MBB: NESCAC

[jayhawk]

In fairness to Middlebury about flopping one reason was that they were hoping to get Toomey in foul trouble

Forgot Kalema kept Amherst in game as noted by NESCAC1

[AmherstStudent05]

Just returned from a great day at the NESCAC's most famous arena.

First off, big congratulations to Amherst for securing their third straight "regular season" NESCAC title.  (Three top seeds in three years and 14 years of never being seeded worse than 6th is a pretty good track record for consistency as well I would have to say.)

Out of 14 NESCAC Tournaments, this is the eighth time Amherst has earned the top seed.  Williams has earned the top seed three times, Trinity twice, and Midd once.

Of course, in order to truly "host" the Tournament, we first need to take care of business against Colby.  As nescac1 predicted, I am at least one Amherst fan who is grateful to see my Jeffs get a chance to avenge their only NESCAC loss this season.  I am aware that I should be careful what I wish for as Colby definitely outplayed us up at their place a few weeks ago, but let's see them do it again at LeFrak.  Colby, no doubt, will also have revenge on their minds as Amherst bounced them from last year's quarterfinals.

As for today's game, I really don't have too much to add on top of what has already been said.  Let me join nescac1 and others who have praised the play of Tom Killian.  Tom played a fantastic game on both ends of the court today as he has almost all of this season (the Colby game was actually a very rare down game for him, and I am sure he will bring it against the Mules next week).  He definitely has to be a strong contender for Second Team All NESCAC and DPOY.  Amh63, as for your gym point, I have to say that Killian has really put on some muscle since last I saw him in person (in Atlanta last April).  You can't call him "lanky" anymore.  He must have put in a lot of grueling hours in the gym this offseason, but the results have definitely paid off.  I for one am grateful for that sacrifice.

As for Midd, today seemed to follow the story of much of their season.  Forget putting a few weeks of solid basketball together, or even a game or two, for some reason I can't explain, Midd really has struggled to play consistent basketball from half to half.  I thought Midd played really tough basketball in the first half.  They came out with a lot of energy and enthusiasm (led in many ways by Jake Brown), and they played really tough D on us.  They also moved the ball nicely on us and got some solid looks on us even though we really played great D pretty much all game long.  Of course, they benefited from the absence of Toomey and then Killian, but they also looked like the Midd teams I have been used to seeing the past several years.

The second half was a totally different story.  Of course, I need to give Amherst the most credit.  I think every Amherst fan expected the Jeffs to come out firing right out of the gate in the second half in light of how much time Toomey had missed (I didn't sense any panic or worry at all from the Amherst bench or sidelines in the first half -- as long as the game was close and Toomey had no more than 2 fouls, we knew we could step up our play).  But while Amherst certainly stepped up its play in a big way, Midd seemed to be strangely lacking a lot of the intensity and fire they showed in the first half -- especially on the defensive end.  Midd started the second half with a turnover and it didn't really get much better from there.  It was easily the least impressive defensive showing for Midd against Amherst in a half of basketball that I can remember.

Midd struggled on the offensive end as well as they didn't move the ball quite as well as they had in the first.  A lot of the shots they did hit were very difficult mid range jumpers (though, Jake Brown also had some easy lay-ins due to his penetration, and Roberts had a few point-blank bunnies that he simply has to make).

As far as individual performances for the Panthers.  Joey played his typically great, complete game (despite picking up a bunch of costly fouls in the second half).  Sinnickson was as advertised.  An incredibly athletic, physical specimen, he can seemingly generate offense from anywhere on the court.  His long-range shooting was off a bit, but he wisely compensated by attacking the rim.  He is a freight train when he gets going.  Jake Brown was the most impressive though.  First, he plays with an energy and passion that Midd probably needs.  He also showed great quickness and ability in getting to the hoop.  He also played some fantastic defense -- particularly in the first half (not sure any Panther distinguished themselves on the defensive end in the second half).  I know Amherst partisans were scratching their heads as to how he finished with only two fouls in light of how aggressive he was playing, but that is just kudos to him.  Any word on if Coach Hixon has any nephews? (His son could very well be an Olympic athlete one day -- only problem for me is that he is a world-class diver, not a basketball or football player!)

