Player of the Week
Jeronne Maymon, Tennessee
In order for Tennessee to be competitive in a tenacious SEC an unproven commodity was going to have to take his game to another level. Jeronne Maymon appears to be that guy. The 6’7 265 pound Maymon is the prototypical college mismatch, with the strength to bruise on the interior, the length to terrorize the glass and the face up skills to embarrass less agile defenders off the bounce. He received national recognition for his two efforts early last week against Duke and Memphis in Maui, and rightfully so, despite two losses in the W/L ledger. Maymon went for 14 and 12 against Duke, and produced a game for the ages vs. Memphis in a double OT thriller with 32 points, 20 rebounds (9 offensive) and 16/17 free throws. His 30/20 masterpiece was the first of its kind since Blake Griffin in 2009. He sat out the final game of the Maui Invitational against Chaminade with a tweaked ankle, but returned Monday at Oakland with 8 pts.
Who’s Hot
BJ Young, Arkansas
While the dynamic freshman continues to come off the bench, Young is receiving a starter share of minutes. He produced two big games last week against less than premium competition in Utah Valley and Grambling State, averaging 18 points on 47% shooting, 7 rebounds and 3 assists (against 2 turnovers). He recorded his first collegiate double-double versus UV. On the season Young is converting 50% from the field, 39% from distance and 91% from the charity stripe. Head Coach Mike Anderson loves to shuffle bodies, but a talent like Young needs more PT, learning curve or not.
Kenny Boynton, Florida
Boynton is off to a fabulous start for the 10th ranked Gators. He notched consecutive 22-point games last week in home victories over Wright State and Jacksonville, hitting 13/23 field goals (57%) and 10/16 treys (63%). It’s hard to critique his exorbitant numbers of three-point attempts when he’s converting at a 51% clip. He boasts a 3:1 assist:turnover ratio as well.
Who’s Not
Gerald Robinson & Dustin Ware
The Bulldogs have been a nightmarish offensive unit in the season’s opening six games. They rank 12th in the conference in points per game (60), 12th in FG% (38) and 10th in assists (11.8). A heavy dose of blame must fall on the playmaking, or lack thereof, of their senior backcourt. Robinson’s 10 assists in three games last week is an acceptable figure, but less so when his total of 13 turnovers is staring you in the face. Ware has been a steady hand as per usual (2 turnovers in last three games). Unfortunately, he’s been responsible for next to zero offense. He shot 4/19 (21%) last week and dished out only 2 assists per contest.
Top 5 Draft Prospects 6’10 and Up
1. Anthony Davis, Kentucky- His praises have been well sung. The lanky 6’10 freshman is averaging 13 points (71% FG), 8 rebounds and 4 blocks through six games. Davis’ numbers could get scary when he’s forced to play upwards of 25 minutes.
2. Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State- The step up in class seems to have benefited Moultrie. He’s dominating the backboards (11 rebounds) and connecting on 89% from the free throw line (6 attempts). Not yet the shot blocking force he could and should be.
3. Terrance Henry, Mississippi- The versatile forward has struggled mightily to find his stride. Henry is shooting 38% FG and 13% from three (2.5 attempts) while committing 3.5 turnovers per game. He has the ideal frame and skill set for an NBA SF, now he needs to utilize those assets and stop fumbling the rock.
4. Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt- Ezeli is a legitimate 5 at 6’11 255. His post skills have been cultivated tenfold and he finishes with power. He was suspended for the season’s opening six games for accepting improper benefits and is now nursing a sprained knee. His 2011-2012 debut could be on hold.
5. Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State- Natural talent aside, injuries have forced Sidney off the court and poor conditioning has limited his impact on it. He’s putting up 8 points and 4 rebounds in 22 minutes, and his 45% free throw accuracy is startling. Still waiting for the "light" to turn on for the 6’10 big with guard skills.
Player Notes
-With Arnett Moultrie and Renardo Sidney missing time due to injury, Rodney Hood led the Bulldogs to a 3-0 week. 16 PPG on 66% FG, 7 RPG and a 4 block game versus Tennessee Martin.
-Auburn doesn’t get much pub, but Varez Ward is off to a terrific start for the Tigers. 14 PPG, 50% FG, 46% 3PT, 5 assists, 5 rebounds and a steal. Their first real test comes Friday at Seton Hall.
-Ole Miss forward Murphy Holloway scored 20 points in a victory over TCU and recorded his second 17-rebound game of the season in an OT W over Miami. Not a bad week for the junior who’s averaging a double-double and shooting 56% from the floor.
-South Carolina freshman Damien Leonard was the goat last week after missing 19 of 22 shots. This week he showed his talents on the national stage against North Carolina, scoring 13 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. That super impressive effort was followed up in typical frosh fashion, however, with a goose egg on 0/6 shooting versus Southern California.
-Even without the presence of their two stars JaMychal Green and Tony Mitchell 31627, Alabama’s young core thoroughly laid the wood to Alabama A&M 82-45. The Tide limited A&M to 24% shooting and held a +20 edge on the glass. The team’s four freshman Levi Randolph, Trevor Lacey, Rodney Cooper and Nick Jacobs all scored in double figures.