Our series on impact transfers and redshirts continues at CFHI with a look at the Big East. For a league as deep as the Big East, you would think there would be a strong list of players to write about. And there is- for next year. That list includes Aaric Murray, Juwan Staten, Luke Hancock, Brian Oliver, and Wallace Judge. Unfortunately, all those guys are sitting out this year per NCAA transfer rules. If there's one thing I've learned about the Big East, due to the changing landscape of conference realignment, it is best to not look too far ahead and stay in the here and now. With that in mind, here are a handful of guys on the court this year that can help you capture your league's crown and all the precious deluded glory that comes with it.
Victor Rudd, forward, South Florida Bulls (transfer from Arizona State)
Rudd is a 6-foot-7 forward from Los Angeles. Through South Florida's first five games, he is the team's leading scorer averaging 14 points. Rudd might not be the best choice for leagues that keep track of field goal percentage. He has been a volume shooter jacking up double digit shots in each game while shooting just 38.5% from the floor.
Blake Nash, guard, South Florida Bulls (transfer from Williston State)
With Anthony Crater's dismissal, the Bulls are in need of a primary ball handler and distributor. Guard Blake Nash has a chance to step into that role. He put up impressive numbers a season ago at Williston State (22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists). In 22 minutes per game this season, Nash has averaged ten points while shooting 56%, but the assists (1.2) have not come yet.
God's Gift Achiuwa, forward, St. John's Red Storm (transfer from Erie Community College)
Achiuwa put up exemplary numbers in 2010-2011 at Erie CC (22.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks). It has been a mixed bag of results in his first five games. The Nigerian forward excelled against lesser competition, but struggled this past week at Madison Square Garden against Arizona and Texas A&M. In the two games, Achiuwa shot 2-for-7 from the floor and produced a paltry seven points and five rebounds. The lack of depth and experience on St. John's front court has been talked about at length, so Achiuwa should see a ton minutes out of necessity.
Nurideen Lindsey, guard, St. John's Red Storm (transfer from Redlands Community College)
Lindsey was a prolific scorer in Philadelphia's public league. He averaged 35.8 points per game as a senior in 2007-2008 putting him the lofty company of guys like Wilt Chamberlain. Lindsey has now become the floor general for Steve Lavin. He is averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists over the Johnnies' first five games. In the third Division 1 game of his career, he just missed a triple-double posting 15 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists against UMBC. It is a testament to how good Lindsey is at attacking the basket that he can average almost 16 points a game and has yet to make a three-point shot. He is 0-of-11 from the behind the arc.
Jamil Wilson, forward, Marquette Golden Eagles (transfer from Oregon)
Wilson was a highly regarded recruit from Wisconsin who initially went out west to play for Ernie Kent and the Oregon Ducks. He averaged 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in 26 games during his freshman season. After Kent got fired, Wilson returned home to play for the Warriors. He has not had much of a chance to make an impact averaging only 3.5 points and 3.8 rebounds while playing 15.5 minutes per game. Wilson was the thirtieth ranked player by Scout coming out of high school, so once he gets more acclimated he could be a difference maker for Buzz Williams' squad in Big East play.
JayVaughn Pinkston, forward, Villanova Wildcats (suspension)
Pinkston was a 2010 McDonalds All-American averaging 25 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists as a senior in high school. He isn't really a redshirt, but I'm including him here anyway. Pinkston was expected to debut last season, but got involved in a fight at a party and was eventually suspended for the year for the violation of the university's code of conduct. Pinkston has a well-rounded offensive game- big enough to be able to bang in the paint, and he can shoot well enough to play on the perimeter. In Villanova's first three games, the freshman forward is averaging 5.3 points and three rebounds. As the season progresses, look for Pinkston to assert himself more and form a tough tandem down low with Mouphtaou Yarou.
Donnavan Kirk, forward, DePaul Blue Demons (transfer from Miami)
Kirk will not be eligible for the Blue Demons until December. He played sparingly for the Hurricanes in 2010-2011 starting three games averaging 2.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in 9.5 minutes. Out of high school, Kirk was the No.28 ranked power forward in ESPNU's Top 100. At 6-foot-9, 222 pounds, he has the kind of length and athleticism to thrive in Oliver Purnell's up-tempo system.