It's pretty easy to point out some of the top scorers in practically any conference, much less one as publicized as the Big East. But who are some of the "other" guys to keep an eye on, especially from a fantasy standpoint? There are plenty of available options, from players on elite teams to those on lesser squads who will get more opportunities for that very reason. Here are eight such players:
Kadeem Batts, F, Providence - It would probably be a better choice to put Gerard Coleman on this list, but with him averaging 11 points it's tough to call him sneaky even with Marshon Brooks and Vincent Council on the marquee. So the pick here is Batts, who has reached double figures in two of the last three games (including 19 against USF) and has averaged 12.7 ppg in those contests. For the season Batts averages 7.8 points, and for additional value he's got at least nine rebounds in two of the last three as well.
Fuquan Edwin, F, Seton Hall - A common theme among many of the players on this list is that they're first-year guys (freshmen or transfer), and Edwin has been one of the best in the conference in regards to freshmen. He's averaging 8.9 points and shooting over 42% from the field, most recently scoring 13 in the Pirates' pasting of Syracuse. While the return of Jeremy Hazell would in theory cut down on the scoring opportunities of a player like Edwin, the truth is that head coach Kevin Willard's system allows for a number of players to put points on the board. Fuquan will benefit from that, and next year's roster turnover will render him ineligible for this kind of list.
Tony Freeland, G, DePaul - A lot of praise has been heaped upon freshmen Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young, and rightfully so. But don't forget about the sophomore Freeland either, who has raised his scoring average some seven points from last season. Freeland averages 10.7 points on the season and while he's scored just 12 points total in the last two games, Freeland has scored in double figures in 11 games (surpassing 20 points in three).
Paris Horne, G, St. John's - Horne's averaging just over seven points in a sixth man role for the Red Storm, but he's got the ability to get it done offensively. Keep in mind that he averaged more than 14 ppg as a sophomore and 9 as a junior, but this selection brings along risk as well given the deep rotation that Steve Lavin employs. Horne has reached double figures in just one conference game, and that effort (13 points) came in a blowout loss at Louisville. He's a better bet for a stat sheet "stuffer" role given his versatility as opposed to simply scoring.
Sean Kilpatrick, G, Cincinnati - The redshirt freshman from White Plains, NY has been one of the Bearcats' more consistent scorers this season, averaging 9.8 points. But he's only started one game for Mick Cronin's team, making him a somewhat hidden option. He's scored just eight points combined in the last two games but in each of the four prior Kilpatrick was in double figures, averaging 14.0 ppg in those contests. If Cincinnati's guards continue their inconsistent play offensively look for him to get even more chances to shine.
Jeremy Lamb, G/F, Connecticut - Lamb is not much of a secret these day. He most recently scored a career-high 24 points in the Huskies' win at Marquette. Blessed with a versatile game and good perimeter shot, Lamb will see his share of opportunities as teams focus even more on Kemba Walker. UConn's been looking for a supplementary scoring option among their youngsters for much of the season, and with Lamb averaging 16.8 ppg in the last four games he may indeed be the answer.
Hugh Robertson, G, South Florida - Given the Bulls' struggles on the perimeter this season it should come as no surprise that Robertson and Jawanza Poland receive the majority of the opportunities. Robertson, who averages 9.2 points, has reached double figures in three of USF's last four games including a 16-point outing in Thursday's win over DePaul. Much is made about the jumping ability of Poland and the interior play of Jarrid Famous and Augustus Gilchrist, qualifying Robertson for "under the radar" status.
Chris Smith, G, Louisville - The Manhattan transfer's play eventually necessitated a move into the starting lineup, and if you remember his play as a Jasper it isn't a surprise that J.R. Smith's younger brother is playing well. Smith averages 10.2 points on the season, most recently scoring 19 against Providence and 15 in the win over West Virginia on Wednesday night. With so many perimeter scoring options (Preston Knowles, Peyton Siva, etc.) you would think that his opportunities will be limited but given Louisville's uptempo style of play that's not the case.