Anyway, enough about Midd.  Congrats again to Coach Hixon and the guys.  Today was Senior Day. I  had forgotten what a classy job Coach Hixon and the Amherst program does honoring its seniors (as I am sure all NESCAC programs do).  Those five young men (Logan Buckner was included as well even though injuries have kept him from the team entirely this year) have meant an awful lot to Amherst Basketball.  Hopefully we will still have another month or so to enjoy watching them play.  But, first things first.  Time to get revenge on Colby!

[Bucket]

Well, stating the obvious, Amherst is a terrific team, particularly when Killian and Toomey are in sync as they were in the second half. Add in Kalema's ability to get to the cup and Connor Green's potential to knock down shots (I know he's been struggling, but he's still such a threat), and it takes a very well-played game to knock them off. And that was just not in the cards for the Panthers today.

Defense will keep you in games, as the first half showed, but against a team as good as Amherst, poor shooting while giving up open looks on the other end is a recipe for disaster. (Witness: the second half.) Midd going 3-18 from three (and just 33 percent overall), while Amherst connects on 50 percent of their shots will give you the result you saw today, every time. (And this was not a case of Amherst getting hot at the right time or shooting uncharacteristically well. With the looks they got in the second half, Amherst will make you pay. And today, they did.)

Shots will fall—or they won't. But defense can still win you ballgames, and I expect that to be an emphasis for the Panthers this week. If Midd can clamp down on the defensive end, they will be in any game they play.

As far as the home crowd complaining about the officiating, it's probably best if I leave that one alone...

[middhoops]

Amherst has too many very talented, highly athletic players for most above average D3 teams to handle.  Their transition game is entertainingly explosive.  Much as I hated it working so well against my team, I couldn't help but wonder how my D1 local fave could have handled it.
Aaron Toomey looks like the kid who gets picked last on a playground.  Then he toys with you before sinking an off balance 23' shot that NEVER leaves a doubt in your mind it's nuthin' but net.
The list of Killian, Kalema, George, Green, etc. would be superlatives but you guys already know it.

Jake Brown continues to develop as a first rate ball handler and penetrator.  Watching him adapt to the college game has been fun for me. 

Brew Pub Alert!
If you go to the finals in Amherst, MA; be sure to check out the High Horse.  It's on the main drag.  Can't miss it.  Eclectic beer list and suitable pub food.

[Pat Coleman]

Brew Pub Alert!
If you go to the finals in Amherst, MA; be sure to check out the High Horse.  It's on the main drag.  Can't miss it.  Eclectic beer list and suitable pub food.

That's where I ate when I was in Amherst last winter. Definitely agree.

[Vandy74]

Tough road trip with Middhoops today, although not a totally unexpected outcome.  Beating any good team in front of the parents on Senior day is a tall order.  Just ask Colby, winners over Amherst, who were given that assignment against the Panthers.  And Amherst is not just a good team.  They are the best I've seen play this season.  Too many problems for Middlebury this afternoon.  Many spelled with an "A" but also many of their own making. And some fine performances in a losing effort that were noticed by all who attended.  The ever improving play of Jake Brown.  Another solid performance from James Jensen whose best games don't always translate into box score numbers.  Joey Kizel always playing like Joey Kizel.  Sinnickson adjusting his game when his outside shooting touch was missing.  All good reasons for the Panthers to lick their wounds and prepare to take care of business in Pepin on Saturday.  That way the door to a rematch remains open.

AmherstStudent05, I wish we could have met up.  It's always fun to put a face on the poster.  I don't stand out in a crowd but if you noticed the orange capped gentleman sitting behind the Middlebury bench in the second half you saw Middhoops. 

I also highly recommend the High Horse as a place to ease the pain of losing with a cold beer and a good burger.

Hmmm....I see the Cuz has beaten me to it.  Well, just consider mine to be a second opinion.

[7express]

Has the NESCAC set the times for the semi's and finals, or are they waiting until after the quarters get played in case the Tufts women lose as the 1 seed again and Amherst has to host both again??

[AmherstStudent05]

With the regular season now complete, and the lion's share of precincts now reporting, I thought I might provide an update from the election desk at AS05.

As you may recall, we have already projected Duncan Robinson as RoY (really went out on a ledge on that one) and Toomey, Mayer, and Kizel to the first team.  In my last post, I said I was close to projecting Robinson and Hart to the first team as well.

We can now project that Duncan Robinson will be named to the NESCAC First Team.  From my quick research, he will be the first First Year to be named to any All NESCAC team (let alone the First Team) since at least 2000, and perhaps much longer than that (I have no idea if there was even such a thing as an All-NESCAC team prior to 2001).  Congratulations, Duncan! (We head now to Williamstown for his acceptance speech).

