Player of the Week:
BJ Edwards, SMU
Edwards looked the best he has since the opening stretch of the season, posting video-game numbers and cementing himself as a name fans should know. He opened his two-game heater with a dominant all-around performance of 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and six steals, then followed it up with 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Edwards has a knack for turning deflections and loose balls into fast-break opportunities, averaging 2.6 steals per game, which has been a major boost for his team. His court vision was on full display, and his perimeter shooting showed real progress as well, as he knocked down 50 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc over the two-game stretch. While he is averaging 2.2 turnovers per game, continued improvement in that area only enhances his potential as a future NBA player.
Who’s Hot
Ven-Allen Lubin, North Carolina St.
Lubin is beginning to look like the player NC State envisioned, producing offensively while making winning plays. He posted 22 points and six rebounds in an overtime win over No. 19 Clemson, then followed it up with 17 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Pittsburgh. Lubin is settling into his role within the offense and has now delivered back-to-back strong performances, positioning himself as a potential X-factor for the Wolfpack. Over those two games, he consistently got to the free-throw line, converted his chances, and made plays defensively as well. If this level of play carries forward, NC State has the personnel to become a dangerous team down the stretch.
SMU Mustangs
SMU is riding a two-game winning streak over Wake Forest and Florida State, and if the Mustangs continue playing at this level, they will give themselves a chance against any opponent. The production of Jaron Pierre Jr. and B.J. Edwards has been pivotal during this stretch, reinforcing the importance of that backcourt tandem. Potential All-ACC First Team guard Boopie Miller has cooled off offensively, scoring under 15 points in three straight games for the first time this season. While his numbers are down across the board, Miller continues to impact the game defensively and remains a steady leader. If Edwards and Pierre Jr. maintain their scoring output while Miller finds his rhythm again, SMU is well-positioned to keep this momentum going.
Who’s Not
Brandin Cummings, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s margin for error shrinks significantly when Cummings is not scoring efficiently, and his recent struggles have coincided with a three-game losing streak. Over that span, Cummings is averaging just 10.3 points per game. Known as a shooter who must be accounted for at all times, he has struggled from deep, connecting on just 32 percent of his three-point attempts. His mid-range game has also been inconsistent, and his recent shooting lines of 3-for-11, 3-for-13, and 4-for-10 highlight the downturn. While he still leads the Panthers in scoring at 13.1 points per game, much of that production came earlier in the season, and Pittsburgh will need greater consistency from him moving forward.
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse has yet to fully come together despite having pieces that suggest higher upside, and the Orange now sit in the middle of a three-game losing streak. That stretch began with a loss to Boston College, which was winless in conference play at the time. While flashes have been present, Syracuse has struggled to put together complete performances. Donnie Freeman and Nate Kingz have provided scoring punch and moments of optimism, but the lack of consistent team execution has been costly. Head coach Adrian Autry will need to define a clearer identity for this group if Syracuse hopes to reverse course in the second half of conference play.
Matchups of the Week
SMU vs. Louisville – (Jan 31)
The Mustangs enter red-hot, while Louisville looks to rebound after a blowout loss to Duke. Both teams feature high-level backcourts, with key matchups including Boopie Miller vs. Ryan Conwell and B.J. Edwards vs. Mikel Brown Jr., making this one of the most intriguing games of the week.
Duke vs. Virginia Tech (Jan 31)
Duke should be cautious heading into Blacksburg, as Virginia Tech has the personnel to spring an upset. The Hokies will rely on Amani Hansberry, Ben Hammond, and Neoklis Avdalas to execute a near-perfect game plan if they hope to take down the Blue Devils at home.
Miami (FL) vs. California (Jan 31)
California currently sits on the NCAA Tournament bubble and could use another statement win to strengthen its résumé. A cross-country road victory over Miami would go a long way toward solidifying the Golden Bears’ case with the selection committee.