With one month of conference play completed, trends are beginning to develop and one can truly make judgments about a player or team. Furthermore, a few fluke performances have suddenly turned into a full month of impressive play for some players, while some of the stars are beginning to assert themselves as consistent studs. As a result, it is time to take a look at the first-half fantasy MVPs in both the Big East and ACC. Of course, this is after just one month of conference play, and there is still plenty of time left for others to make their case for Fantasy MVP. Note: While some consideration will be given to non-conference performances, the first-half conference MVP is based mostly on performance during conference games.
ACC
MVP: Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
This one wasn't that close. Aminu has been an absolute beast this year, both fantasy-wise and in reality. He has 13 double-doubles, including five in ACC play. He is averaging 16.9 points and 11.4 rebounds so far this season, and has also dished out at least three assists on six separate occasions. Aminu has scored at least 22 points in seven different games and has grabbed at least 13 rebounds in seven separate contests. His shooting percentage is down from last season, but his outside shooting has improved; he has already hit more three-pointers this season than he did all of last season. Aminu was expected to increase his production with the losses of Jeff Teague and James Johnson, and he certainly hasn't disappointed.
Runner-Up: Greivis Vasquez, G, Maryland Terrapins
Imagine Vasquez's numbers if he hadn't played poorly in the first four games of the season. Currently, he is averaging 17.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists, and that includes the aforementioned quartet of contests when he averaged just 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists. Since then, Vasquez has been sensational, averaging 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists. His scoring numbers have dipped a little bit in the last four games, but he is still a consistent fantasy performer who will step up as the season progresses. Vasquez's shooting percentages, from both two-point and three-point range, are up from last season, and he has kept his emotions in check for the most part.
Runner-Up: Jon Scheyer, G, Duke Blue Devils
While Scheyer's statistics have slumped somewhat in ACC play and been inconsistent over the past few weeks, his body of work has been outstanding given where he was selected in most fantasy drafts. With him taking over the full-time point guard spot, most thought his numbers would increase, but not to this extent. Scheyer is averaging 18.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists, and has been one of the best guards in the country this season. He is turning the ball over just 1.5 times per game, giving him a sensational 3.72 assist-to-turnover ratio. As long as Scheyer continues to take care of the ball and put up the numbers he has, he will be in the running for ACC and National Player of the Year honors - not just for fantasy.
Just Missed: Malcolm Delaney, G, Virginia Tech Hokies
Others Considered: Sylven Landesberg, G, Virginia Cavaliers; Tracy Smith, F, North Carolina State Wolfpack; Trevor Booker, F/C, Clemson Tigers
Big East
MVP: Luke Harangody, F, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Could I really go with anyone else and still be taken seriously? Harangody is the most consistent and productive fantasy player in the country, even though his rebound numbers are down somewhat from last season. Still, he is averaging 24.7 points and 9.9 rebounds and is also dishing out 1.8 assists per contest. Harangody has scored at least 31 points on four different occasions, including three this month, in Big East play. He has also grabbed double-digit rebounds 10 different times, with four of those coming in conference play. In Big East games, Harangody has stepped up his play, averaging 25.0 points and 9.8 rebounds. As we all know, Harangody is a high-volume scorer who will get points as long as he gets shots. Considering he has attempted at least 20 field goals in nine games, I think he will be fine.
Runner-Up: Dominique Jones, G, South Florida Bulls
After his ridiculous effort against Providence on Saturday, it was nearly impossible to ignore Jones. Against the Friars, he finished with 46 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists - arguably the best all-around individual performance of anyone in the country this season. Interestingly, he only knocked down two three-pointers in that game. I've waxed poetic in the past about Jones' subtle inconsistency, but he has really stepped up his play of late. In the last six games - each of them a Big East contest - Jones is averaging 28.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He has scored at least points in each of the last six games, and is beginning to look like a player who can carry USF with his production. If he keeps this up, he will push Harangody.
Runner-Up: Wesley Johnson, F, Syracuse Orange
Johnson just edges out Jamine Peterson, but Johnson has been more consistent and his all-around player has been more impressive. The former Iowa State transfer leapt onto the national scene this season with a 25-point performance against North Carolina in November, and he has not slowed down since. Johnson has picked up nine double-doubles, and has scored single-digits in points just one time this season. On the season, he is averaging 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds, while also dishing out 2.1 assists per game. Johnson is knocking down nearly 56% of his field-goal attempts and 45% of his shots from behind the arc. In eight Big East games this season, Johnson has boosted his production, averaging 17.5 points and 10.7 rebounds.
Just Missed: Jamine Peterson, F, Providence Friars; Jerome Dyson, G, Connecticut Huskies