I think Matt Hart may need to keep his own acceptance speech on ice for a bit longer.  I still have him in the pole position for the final first team spot, but guys like Hudnut or Swords may unseat him with strong showings in the NESCAC Tournament (I certainly hope Hudnut doesn't have a strong showing!).

Other strong Second Team possibilities include Sinnickson (not sure if coaches will hold his absence earlier in the season against him, but otherwise he looks like a surefire Second Teamer to me) and Killian.  The final Second Team selection could be a tough one.  Hunter Sabety has put together a very fine season indeed -- leading his team in scoring and leading the entire conference in blocks.  Hard to see the coaches putting two freshmen on All-NESCAC teams after going so long without recognizing any, but Sabety may not give them much of a choice.  (I have seen very little of Sabety since the JumboCast didn't work for the Amherst game, so I am relying mostly on stats which can be tough to do.)

Again, I personally am hesitant to recognize any player whose team hasn't qualified for the post season.

(Ralph Kiner's recent passing reminded me of a story -- perhaps apocryphal -- that illuminates my thinking on this issue.  Story goes that as Kiner was near the peak of his hall-of-fame career with the otherwise dreadful Pirates, he went to the Pirates' General Manager and asked for a new contract and a raise.  Pittsburgh's GM (Branch Rickey) is reputed to have replied something along the lines of: "We are in last place with you, and we can be in last place without you."  I know the "logic" of this statement isn't rock solid -- have to protect myself from PN! -- but it nevertheless is helpful in reminding me that individual accomplishments are significantly more valuable when done in conjunction with some greater team success.  I think there should be plenty of people to honor who helped their teams reach the postseason.)

This view means that I personally would be very hesitant to consider Matt Vadas.  I do not think he will crack the Second Team in light of Conn's troubles this year, but he has been such a good player for so long, that I think there is a remote chance that he is honored with a second team selection as part of a "lifetime achievement" award.  This could particularly be so if Sabety doesn't show up well against the Ephs next week.

I would love to get a Bantam on the Second Team in recognition of the season they turned in, but Trinity is hurt by how balanced they are offensively.  Also, speaking of "lifetime achievement" it is tough to leave Epley off this list.  Still, as I said a while back, I think the combination of his slump to start the conference season, the two games he missed due to injury (costing him two games to pile up some big stats) and, most importantly, the fact that Williams is already a lock to have two All-NESCAC selections without him, will make it very difficult for Taylor to return to the Second Team.  However, if Williams wins the conference tourney and Taylor is the (unofficial) Tourney MVP, I think there is a small chance that he could sneak into that last Second team spot and become the third Eph to secure All Conference honors.  Also, while I would love for Connor Green to be an All-NESCAC selection, I am afraid he is pretty much out of the running this year.  There is no doubt in my mind that Connor has All NESCAC ability, and he has put that ability on display for large chunks of the season.  Unfortunately, most of those chunks did not come in the course of NESCAC play where Connor has admittedly struggled a bit by his standards.  Also, similar to Epley, he will be hurt by the fact that Killian (a senior no less) will all but certainly get all conference recognition ahead of him.  Again, it will be hard for any school to get three spots on the All-NESCAC team this year.

As for PoY, only an abundance of caution keeps me from projecting Toomey right now.  He has it all but sewn up.  However, I suppose if Colby bounces Amherst and either Mayer or Robinson (really Mayer) is particularly dominant en route to a Williams title then there is a chance that Toomey could lose out, though even then I would still like Toomey's chances.

DPOY I just can't project.  I watch a lot of NESCAC basketball, but it is just too difficult for me to keep track of all the players around the league.  I do know, as I have said many times before, that Tom Killian is absolutely worthy of the honor this year.  He leads the league in steals, is top 10 in rebounds, plays great man D and makes hustle plays all over the court.  I just find it hard to discount other players.  In particular, Swords and Wohl strike me as people who might be other worthy contenders.  Unfortunately, I have hardly seen Trinity play at all this year (their webcast of Amherst was pretty choppy -- or non existent as well).  They certainly play great team D, and I am just not sure if they have any DPOY candidates.

COY -- likely to be the conference tourney winner, but maybe not.  I say just give it to Hix regardless. Guy is a legend.

