In writing last week's column, the lack of diversified frontcourt players was pretty glaring. Well, if you like horses in the paint, it is becoming painfully evident that they don't exist in the ACC. There are 37 players averaging in double-figures in scoring, and just 16 of those folks are forwards or centers. A pretty sad trend when you think about it. I mean, shouldn't lay ups be easier than three-pointers? Aren't you more likely to get fouled close to the hoop as well? Maybe the answer is that there are only 11 teams in this conference where we can look for sneaky scoring options from the front court, because we all know Duke has no quality big men.
OK, now that I've gotten my weekly Blue Devils jab in, it's time to look at a few guards across the league who are filling it up under the radar. And in all honesty, none of the 16 big men who do score can be called sneaky. None. If you are in an ACC heavily league and don't own Jordan Williams, Kyle Singler, Chris Singleton or Tyler Zeller, you most likely aren't going to be finishing in the winners circle.
Malcolm Grant, G, Miami
While I was trying to occupy myself before last weekend's NFL Conference Finals, I was able to catch the Hurricanes drop another close game in the final minutes. In doing so, I saw Grant connect on all five of his three-point attempts in route to 23 points. It was the seventh time the Villanova transfer has topped 20 points this year, and he's averaging a team best 15.7. His scoring is up over six points per game from a year ago, and he currently sits seventh amongst ACC scorers. It's not so much that Grant is a surprise source of points but rather that he is scoring at such consistently high levels. Durand Scott and Reggie Johnson get most of the fantasy attention, but Grant has really blossomed into a top scoring option.
Mustapha Farrakhan, G, Virginia
With injuries come opportunity: exhibit one. Farrakhan's first two months of the season had plenty of peaks and valley's, highlighted by not scoring in just 13 minutes against Wichita State, and following that performance with 23 points against Minnesota. But since Mike Scott went down for the season, Farrakhan has been a model of scoring consistency. He's pumped in double digit points in each of the Cavs last six contests, including a 31-point outburst against Howard, and is averaging 14.4 points in league play. Take the Howard game out of that six-game run, and you get an interesting trend. Farrakhan's field goal totals, in order, from the remaining five games are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Anyone feeling lucky about UVA's pending matchup with Maryland this Thursday?
Erick Green, G, Virginia Tech
With injuries come opportunity: exhibit two. The lack of healthy scholarship bodies in Blacksburg is well documented by now, and Green has clearly been the biggest beneficiary. After playing just 427 minutes as a freshman, Green has already logged 408 minutes of action this season, and has gone for at least ten points in ten straight games. There is little doubt that his playing time will remain consistent. Heck, he's earned it even if the Hokies had more options. He's averaging 14.0 points over this recent ten game run, and just went off for a career-high 24 against Maryland. Green's confidence continues to grow, and he has the look of a great keeper option with Malcolm Delaney departing next year. He makes a pretty darn good option for the rest of this year as well.
Biko Paris, G, Boston College
We take a break from the "injury gives opportunity" theme, and present the Eagles' starting point guard. At least while he is healthy. Paris has been nursing a sore ankle since early January, and though his last month of action doesn't entirely reflect it, Paris did sit out BC's last game against Florida State. Though no official word came from Chestnut Hill on the reason of the absence, it's certainly something worth monitoring. Now that that's out of the way, Paris is having the breakout season many expected of him last season after Tyrese Rice left town. Paris' scoring has jumped from 4.8 ppg to 10.6 in his final collegiate season. Consistency isn't Paris' thing, but he is one of four Eagles scoring in double-figures. We expected to say that about Corey Raji, Reggie Jackson and Joe Trapani. Paris has finally learned about putting the ball in the bucket!
Joe Harris, G, Virginia
Now back to our originally scheduled program. With injuries come opportunity: exhibit three. Without a doubt, Harris is the most surprising name on this list. And probably the only one who hasn't had a blurb or two written on him this season. Harris is finding ways to score regardless of how much, or little, he plays. He's scored in double figures in five straight, averaging 12.6 over that span, all while playing just 24 minutes per game in that stretch. Fellow frosh K.T. Harrell was more heralded, and certainly has the better chance to put up bigger scoring totals, but has proven to provide his share of stinkers as well. As a result, he's averaging just 0.2 ppg more than Harris. Give me the more consistent rookie please.