DICK'S TIDBITS | Jan. 9
I've said it's going to be wide open in the race for the Final Four, and the same can be said for player of the year. Here are my top four heading into the second weekend of January. I know this will surprise some.
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| Creighton's Kyle Korver is averaging 19.3 points and shooting 51% from 3-point range. |
1. Kyle Korver, forward, Creighton -- He's been sensational for coach Dana Altman's Bluejays, leading the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. Just ask Notre Dame coach Mike Brey or Xavier's Thad Matta about Korver, who totaled 15 trifectas in two games against those schools. Korver is a solid all-around player who doesn't get enough national respect.
Key stats: 19.3 ppg | 6.0 rpg | 3.2 apg | 52.6% FG | 90.9% FT | 51.4% 3-pointers
2. Dwyane Wade, guard, Marquette -- The Marquette star can flat-out play, excelling in transition. Yes, he had a couple of tough games as coach Tom Crean's squad struggled recently. But believe me, Wade is one of the nation's best.
Key stats: 22.7 ppg | 6.1 rpg | 4.2 apg | 1.7 spg | 54.4% FG
3. Maurice Williams, guard, Alabama -- The orchestra leader of coach Mark Gottfried's Crimson Tide has improved his shooting.
Key stats: 16.4 ppg | 4.3 rpg | 5.0 apg | 1.5 spg | 82.7% FT
4. Brian Cook, forward, Illinois -- The Big Ten's best inside-outside talent is living up to his billing.
Key stats: 20.8 ppg | 8.3 rpg | 54.3% FG | 83.8% FT
UNSUNG POINT GUARDS DESERVE MORE PUB
This has been a great season for point-guard play. There are so many standouts at the position. Think about guys like Luke Ridnour of Oregon, T.J. Ford of Texas, Maurice Williams of Alabama, Brandin Knight of Pittsburgh, Chris Thomas of Notre Dame, Jason Gardner of Arizona ... there are just so many good ones!
Here are two others who deserve more publicity -- Jameer Nelson of St. Joseph's and Edward Scott of Clemson.
Nelson has helped the surprising Hawks to a 10-1 start. While held to 11 points against St. Bonaventure, the junior added nine rebounds and six assists for coach Phil Martelli's club. Nelson had 34 points in a big win at Gonzaga on New Year's Eve and 22 points in a rout of Boston College to start the season.
Scott, a 6-foot senior, is about to reach the 500-assist plateau (he needs one going into this weekend's game against Morris Brown). Scott, a third-team All-ACC choice last season, has a solid assist-to-turnover ratio (2.4-1) and is a key leader for coach Larry Shyatt's Tigers. He had 28 points against Duke, 25 vs. Penn State and 20 in a win over Cincinnati. Clemson is off to a 9-1 start.
INJURIES TAKING THEIR TOLL
A number of teams have really been hampered by injuries this season.
Boston College has struggled, with recent losses to Northeastern and Providence. Coach Al Skinner is missing forward Uka Agbai, sidelined with a neck injury.
Xavier lost at home to Richmond on Tuesday night. Coach Thad Matta's backcourt isn't the same without Lionel Chalmers, down with a foot injury.
North Carolina's interior game isn't the same without Sean May. Coach Matt Doherty's club beat Davidson on Wednesday, but the Tar Heels will need May's contributions down the stretch in ACC play.