6th Man of the Year (I made this up): Hausman.

[AmherstStudent05]

Vandy, if things break right for us -- still lots of work to be done -- maybe I will see you in LeFrak in a couple of weeks.  I did see the Road to Salem camera there today.  Hopefully I will get lots of screen time.  I am the really handsome, really intelligent looking one.  Shouldn't be too hard to identify.

Just finished listening to Coach Hixon on Hoopsville.  Coach confirmed that Ben Pollack has suffered a season ending injury.  That is terrible news.  I just hope Ben will be able to make a full recovery.  So much for my dreams of seeing #30 in action next week against Colby.

Also, Walzy made a fantastic appearance on Hoopsville. i disagree with him on Bowdoin/Middlebury.  With all due respect to Bowdoin (who may well make me eat my words later on), my gut still tells me that Middlebury is the better team. (Also, Walzy, Midd is the 3 seed in the Tourney, not Bowdoin).  Everything else he said was spot on. (nescac1, you should check out all the praise my man was heaping on Crotty at the end of his interview. He compared Crotty to Olson and Toomey, you should definitely check it out.  All in good fun though with Walzy, as always.)

Speaking of which, also at the end of his interview, walzy confirms, and discusses, his retirement from the boards.  I certainly sympathize with his viewpoint as I do think things may have gotten a little heated/personal at times last year.  But I do hope Walzy reconsiders and rejoins the fray.  This board certainly isn't the same without him.  Amherst needs its super fan posting again, and everyone needs the All Crazy team.  We miss you, walzy!

[nescac1]

Will have to check out Hoopsville.  Tough blow for Amherst losing Pollack, and certainly bad luck for him.  The Jeffs have generally been very fortunate (especially compared with Midd and Williams) over the past few years with injuries.  This is the first major (meaning unable to play) injury that I can recall to a starting player late in the season they've suffered in quite some time, and to me, it is a very crucial one.  David George has the most athletic ability of any center in NESCAC (that is saying something because Sabety is also an elite athlete for the position) and he has shown (including in particular yesterday) that he is capable of stepping up and being a major force on a both ends.  But Pollack brings a totally different dimension -- while not as intimidating a presence, he is really physical, a better defensive rebounder, and a more polished passer and shooter than George. And while Amherst has the luxury of having a lot more depth at the five position than, I would bet, any team in the country, the injury certainly weakens the bench.  I wonder if Mussachia might end up playing some five in the post-season -- he has come on late in the season and like Pollack a very strong, physical guy who does the little things and can clean up the defensive boards.  Certainly, this puts more pressure on George to avoid foul trouble. 

I am curious to hear Walzy's thoughts on Olson/Toomey/Crotty.  While Olson and Crotty were true point guards and really fun to watch, and heading into their respective senior years I had those three guys about even, with the major leap forward Toomey has made, to me he is the best NESCAC point guard I've ever seen (and the best D3 point guard, period).  All three could control the game from the position and were adept at getting teammates involved, but Toomey can also take over the scoring load in ways the other two typically could not.  I really didn't think heading into the season that Amherst would be up to last year's level, but at worst they are very close thanks in large part to Toomey's dominance.  While Midd did not play as well in the second half as they did in the first, comparing Amherst without Toomey and then with Toomey was really night and day -- Amherst was plus 20 with him on the floor, minus 7 without him.  I don't care what happens in the NESCAC tourney, with what he did in the second half yesterday (17 points, 7 assists, 3 boards, only 1 TO), he locked up POY, if he hadn't already.  Take him away from Amherst this year and I think they are maybe a 6-4 or 5-5 team in NESCAC.  With him they are the best.  No other single player has that kind of impact.  If I was making an all-time all-NESCAC team of guys I've seen play, Toomey and Mike Nogelo would be the only two locks.  I have a feeling Duncan Robinson will get there eventually, depending on how he grows as a player the next few seasons. 

As for all-NESCAC teams, I agree with others, basically, that Mayer, Robinson, Toomey, Killian, Kizel, Sinnickson, Hart, and Swords all belong barring something really shocking in the NESCAC tourney.  There are a LOT of contenders for those final two spots.  I'd include Hudnut (will be hard to keep him off if he plays well vs. Amherst), Sabety, Kalema, Epley (he would have to have at least two more games like the games he had against Wesleyan and Midd), and maybe even Wohl in the running, as well as Vadas, if two from that group don't emerge during the tournament. My guess is it ends up being Hudnut and Vadas.  POY and ROY, though, are already decided, and both Toomey and Robinson have to be in the top three contenders for national POY and ROY of at this point. (Toomey is up against two other guys having monster seasons in Walton-Moss and Tillema.  I've heard of no one from a high-profile team in Robinson's league, although Babson's Joey Flannery is also having just a ridiculous rookie year). 

