With individual awards on the horizon last week was spent discussing some of the top Player of the Year candidates in the Big East. This week the focus shifts to the freshmen, with a few players making a difference for their respective teams. But the choice for Rookie of the Year is a difficult one, as a league the caliber of the Big East makes it tough for a first year player to set the court ablaze. Below are five possibilities.
1. F Cleveland Melvin (DePaul) Melvin's been arguably DePaul's most consistent player this season, averaging 17.4 points (fifth in the Big East) and 6.3 rebounds (13th) in conference games. Likely the closest thing to a lock for Rookie of the Year that the league has.
2. G Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati) Kilpatrick qualifies for the honor since he redshirted last season, and his development is one of the reasons why Mick Cronin's team has won so many games. Sean shoots 38.5% from three in league play and averages 9.9 points in all games.
3. F Jeremy Lamb (Connecticut) Lamb's been quiet of late after an impressive stretch that included a career-high 24 points in the Huskies' win at Marquette. But he averages 10.9 points per game in Big East play, second-best among freshmen.
4. F C.J. Fair (Syracuse) Fair has been Syracuse's most consistent freshman, especially in conference play. He's reached double figures in five league games including a career-high 17 and eight rebounds in the win over Rutgers last week.
5. G Brandon Young (DePaul) Just like Melvin, Young's had to take on a sizable load for a program looking to rebuild under first-year head coach Oliver Purnell. Young and Notre Dame's Eric Atkins share the lead for assists per game among freshmen with 3.7 per game.
Other Notable Freshmen: F/C Gilvydas Biruta (Rutgers), G Gerard Coleman (Providence), G/F Fuquan Edwin (Seton Hall), G Shabazz Napier (Connecticut), G Mike Poole (Rutgers).