The Playmakers
After watching the first two months of the college basketball season it has become evident that the point guard is still the most important position in the sport. Across the board, if you examine all of the key teams on the national level, there is a surplus of top-notch floor generals that direct and lead the offenses. Listed below are the top ten point guards of this young season. While there might be other players out there with better numbers and more talent, there is no question that these playmakers have been the most impressive.
10. Jacob Pullen, Kansas State- In a talent packed Big 12 conference, Pullen has an offensive game that’s as smooth as they come. With solid ball handling skills and game awareness, night after night, Pullen is able to own the perimeter. His ability to deliver breakout games for the Wildcats has been key to their run thus far. Pullen is able to produce because he has a consistent passion that accommodates his ability to score. At 20 points per game, the proof is in the pudding.
9. Kemba Walker, Connecticut- Back when AJ Price left, people wondered how the kid from the Bronx would take on the responsibility of engineering the Huskies offense. In the meantime, Walker has answered the call for head coach Jim Calhoun. His jump shot could use some work, but the rest of his offensive skill set is really staring to fall in place. Big East action is heating up, and Walker has left no doubt that he is the man with the plan.
8. Chris Warren, Ole Miss- Despite his small stature, Chris Warren is player whose talent is a cut above most other guards in the nation. His college career has been filled with ups and downs but now things seem to be bouncing in the right direction. He is a dangerous scorer that always has an ability to create. Ole Miss is playing some great basketball right now, and Chris Warren is the main reason why.
7. Jerome Randle, California-Berkley- It’s a down year in the Pac 10, with UCLA and Arizona struggling and USC is banned from March. However, Jerome Randle is bringing pride to Cal. He is a machine that is solid at both ends of the floor and has an innate knack at getting to the hole. He is always a part of the offense and never takes a play off. If Cal can keep playing the way that they have, expect them to be a threat when March rolls around. If that's the case, then watch out for Jerome Randle.
6. Trevon Hughes, Wisconsin- Hughes plays with a relentless passion and the Queens product lives for the big moment, coming up with plays at both ends of the floor. He is a smart player that does not commit stupid fouls and always seems to know how to keep his team in tough games. When watching Hughes, he rarely turns the ball over and his limited mistakes are conducive to the rest of his teammates. The Badger offense is always in good hands when Trevon Hughes has the ball. And they always have a chance to win.
5. Kalin Lucas, Michigan State- Lucas brings a lot of tools to the table. He can run the floor with anybody and he is fearless, never afraid to take the big shot. Altogether, it is Lucas that is the force that energizes his basketball team and quickness that is his ultimate asset. When Michigan State gives up a bucket, he has the ball at Half Court within three seconds. It seems like panic mode, but when Kalin Lucas runs the Spartan offense, he is as cool as a cat.
4. Sherron Williams, Kansas- The only reason why Williams is not ranked higher is because he is surrounded by a boatload of talent. His numbers, ability and leadership certainly stack up with the players listed ahead of him, but chances are that Kansas would still be a ranked team in Collins’ absence because of their depth. He is having a terrific year and is running the show for the best team in the nation. There might not be a better Guard out there that runs the fast break as well as Williams. Not only can he get it to the rack, but also he knows when to put on the breaks and throw a neck-snapping pass either to a trailing teammate or one that has already made it to the glass.
3. John Scheyer, Duke- By moving to PG, Jon Scheyer has brought a new outlook and energy to the Duke offense. He is a huge threat and has displayed a solid ability to penetrate and get all of his teammates involved. His jumper is something that will never go away and he has certainly established himself as one of the best pure shooters in Duke history. In his Senior season, Scheyer has never made it past the Sweet 16. His play so far has folks in Durham thinking that this just might be the season to end that hoax. 2. Scottie Reynolds, Villanova- There might be more talented point guards out there, but no player has given more to his program than this Villanova point-guard has has. Scottie Reynolds is a born leader and never willing to back down. He carries the offense on some nights, and many times, in big games. He is a winner, and serves as the heart and soul of the Villanova team. He can find the open man and knows when to attack the hole. He has nonstop enthusiasm and he is always attacking the defense.
1. John Wall, Kentucky- The sky is the limit for the freshman sensation in Lexington. He has captivated the college basketball world and is now what seems to be a certain number 1 pick in this June’s NBA draft. There are a handful of NBA teams that would start Wall right now if given the opportunity, perhaps even half of the Eastern Conference! The striking similarities and comparisons to Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans are justified when you see Wall’s uncanny ball handling skills on the fast break. On the court, Wall can be just as dangerous without the ball. Yet, similar to Rose, it seems like Wall is even faster with the ball than without. In terms of offense, Wall has all the tools. A solid jump shot, relentless effort in driving to the bucket and a non-stop motor that ignites the wildcat’s offensive engine.
Honorable Mentions:
Deonta Vaughn- Cincinnati: Vaughn has been essential in getting the Bearcat’s off to a nice start in the big bad Big East.
Malcolm Delaney- Virginia Tech: Hands down, one of the most talented guards in the nation.
Nic Wise- Arizona: The answer is yes. Nic made the wise decision to hold off on the NBA and stay in college for another year.
Scoop Jardine- Syracuse: The scoop on Scoop? Syracuse would probably be unranked without this Philly product.
