It is time to play the role of professor, Dr. V. I am going to lay out some "A'" grades for brilliant performances over the first few months of the season.
Here is a look at my super seven. These guys have been super, scintillating and sensational.
Let's start down at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The combination of Tyler Hansbrough and Wayne Ellington have been special. Hansbrough is the leading candidate for Player of the Year honors. He is a hard worker and Mr. Consistent, a double-double guy and a force in the interior.
Look at what Ellington did against Clemson. He was Mr. Clutch against Clemson, putting up 36 big points. The super soph has had some other big games for the number one team in America.
Chris Douglas-Roberts has been brilliant on the wing for John Calipari's unbeaten Memphis Tigers. I saw him in person put on a show at Madison Square Garden. He is so versatile for Memphis.
Down at Indiana, diaper dandy Eric Gordon has been a vital factor for Kelvin Sampson's Hoosiers. He has provided a spark as Indiana is the leading contender to win the Big Ten. Gordon has been superb game in and game out.
Diaper dandy Michael Beasley has been sensational since day one walking on the Manhattan, Kansas campus. He is a Windex man, dominating on the glass while putting up big numbers on the scoreboard.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of this group is Dayton's Brian Roberts. The standout guard has been outstanding in big wins over Pittsburgh, Louisville and Rhode Island. The Flyers were picked sixth in the A-10 preseason poll, but Roberts has this team playing among the top 20 teams in America.
DJ Augustin has been incredible for a Texas team that lost Kevin Durant. Augustin has been able to score, penetrate and make big shots. He is a true All-Solid Gold performer for Rick Barnes.
These guys have stepped up and done the job in the first half of the season for their respective clubs. They get all A's, baby!
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
