NCAA Basketball - Half-Season Review - Part Three

Players That Have Impressed/Disappointed

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky) has been an absolute standout so far this season, picking up the slack whenever Terrence Jones is sad, most impressively in the 69-62 win over Louisville in which he finished with 24 points and 19 rebounds. But its more than just the stats, Kidd-Gilchrist is a leader.

Anthony Davis (Kentucky) is an incredible presence inside both offensively, benefiting frequently from lob passes, and defensively having had 8 games of 5 or more blocks. Davis is definitely making the pundits think twice as to who the premiere freshman big man is.

Doug McDermott (Creighton) is almost solely responsible for Creighton’s impressive season this year. McDermott is an outstanding forward, with outstanding range and a solid post game. He averages 25.2 ppg and shoots at 63% 2FG and 58% 3FG! If you get a chance, definitely check this guy out.

Damian Lillard (Weber State) – Weber State are definitely on track to win the Big Sky conference this year, and one real reason for this is Lillard. Since doing the Big Sky preview, I’ve definitely kept a close eye on Lillard and Weber State and they have not failed to impress. Lillard averages 26.3 ppg and shoots the ball well. His solid all around play is the main reason Weber State have been so impressive this year, and should make an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Cody Zeller (Indiana) – Indiana would definitely not be where they are without Zeller. He is an outstanding freshman that coach what runs his offense through. Zeller is smart and dominant inside (check out his outstanding performance v Kentucky/Davis!), and will only get better.

Arnett Moultrie (Mississippi State) – An incredible presence who improves each and every game. The 6-11 junior averages 16.2 ppg and 11.3 rpg, dominating opponents with ease. Moultrie has definitely made Mississippi State a legitimate contender for the tournament.

Scott Machado (Iona) – Had to make mention of Machado. This guy leads the national in assists (10.1 per game) while also averaging 13.3 ppg. He is smart, versatile and a leader, and is responsible for giving Iona a very strong chance at tournament play.

There are others having an outstanding year such as Jeremy Lamb (UConn) and Perry Jones III (Baylor).

Players That Have Disappointed

Won’t go into too much detail here, but Terrence Jones (Kentucky) tops this list. Coach Calipari (quite possibly a prick) told Jones not to worry about returning to UK unless he wanted to be the best player in the game. After starting the season very strongly, Jones injured a finger (or maybe broke a finger nail) and seemingly sulked his way through a few games and has not been the same since (his last game was a lot better).

Andre Drummond (UConn) is a freshman, and I do not like to pick on freshman but he has definitely not lived up to all the hype that surrounded his signing with UConn. Plenty of time to develop, which will happen during Big East conference play, but for now, isn’t what was expected.

Austin Rivers (Duke) is another I have in this category. Again, a freshman (okay so I’m dissing two freshman here) who has plenty of time to develop. But with all the hype around him, PLUS his own opinion of himself (evident from the types of plays he TRIES to make), I am not much of a fan. Will probably still be a lottery pick however.

If I’ve left any out by all means comment, or tweet @wiggum7534 or @AusSportsGuys. Your thoughts and comments are valued.