelson is a prolific point compiler.

Malik Cooke, South Carolina

Cooke has been the most consistent performer for the youthful Gamecocks. He had a tremendously efficient two-game week, making 11/17 field goals and 12/13 free throws en route to 17.5 PPG. Thanks in large measure to Cooke, SC held a 4-point halftime edge over 2nd ranked Ohio State before relenquishing in the final twenty minutes. While his overall statistics aren't scintilating, he makes contributions in all phases: 47% FG, 78% FT, 2 offensive rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block per game. The 6'6 senior is a box score stuffer.

Player of the Week

Patric YoungPatric Young, Florida

After struggling for the better part of two weeks, Young re-emerged as a paint force in Gator victories over Arizona and Rider. He produded his best statistical line of the season, and his career, in an overtime battle against UA with 25 points on 12/15 shooting (1/6 FT), 10 rebounds (6 offensive), 2 blocks and a steal in 38 minutes. It was a pleasure to see Young get aggressive in a big game and punish the Wildcats undersized front line. Head Coach Billy Donovan claimed Young could have went off for 45 points if he received more touches in established position. Perhaps we can expect less backcourt chucking and more post entries from Florida in the near future. He followed up that effort with a 12 & 10 double-double against Rider, converting 5/7 field goal attempts and snatching 5 more offensive boards. The bruising frontcourt of Texas A&M will test his tenacity on the 17th.

Who's Hot

Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

Taylor scored a career-high 30 points in the Commodores impressive road victory at Davidson. He cashed in on 12/17 field goal attempts and drained 3 three-pointers for the second consecutive game. For the season he's upped his shooting accuracy to 51% from the floor and nearly 37% from distance. The athletic 6'7 wing added 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, a steal and his typical three turnovers. Taylor has six games of 3+ TO's on the year, as ball handling (or lack thereof) continues to haunt his draft stock.

BJ Young, Arkansas

The electric freshman has taken the burden of Arkansas' offensive woes on his shoulders, scoring in double figures for the seventh straight contest in a 24-point effort (back to back 20+) at Oklahoma on Saturday. Young has become the go-to-guy in short order, making 9/16 shots and 3/7 treys, while also dishing out 3 helpers and swiping 3 steals. His efficiency has been remarkable (51% FG, 39% 3PT) given his lack of clean looks and dearth of teammates to occupy defensive attention.

Player of the Week

Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Terrence JonesWhile some of his key numbers may be on the decline, Jones' decision to return to Lexington is looking like an abundantly prudent one. He's no longer overdribbling and settling for rushed jumpshots (49% FG), and when he attacks the hoop he's finishing with bad intentions. He threw down four power slams in Kentucky's two victories over St. John's and UNC, including a beautiful pump fake/driving dunk in the grill of John Henson. His defensive disruption is reaching new heights as well. On the week Jones averaged 20 points on 50% shooting, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 3.5 blocks. After getting to the free throw line 20 times in the season's first six games, Jones got to the stripe 16 times against SJU alone (11 makes). Jones has re-emerged in our mock lottery at the #11 spot.

Who's Hot

Murphy Holloway, Mississippi

The southpaw deserves some major love after filling up the stat sheet for a second consecutive week. Holloway's performance led the way in thrilling road victories over DePaul and Penn State, as the Rebels improved to 7-1 on the season with an RPI of 11 (the computers are on their side for a change, at least momentarily). He picked up his third and fourth double-doubles of the season, putting up 13 points per game (55% FG), 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 4.5 steals. He's an absolute menace on the boards with thievery on his mind at all times on the defensive end of the floor. Holloway is undersized and lacking overall skill level, but he's strong, has great length and plays HARD. On a sour note, his 46% at the FT line has become all too familiar.