I think a five-man all defense team would go Swords, Sabety, Kalema, Killian, and Wohl.  Toss up between Kalema and Killian for DPOY, depending on what happens over the next few weeks. 

[GingerBaker]

I think Tom Killian's performace this year is worthy of a 1st team all-conference - last year.  Unfortunately, there are too many gaudy scorers this year.  I don't recall so many players consistently putting up 15 ppg+ in recent history - someone correct me if I'm wrong.  In my mind, Killian has effectively slotted into the Will Workman role, in terms of being the second scoring option, pulling down boards and playing lockdown D - but where Willy was all limbs and strange moves below the basket, Killian is all core and swerve.  You can see when he drives how much his body turns mid air. 

Re: the upcoming tournament: although Middlebury didn't win yesterday, I think they can be dangerous.  The announcers noted their size - they have THREE 6'6'' "guards" (Sinnickson - o.k., 6'5'' but a specimen, Jensen and Merryman) and 6'8'' Jack Roberts and Matt "Chicago Political Scion" Daley patrolling the middle - if they do the little things right (saw more than a few boffed passes and tip-ins last night), and take advantage of their size, I see them potentially making the finals, even if Williams presumably stands in their way.  Not saying it's a sure thing, but it could happen.  Their size + Kizell and their highly capable backup PG Brown makes them more dangerous than their record (or slippery performances we've all seen) would show.

[Bucket]

Re: the upcoming tournament: although Middlebury didn't win yesterday, I think they can be dangerous.  The announcers noted their size - they have THREE 6'6'' "guards" (Sinnickson - o.k., 6'5'' but a specimen, Jensen and Merryman) and 6'8'' Jack Roberts and Matt "Chicago Political Scion" Daley patrolling the middle - if they do the little things right (saw more than a few boffed passes and tip-ins last night), and take advantage of their size, I see them potentially making the finals, even if Williams presumably stands in their way.  Not saying it's a sure thing, but it could happen.  Their size + Kizell and their highly capable backup PG Brown makes them more dangerous than their record (or slippery performances we've all seen) would show.

I like your analysis Ginger, though I'm not sure how much we can count on Matt Daley going forward. The double bouts of mono have really taken their toll on him, as he has just not had the stamina and strength to be the player he was earlier in the season. It was particularly alarming when he had to come out of the game yesterday, got to the end of the bench, and then just collapsed to the floor, with the trainer rushing to his side. (I would like to think that the Amherst fan who then shouted out, "How can you be hurt, you're wearing tights," didn't realize that the young man was actually gasping for breath, which can be really scary.)

That's not to say that Midd can't be dangerous without him--we certainly can--just that any contribution from Matt going forward, at least in my mind, would be a big bonus.

Now, as to post-season accolades, my votes would be:

POY: Aaron Toomey (Gotta be unanimous, right? Amherst, already a very good team, is exponentially better when he's on the floor.)

ROY: Duncan Robinson (Also unanimous)

DPOY: This is tougher. I think it will be one of Kalema, Killian, Swords, and my vote goes to Killian, with Kalema a close second.

First Team All-NESCAC: Toomey, Mayer, Kizel, Hart, Killian
Second Team: Kalema, Robinson, Hudnut, Sinnickson, Swords

Obviously, you can make the case to switch Robinson and Killian, but when it's even remotely close, I like to reward the senior over the freshman.

