To open, a big shout out to our editor and "Big Chief," Perry Missner. Could we have scheduled Monday's league round ups any more perfectly? As I sit and type, I watch round one of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, and thought about breaking down all the match ups. But what's the point? As a conference homer, I'll just say last season was an aberration and want to tell the world the ACC improves to 11-1 in this "challenge" come Wednesday evening. To be frank, I'm having a hard time picking most of these tilts. Further proving the point that we can't put too much stock in early season games, Virginia is in the process of knocking off Minnesota. The same Minnesota who just beat North Carolina and West Virginia in Puerto Rico, so if you weren't already dialed in to hoops season, the next few days offer some incredibly enticing games that scream it's hoops season!
Yes, we have a game tonight, but let's take a deep breath and wrap the final week of November in the Atlantic Coast before the Challenge comes full circle Tuesday evening.
Duke, and everyone else
Through six games, the Blue Devils look like world beaters with writers already questioning whether Duke can go undefeated this season. Seriously? Yes, the ACC looks in store for a one-sided regular season, and the guard play for the Devils is ridiculous. To go even further, sophomore forward Mason Plumlee has taken the leap that fans and NBA scouts expected he would. If he can sustain his averages of 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, I won't be calling for a soft, early exit for the Devils come March. Conversely, brother Miles Plumlee's numbers are not as good as they were last season, and he isn't playing any more either. I still feel this team won't have the front court depth it needs; but I also admit there is more than enough shooting to make it not matter. Andre Dawkins' emergence, along with Seth Curry's potential (they are chipping in 20 combined points in the early going) make it highly unlikely that the entire team will go cold from the perimeter. But it sure would be nice if K took his team to play a real road game before January 12th at Tallahassee. Is that for real?
Carolina Blues
As I continue to tear into the Dukies, it's only fair I do the same to their arch rival North Carolina. As they play today, this team isn't a remote threat to Duke. Stats here aren't telling the entire story. Tyler Zeller has been terrific (15.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg) but outside of Big Z, there isn't much reason for optimism. John Henson still looks lost despite statistical success (10.3 ppg, 11 rpg, 3.2 bpg) and Harrison Barnes is still shooting a woeful 35.2%. Arguably the team's best rookie, point guard Kendall Marshall, is handing out 4.3 assists in just 14.8 minutes of action. Anyone else want to see more of the 6-foot-4 lefty? This week's slate features a road game at Illinois, followed by a home contest with Kentucky. I'll be in the Dean Dome scouting (read: babysitting) for this one, which figures to be a very telling week in Chapel Hill. The powder blue faithful have reason for nervousness.
Two Under Appreciated Ballers
Reggie Jackson, fuard, Boston College - 17.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.8 spg
Brian Oliver, forward, Georgia Tech - 15.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg
Maybe I didn't tout Jackson enough this preseason, but it is clear he is a fantasy stud. Already the owner of a 30-point outing and a ten-assist outing, "Mr. October" also is shooting 95.5% from the foul line, and has turned the ball over just nine times in six games. Paired with Joe Trapani (13.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Corey Raji (11.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg), the Eagles have an outstanding "Big Three" of their own, and have the veteran presence to be well ahead of the rebuilding curve. Yes, they lost to Yale, but if you are in Vegas, don't sleep on this team.
Breakout, meet Mr. Oliver. The 6-foot-6 forward has at least doubled all of his averages from last season, and is easily one of the biggest breakout performers of November. Coming off of a 32 point outing, which followed a 15 point, 12 board showing, Oliver is giving the 'Jackets a solid inside presence. He isn't shooting particularly well (42.9% from the floor, 66.7% from the line), which suggests he either can't find his stroke and it will come; or he has the green light to shoot all night long. Either way, it should mean his numbers shouldn't fall too far come conference play. He was just added in our "experts" league in the past 24 hours; so he should be available in your league. Make sure that changes promptly.
UVA's upset is as good as complete now...1-0 ACC, five more to go!