Player of the Week
DJ Horne (NC State)
Countering the weather getting colder, Horne’s play has heated up. In a two-game stretch, the guard had an excellent week contributing for his team. En route to a victory against UT Martin, the Wolfpack star notched 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Despite a loss in the following contest against No. 8 Tennessee, the playmaker put together another solid outing, totaling 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. The senior has been averaging 13.6 points per game on 40.3% shooting from 3-point range. Horne has been a crucial part in the 7-3 start for NC State.
Who’s Hot
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Demon Deacons have put together a strong start to the campaign. Sitting at a record of 6-3, the unit has itself solidified in the middle of the conference standings. Riding a four-game win streak, Wake Forest has been red-hot and currently hold the second longest win-streak in the conference behind Virginia who have five consecutive victories. The squad has notable wins over tough non-conference opponents in Florida and Rutgers. The team is headlined by its guard tandem in Hunter Sallis and Kevin Miller. They each average 17 points per game along with Miller leading the team in both steals and assists per contest.
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, Louisville
Despite the struggles for the Cardinals, Huntley-Hatfield has been a consistent piece for his group. The big man has been netting a near double-double, posting averages of both 9 points and 9 rebounds when he steps foot on the hardwood. This week, the center put together an incredible two-game stretch in Louisville’s 1-1 showing. To start the week in a loss over Arkansas State, the 6-foot-10 standout recorded his first 20 and 10 game of the season going for 20 points and 11 rebounds. In the next contest in a win over Pepperdine, the junior posted a consecutive 20 and 10 effort going for 20 points and 12 rebounds. In both games he garnered 2 blocks. He will look to continue his recent performances in hope of a much needed spark for the Cardinals.
Who’s Not
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
A new look Fighting Irish brought a lot of promise coming into the campaign. Headlined by its new coach in Micah “more plays than Broadway” Shrewsberry and his recruits that he brought with him brought new expectations. While still in a rebuilding phase, the Fighting Irish have not looked good at all to start the season. The squad currently is placed last in the ACC and is on a two-game losing streak. In its second game of the season, it lost to Western Carolina and it has been downhill sledding ever since. The squad has beaten weaker opponents, but when encountering Power Six teams the group has yet to accumulate a win.
Who’s Not
Skyy Clark, Louisville
Clark has been an important piece for the Cardinals. The former 5-star and transfer from Illinois seemed to have found his footing for Louisville, but this week was a rough one for the guard. In his two outings this week, the Los Angeles, California, product totaled just 9 points in the first game followed by 6 in the next. Clark has been averaging 15 points per game so his lack of production on the offensive end hurt the Cardinals. He shot an uncharacteristic 4-14 and 2-11 from the field as he usually boasts a 38.3% shot rate.
Top 5 3-Point Shooters
1. RJ Davis, North Carolina
Davis has picked up right where left off in his ability to connect from beyond the arc from a season ago. The guard shoots the ball at a very efficient clip at 36% from long-range. The senior has seven games with at least three 3-pointers made, including five against Tennessee.
2. Zach Hinson, Pittsburgh
Hinson has been a consistent threat from outside this season. Shooting the ball at an effective 47.9%, the forward has been cash when he lets it fly. The senior has been a threat from 3-point land his entire collegiate career, including nine made against West Virginia this season.
3. Wooga Poplar, Miami
Poplar has been stroking it from deep down in Coral Gables. The guard has limitless range and can pull from wherever on the court with zero hesitation. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native is shooting at a 51.1% clip from downtown.
4. Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
Sallis is a 3-level scorer, but is no slouch shooting the 3-ball. Averaging 17 points per game, the guard connects with 2.3 attempted long-range bombs per contest. Sallis has knocked down four 3-pointers in games against Townson and LSU.
5. Jared McCain, Duke
Despite being just a freshman, McCain has one of the most pure shots from downtown in the country. He is shooting the ball at a 54.1% shooting percentage from 3-point range including five made against Bucknell. Regardless of off the catch or dribble, the guard is money.