Player of the Week
Tashawn Thomas – Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s addition of TaShawn Thomas this off season was a huge boost for the Sooner’s interior lineup, and after a steady start, Thomas finally broke out for a big game with his new team. Saturday afternoon against in state rivals, Tulsa, TaShawn went off for 25 points on 9 of 12 shots from the field, and 7 for 8 from the charity stripe. Simply too much for any Hurricane defender to handle, Thomas had his way both inside the paint, and hitting mid-range jump shots. The scope of his impact wasn’t just felt in the points column. The 6’8’’ senior snatched 4 offensive rebounds, swatted 3 shots, and made life very hard for Tulsa’s big men, especially D’Andre Wright who went 0-5 from the field, and was the victim of at least one of Thomas’ blocks. After getting overpowered by Frank Kaminsky and the 2nd ranked Wisconsin Badgers, Oklahoma has won their last two games by an average of 19 points, and with TaShawn Thomas producing at his recent level, the Sooners look to be gaining some steam to be as they prepare to finish out their non-conference schedule.
Who’s Hot
Nino Williams – Kansas State
In his previous 3 seasons in a Wildcat uniform, senior forward Nino Williams, was very much a peripheral player for K-State. Previously described as a glue guy, Williams has now stepped into the forefront during his final year of NCAA basketball. Averaging 12.8 points per game on the year more than doubles his scoring production as a junior, and this past week Nino had no trouble topping his season averages. Tuesday versus Bradley, the 6’5’’ senior notched his 2nd career double double by pulling down 12 rebounds to go with his team high 14 points. Sunday he tied a career high with 20 points, again leading K-State in scoring in a lopsided win over Savannah State. Williams has actually paced the Wildcats in 3 out of their last 4 contests, and his weekly averages sit at robust 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Phil Forte III – Oklahoma State
As one of the top long range marksman in the Big 12, Phil Forte is no stranger to launching shots. He attempts over 11 shots per game on the year, and his 67 attempts from beyond the three point line ranks him second in the conference. That being said, it isn’t Forte’s volume shooting that landed him recognition, it’s his extreme efficiency in his only game this week. Oklahoma State dismantled Memphis over the weekend, and Forte’s prowess at the free throw line lead him to a 19 point performance in which he only took 5 shots from the field. The Cowboy’s junior shooting guard went 4-5 from the field, 2-3 from beyond the arc, and 9-10 from the free throw line. Not to be too one dimensional, Phil also chipped in 4 steals. Ranked 3rd in the Big 12 in points per game (17.7) Forte’s increased production in his 3rd season is no doubt a major factor in OSU’s surprising 8-1 start to the 2014-15 season.
Who’s Not
Devin Williams – West Virginia
When looking at players shooting under 40% from the field, you rarely run into a hulking power forward who make a living close to the rim. The Big 12’s exception is Devin Williams, who’s shooting just 37% from the field on the season, and hasn’t even shot over 50% in a single game since the Mountaineers beat George Mason November 20th. Perhaps William’s biggest problem is poor footwork, that often leads to him attempting shots off balanced, and frequently being pushed out of position by his defenders. Devin is no slouch in the rebounding column, and his presence in the lane is key in West Virginia’s early success, but it’s safe to say the 6’9’’ 255 pound forward need to be more efficient. Marshall, VMI and Northern Kentucky are one thing, but Iowa State, Texas and Kansas are another. Devin’s inefficiency could very well be the difference between a win and a loss in Big 12 play.
Top 5 Low Post Scorers
With more and more forwards and centers looking to face up and stretch defenses every year, the art of the low post game is not nearly as prevalent as it once was. However, this year in the Big 12 there are a number of low post technicians, who still are very adept at operating on the block. Here are my top 5.
1. Perry Ellis – Kansas
Perry Ellis has made a living with his footwork over the past two plus years for the Jayhawks. Coming in as a bit of an undersized power forward, Ellis has become and incredibly crafty low post scorer by utilizing an array of spin moves and hook shots. One part Kevin McHale, one part that old guy at the YMCA, Ellis has enough up his sleeves to keep defenders guessing when he’s operating in the paint.
2. Tashawn Thomas – Oklahoma
Mentioned earlier in this blog, TaShawn Thomas also makes an appearance on the list of the Big 12’s top low post scorers. Possessing an incredibly well balanced offensive game, and the bulk and long arms to operate on the block, Thomas is a very strong finisher and a player capable of pulling off everything from a jump hook to a fade away. As a 1st option for his former school, Houston, TaShawn is no stranger to post isolations, or being a featured offensive option close to the rim
3. Cameron Ridley – Texas
An array of moves, impeccable footwork, and superb poise can often lead to success operating in the paint, and occasionally being a massive human being can get the job done. Not to say, Cameron Ridley, is unskilled. He is. Cameron’s drop step is nearly unstoppable at the NCAA level, and he’s showcased soft hands and good coordination finishing around the hoop. Still, lets face it, the fact that he’s 6’10’’, 285 pounds, and sporting 7’4’’ wingspan is a major factor as to why he’s a tough assignment for opposing forwards and centers.
4. Thomas Gipson – Kansas State
Coming into Manhattan as a massive, but pudgy freshman, Thomas Gipson has chiseled his body down over the years to a lean and powerful 265 pounds. His frame and strength are the catalyst behind his prowess on the block, as he’s simply put, a hard guy to handle in the paint. A master of positioning, and using his bulk and strength to knock his opponents off balance, it’s no surprise 9 games into his senior season he’s hitting 75.9% of his shots at the rim (according to hoop-math.com).
5. Myles Turner – Texas
Although Turner is known as more of a face up threat, and a stretch 4 doesn’t mean he’s not a tactician down low as well. While a number of his shot attempts are jumpers 10-15 feet away from the basket, Texas’ talented freshman has showcased back to the basket moves beyond his years. Turner’s length and coordination have allowed him to hone a heck of a fade-away, and he’s very comfortable shooting a nice jump hook that is nearly unblock able. While, his low post prowess may not be his #1 choice to dismantle a defense, it’s certainly good enough to put him amongst the most skilled post men in the conference.
Honorable Mention – Georges Niang – Iowa State
Perhaps the craftiest, and most skilled post passer in the conference, Georges Niang has to find a spot on this list, even if he’s shifted more towards a perimeter and high post player in his Junior season. His evolution from a pudgy face up 5 to a leaner more perimeter oriented high low option as a junior would have certainly not been as natural without his post moves and smarts matching up against more athletic players. Possessing footwork, dual hand mastery, and elite level intangibles are enough to land Georges among the best low post scorers in the conference, even if he gets most of his points in other ways these days.
Follow David Ray on Twitter @DR_NBADraft