Back in September, the CFHI gang and I gathered together for a Big East mock draft. I noted that the Big East could be the deepest league in terms of productive centers. While my suggesting of where Bilal Dixon was drafted to prove that was spectacularly wrong, the results from the non-conference games have shown that the ACC and the Big East have been the conferences to go if you’re looking for a quality big man. Looking over the numbers in Perry Missner’s Big Chief Invitational league, of the top ten producers at the center position, seven of them are from the Big East or ACC. Chris Bennett has taken you around the ACC already this week, so as usual I’ll be profiling the Big East. (Note: I already wrote about Augustus Gilchrist last week. Nothing has changed dramatically over the course of a week so I won’t add anything about him here)
Yancy Gates, Cincinnati
Lost in the hullabaloo of the fallout from the Xavier brawl was the fact that Gates was off to a great start. Through the Bearcats’ first eight games, the 6-foot-9 senior was averaging 13.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. Compared to last year, his rebounding numbers are up, he is turning the ball over less, and committing less fouls. He has sacrificed some of his efficiency in lieu of more minutes and a higher percentage of shots, but minutes and shots almost always win over efficiency in fantasy basketball. It’s hard to say if we’ll see the same kind of production from Gates when his suspension ends January 4. Cincinnati hasn’t missed him much so far as evidenced by the 101 points they hung on Radford the other night. Remember this is the same Bearcats team that lost at home to the Blue Hose of Presbyterian with Gates. It wouldn’t surprise to see Dion Dixon and Sean Kilpatrick continue to use more possessions when Gates returns, but he still should be started in all leagues assuming he can stay out of trouble.
Mouphtaou Yarou, Villanova
This has been a breakout season for Yarou. With no one named Corey around anymore on the main line, Yarou’s usage rate has jumped to 25% from just under 20% a year ago. He is averaging 13.8 points and 8.3 rebounds over 26.7 minutes per game. He is making 53% of his field goals and is giving his owners the added benefit of shooting 74.5% from the foul line. It is always a nice bonus when a big man gives you 70%+ shooting from the charity stripe. With Nova’s inability to make perimeter shots (Dominic Cheek I’m looking in your direction), look for the 6-foot-10 junior to be the Wildcats’ main source of offense along with Maalik Wayns’ ability to drive to the basket.
Gorgui Dieng, Louisville
Since I pointed out an area where I was wrong in the preseason, I think it is fair that I get to pat myself on the back for one I got right. I targeted Dieng as a sleeper back in August, and he has delivered. He has recorded double-doubles in four consecutive games including 14 points and 14 rebounds in 40 minutes against Memphis. He is making almost 60% of his field goals and ranks second in the conference in offensive rebounding percentage (17.7%). Dieng’s biggest impact comes defensively. The Cardinals rank fourth in the nation in 2P% defense (36.6%) and the sophomore center is a big reason for that with his shot blocking ability. Dieng is tied for first in the conference averaging a little less than three blocks a game. Lastly, you may be asking, who is first in 2P% defense? Answer: Kentucky. I can’t wait to see Dieng and Chane Behanan match up with Terrence Jones and Anthony Davis on New Years’ Eve.
Henry Sims, Georgetown
If I had to pick the biggest surprise this year in college basketball, it would be Sims. If you were able to snag him in your league’s free agent pool this year, congratulations. If you actually drafted him, I would say you’re either lying or you’re one of his family members. After mostly toiling on the bench for three years, Sims has broken through in his senior year averaging 12.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. While he isn’t a strong rebounder, he is shooting 58.5% from the floor and 76.9% from the free-throw line. A remarkable improvement as his free-throw shooting numbers hovered around 50% his first three seasons. The biggest revelation is his assist totals. He is averaging just fewer than four assists a game and has an insane assist rate for a big guy (34.7%). If there’s such a thing as a point-center, you’re looking at him. With the Hoyas ability to spread the floor, shoot from the perimeter and cut to the basket, Sims should have little trouble continuing to drop dimes.
Andre Drummond, UConn
I wrote about Drummond in my write-up on freshmen in the Big East two weeks ago. Since then, the Huskies have only played two games between then and now, so my opinion hasn’t changed that much. He is currently averaging 9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and three blocks after a strong performance against Holy Cross (24 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks). I remain confident we’ll start to see more consistent production as we get into conference play. I’m going to need it as he is the centerpiece of my last place team in the aforementioned Big Chief Invitational.
Davante Gardner, Marquette
While Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder get most of the attention on Marquette, Gardner is a guy to add if you’re looking for a serviceable big man. With an injury to Chris Otule, the sophomore has averaged 11.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in a little more than 25 minutes over Marquette’s last three games. He is shooting 58% from the field and is making 82.1% of his free throws. While he won’t be the number one option for Marquette, he provides size for the small Golden Eagles while Otule is on the shelf, so he’ll see minutes. He can be a useful contributor on your team if your commissioner is benevolent enough to give him center eligibility.