All-FY Team: Jake Brown, Robinson, Sabety, David George, Ed Ogundeko

All-Defensive Team: Kalema, Wohl, Killian, Jensen, Swords

[30 for 30]

Must jump in on the All NESCAC team. Toomey is the conference best player. He's a lock for first team and POY. Clear second choice is Hart. He is also my runner up in POY. Kizel, Mayer Hudnut get my final 3 spots. Amherst student05 you say Hart is on the bubble; did Kizel, Mayer and Robinson have better seasons than Hart? Hart is conference leading scorer at 21ppg, same avg. in conference and out. Over 500 points scored in the regular season, one must go back a number of years to find last NESCAC player accomplish that. 169 FG for the season, Hudnut at 161 was close, big drop off to the others. Shot high percentage from all areas despite very few open looks and opposing D dedicated to stopping him. At his best against the top competition, scored 100 points against the top four seeds. Many boost Killian and Wohl as top defenders. Watch the film in the games they played v Hamilton. Neither of those two could guard Hart one on one. Out dueled Kizel, another projected first teamer in win v Midd. Nescac1 I respectfully disagree; Hart has a greater impact on his team than Toomey. Don't want to think about what Hamilton record would be without him. Look at Hart's supporting cast vs. all other potential first teamers mentioned. Also consider Robinson sits in last game and Williams wins easily on the road and scores 87 points. Hamilton has a young team. Stockwell making progress getting the Conts roster up to top NESCAC level but still a ways to go. Compare Toomey and Kizel numbers when they were First Team NESCAC as Sophs, Hart has put up a better season than their Soph campaigns without the benefit of a similar supporting cast. His season is worthy of first team just like them. My final comment is a quote from Coach Maker after the Williams Game. " I think Hart's one of best players not only in our league but in the country. He's a very talented sophomore."

[GingerBaker]

In further defense of Tom Killian as a player and person, I'd like to add he started the first valet service in the history of Nantucket Island - wish the conference doled out all-entrepreneurial awards, even if the title wouldn't fit on a plaque..

[Bucket]

Clear second choice is Hart. He is also my runner up in POY. Kizel, Mayer Hudnut get my final 3 spots. Amherst student05 you say Hart is on the bubble; did Kizel, Mayer and Robinson have better seasons than Hart? Hart is conference leading scorer at 21ppg, same avg. in conference and out. Over 500 points scored in the regular season, one must go back a number of years to find last NESCAC player accomplish that. 169 FG for the season, Hudnut at 161 was close, big drop off to the others. Shot high percentage from all areas despite very few open looks and opposing D dedicated to stopping him. At his best against the top competition, scored 100 points against the top four seeds. Many boost Killian and Wohl as top defenders. Watch the film in the games they played v Hamilton. Neither of those two could guard Hart one on one. Out dueled Kizel, another projected first teamer in win v Midd. Nescac1 I respectfully disagree; Hart has a greater impact on his team than Toomey. Don't want to think about what Hamilton record would be without him. Look at Hart's supporting cast vs. all other potential first teamers mentioned. Also consider Robinson sits in last game and Williams wins easily on the road and scores 87 points. Hamilton has a young team. Stockwell making progress getting the Conts roster up to top NESCAC level but still a ways to go. Compare Toomey and Kizel numbers when they were First Team NESCAC as Sophs, Hart has put up a better season than their Soph campaigns without the benefit of a similar supporting cast. His season is worthy of first team just like them. My final comment is a quote from Coach Maker after the Williams Game. " I think Hart's one of best players not only in our league but in the country. He's a very talented sophomore."

Did Kizel, Robinson, and Mayer have better seasons than Hart? Yes they did.

Look, I love Matt Hart as a player. I have him on my first team All NESCAC. I think he's one of the five best players in the conference.

But a runner-up to Toomey as POY and the second person selected to the team? Not even close.

Being an all-around great player, worthy of POY consideration and first-team pecking order status, involves more than scoring. (See: Vadas, Matt).

How many assists does Matt Hart get a game? 2? 3? Kizel doubles Hart's output in conference play and triples it over all.

Hart averages 21 ppg and 3 apg in conference play, good for 1st and 16th.
Kizel averages 17 ppg and 6 apg in conference play, good for 7th and 2nd.

So, statistically, Hart is responsible for 27 ppg.
Kizel: 29 ppg.

So even by your scoring metric, Hart doesn't measure up.

How many rebounds does Matt Hart have? Fewer than Kizel, with a much larger discrepancy in conference play (55-37, the difference between 20th and 40th place).

How many steals does Matt Hart have? Overall, Joey ranks 4th, Matt 16th. In conference play, the ranking is 8th and 21st.

Matt Hart does shoot the ball slightly better from the field, percentage wise, with a 48-44 advantage and 46-43 in conference, though in three-point percentage they are even overall and in conference play, Kizel is shooting better from deep: 44-41.

Again, Matt Hart is a terrific player. In my view he deserves first-team recognition. But let's don't get carried away...