I'm that little bit of hope / When my back's against the ropes
Each season the tournament casts its light on a select few players that can't help but catch your eye. I'm not talking about the All American leading his powerhouse program to the Final Four, I'm talking about the guy you probably wouldn't recognize on the street. Some of them only last a single game but it doesn't take long to recognize a guy hoisting his team on his back. Here's a look at my favorite individuals from the tournament's opening weekend (two from small schools and two from big schools).
Stephen Curry (Davidson)- Dell's kid is the main reason I decided not to ski on Thursday. The sharp-shooting wiry frosh is the reason people love the first round. The baby faced assassin was killing Maryland from deep before he started to run out of gas. Even when his shots weren't falling he was able to contort his lithe frame into every crevice made available by Maryland's staunch defense. The second leading freshmen scorer in the country (behind Durant) is going to be a big factor in March for years to come.
Eric Maynor (VCU)- Under normal circumstances a guy with balls that big should consult a physician. If Duke had somebody like that on their roster they probably wouldn't have become the first round's lone upset. Unlike other mid major standouts Maynor didn't carry his team on his jump shot alone (he only attempted two 3's in as many games). Instead he relied on a devastating mid range game and outstanding vision (8 dimes per) to lead his team over Coach K's Young Leaders of America. If that wasn't enough he cemented his spot on this list when he guided his team back from a 19 point deficit to force Pitt into overtime.
Derrick Byars (Vanderbilt)- It's hard to imagine that people still aren't fully aware of the SEC's Player of the Year. In addition to being a total joy to watch he's also been the tournament's Most Outstanding Player through two rounds. Whether he's defending his basket in the final three seconds of regulation or filling up the stat sheet you can't take your eyes off of him.
J.R. Reynolds (UVA)- Another well-established player who doesn't get the national recognition that he truly deserves (even if he did go to Oak Hill). Fellow guard Sean Singletary attracts a lot of the media's attention because of his penchant for the dramatic but it's J.R. that carried the offensive burden. He can, and will (9/18 on 3's), shoot from all over the floor with enough moves to elude any defender. In his two tournament games he averaged 27 points on over 58% from the field. Apparently I'm in the minority but I think the senior can become an excellent bench scorer in the NBA.
Stephen Curry (Davidson)- Dell's kid is the main reason I decided not to ski on Thursday. The sharp-shooting wiry frosh is the reason people love the first round. The baby faced assassin was killing Maryland from deep before he started to run out of gas. Even when his shots weren't falling he was able to contort his lithe frame into every crevice made available by Maryland's staunch defense. The second leading freshmen scorer in the country (behind Durant) is going to be a big factor in March for years to come.
Eric Maynor (VCU)- Under normal circumstances a guy with balls that big should consult a physician. If Duke had somebody like that on their roster they probably wouldn't have become the first round's lone upset. Unlike other mid major standouts Maynor didn't carry his team on his jump shot alone (he only attempted two 3's in as many games). Instead he relied on a devastating mid range game and outstanding vision (8 dimes per) to lead his team over Coach K's Young Leaders of America. If that wasn't enough he cemented his spot on this list when he guided his team back from a 19 point deficit to force Pitt into overtime.
Derrick Byars (Vanderbilt)- It's hard to imagine that people still aren't fully aware of the SEC's Player of the Year. In addition to being a total joy to watch he's also been the tournament's Most Outstanding Player through two rounds. Whether he's defending his basket in the final three seconds of regulation or filling up the stat sheet you can't take your eyes off of him.
J.R. Reynolds (UVA)- Another well-established player who doesn't get the national recognition that he truly deserves (even if he did go to Oak Hill). Fellow guard Sean Singletary attracts a lot of the media's attention because of his penchant for the dramatic but it's J.R. that carried the offensive burden. He can, and will (9/18 on 3's), shoot from all over the floor with enough moves to elude any defender. In his two tournament games he averaged 27 points on over 58% from the field. Apparently I'm in the minority but I think the senior can become an excellent bench scorer in the NBA.
4 Comments:
Although he looks like he is 14 years old that Curry kid was lights out. His stroke was almost as sweet as his old man's. I really wanted Davidson to carry the day so that we could get another look at Curry.
My favorite anecdote about Maynor is that he's from Tobacco Road and he grew up a UNC fan, but wasn't recruited by the Heels. He must have daydreamed about hitting game winners against Duke his whole life. And to do it in his first time on the national stage is out of control.
We'll have plenty of looks at Curry, he might be the guy to finally lead Davidson to a win over Duke. Remember, that game's always on national tv.
I've become such a huge fan of Maynor. As a sophomore he too should have plenty of chances to showcase his ability. He's going to be a good pro one day, I'll have to get in Ernie Grunfeld's ear soon.
UM,
I'm up in Canada, so unless its a CBS Saturday game(doubtful), I won't be seeing any of Davidson and Curry triumphing over Duke, but I'll find a torrent site and download the shit when it comes out.
Byars is under the radar because nobody knows much about - or cares much about - Vanderbilt athletics. Vandy's 2OT win over WSU was an absolute thriller from halftime on, so what does Sportscenter do? Sum up the game in 20 seconds and only show two highlights: a couple missed 3pt shots by WSU.
If the player of the year in one of the biggest, best conferences is relatively unknown, its because the national media kept him that way.
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