Everyone loves a PG in college basketball. The best teams have PG’s who can distribute the rock and control the pace of the game. From freshman sensation John Wall at Kentucky to experienced senior John Scheyer at Duke, the attention is always on the PG. However it’s the big men inside that tend to be the difference makers between elite teams. Throw it down big man. Throw it down. Yet those big men don’t seem to get enough credit for their efforts. In that vein, here are a few big men (C or F) who have been impressive latel and should impact the long-term success of their teams:
C Greg Monroe, Georgetown
In #13 Georgetown’s game against #20 Butler this week at Madison Square Garden, Monroe put on a show. He had a career high with 24 points and 15 rebounds and absolutely dominated the Bulldogs in the paint, ultimately giving Georgetown the huge victory. Throughout the history of the Georgetown program, their bread and butter has been to be bruisers and control the glass, and if they are to be successful in the Big East, Monroe is going to have to provide that energy and dominance inside. Greg has a lot to learn, only being a sophomore, and needs to develop a bit more consistency, but so far he has averaged a double-double and has put the country on alert.
[pro-player width='530' height='253' type='video']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMCNI7uyXgc[/pro-player]
C Dexter Pittman, Texas
Texas isn’t #2 in the land by accident. They have one of the best centers in Dexter Pittman, who is averaging 14.3 points per game. He has scored in double-figures 7 of the 8 games they have played this season, and scored 9 points in the 8th game. Pittman’s largest contribution to this Longhorn’s club is his veteran leadership and experience when playing defense inside, averaging 2.6 blocks per game. If Pittman continues to dominate inside, Texas will remain towards the top of the NCAA rankings into March.
F Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
The country witnessed Patrick Patterson’s fury this past Wednesday when #4 Kentucky faced off against #12 UConn. Patterson is averaging 16.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. What has impressed me the most is his ability to avoid getting into foul trouble. What separates a great big man from and elite big man is the player’s ability to stay on the floor and keep fighting for his team. Patterson draws in the defense in the paint and then has the option to throw-down over an opposing defender or kick out to one of Kentucky’s talented guards. If Patterson continues to score at 16+ points per game, it will be difficult to beat the Wildcats down the stretch.
Honorable Mention
C Gavin Edwards, UConn
C Cole Aldrich, Kansas
F Draymond Green, Michigan State
Need More? Butler Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA, NCAA BB, Texas
.jpg){kind=small}
Good call on Patrick Patterson's ability to stay out of foul trouble. That's rare for a big man. Although some of that is due to the fact that he hangs out on the perimeter at times and shows off his great shooting touch.
I love that you put Gavin Edwards on this list! Ever since his freshman year I've been saying he should play more. Now we're all seeing what a solid player he is. He has such great hands and he can actually FINISH around the basket. Stiffs like Thabeet can't finish a freakin sandwich. Big guys who have bad hands drive me nuts!!!
Anyway, good post Mr. Phair