Player of the Week
Wade Taylor– Guard, Texas A&M
Taylor had over 20 points in both of his games this week. The Aggies have won six straight games, and Taylor has played an instrumental role in this by scoring 20 points in all but one game (where he scored 18). Taylor has been a pest defensively, recording six steals over his last two games. Most importantly, Taylor was huge in their win over Tennessee, contributing in every facet of a huge upset victory.
Freshman of the Week
Brandon Miller– Forward, Alabama
Miller has been in the eye of a storm of controversial headlines and media reports all week, but was able to still go out and score 41 points. On top of the scoring outburst, he also hit both the basket to send the game to overtime, and the basket for the win in overtime. He blocked three shots and had two steals in a two-point victory on the road. In Miller’s previous game, he scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in just 21 minutes. Miller has established as one of the best players, much less top prospect on the college level, and he is currently still improving every game.
Who’s Hot
Oscar Tshiebwe- Center, Kentucky
Oscar has been a huge factor in Kentucky’s late run after a really rough stretch for them as a team. Tshiebwe has recorded double digit points in four straight games with two double doubles. While his rebounding numbers are down in his last two games, Oscar has still been fantastic for the Wildcats.
[Player: KJ Williams– Forward, LSU
KJ had a huge game against Vanderbilt scoring 35 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. This game helped LSU win their first game since December. Williams has recorded 14 or more points in three straight games.
[Texas A&M]- The Aggies have picked the right time to get hot. Despite not dominating anybody, they find a way to win hard fought games consistently. They have won eight of their last nine games, with two more winnable games on the horizon before facing the Crimson Tide to wrap up their season.
Who’s Not
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has been blown out in both of their games this week. Over these two games, they have been outscored 205-124. Tough stretch of games for the Bulldogs, as they played two of the tougher teams in the conference.
Zakai Zeigler– Guard, Tennessee
Zakai has been shooting terribly from the field this week. Against Kentucky, he shot 2-10 as the Vols lost by 12 on the road. He followed this game up with a 6-17 performance in a loss to Texas A&M. Rough couple games for the sophomore, who will need to figure it out quick as the season is coming to an end.
Top Five Scorers
1. Brandon Miller- Forward, Alabama– Strictly on the court, Miller is a sensational basketball player who can score at will, rebound, and defend. He can score from all three levels and can get to the rim effortlessly. The freshman is averaging just under 20 points per game this season. Miller has size at 6’9”, and can really connect from outside. On the season, he’s taking over seven three-point attempts per game, and converting on over 43% of them. Once he gets hot, there is no stopping him.
2. KJ Williams– Forward, LSU- While Williams has struggled over the last month plus, he is still second in the conference in scoring. He has scored 30 or more points three times this year. While Williams is having his least efficient season of his career shooting the ball from the field, he is having his best season shooting from deep and from the line. At 6’10” he is shooting over 41% from three-point range which is impressive.
3. Ricky Council IV– Guard, Arkansas- Ricky has been great for the Razorbacks all season. Averaging over 16.5 points per game this year, Ricky has been a consistent bucket getter since the opening game. He has scored 20 or more points nine times this year, with his season high being 27 points. The most impressive part of his game, is that he is not a three-point shooter. Shooting a career worst 27% from deep, Council has really gone to work inside and in the mid-range.
4. Kobe Brown– Guard, Missouri- Brown has been sensational for the Tigers this season. Averaging over 16 points per game, he has scored over 30 points twice. He also has nine games with over 20 points this season. Brown is a very efficient scorer, who shoots over 55% from the field. Brown is having a career year as a scorer, and has helped Missouri play some really solid basketball all season.
5. Oscar Tsheibwe– Center, Kentucky- Oscar is a very dominant presence inside, who finishes strong through contact consistently. He is currently averaging more than 16 points per game while shooting 56% from the field. All of his points come from inside the three-point line, as he is 0-2 from deep this year. Oscar averages over five offensive rebounds per game, so he earns a lot of put backs and easy second chance looks for himself. His season high is 37 points, and he has scored 20 or more points eight times.