Clips with Coach: WHO IS THE FIFTH?

Jared Sullinger, photo courtesy of thebuckeyebattlecry.com

Although there is plenty of regular season basketball left to be played (not to mention the NCAA Tournament), the race for Player of the Year honors now seems to be between Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger and BYU’s Jimmer Fredette. Their performances have been outstanding and they have not only carried their teams, they have distanced themselves from the rest of the pack.

But, leading the “rest of the pack” has got to be Duke’s Nolan Smith, who has a legitimate shot at being the first player to ever lead the ACC in scoring and assists (21- and 6-per-game right now). Those three are a lock for All-American. The fourth member of my All-American Team is Kyle Singler. Why, you ask – because, it is “my” All-American Team and I say he deserves it…and he came back for his senior year…and he rebounds and plays D…and he makes big shots…and he gets double-teamed and opens things up for Smith and his teammates…and he had a black eye for all last year. Editor’s Note: But tell us how you really feel about him.

So! Who is the Fifth? I really do not know – which is very unusual for me. Editor’s Note: Mark down the date! Denny admits he doesn’t know something! I just fainted… I know it is not Kemba Walker from UConn – his early season heroics are a thing of the past. I know it is not the Morris Twins from Kansas – they are terrific, but that would make it six people. I know it is not Corey Fisher from Villanova – he is too inconsistent. Who could it be?

It could be Harrison Barnes if he continues to play like he has of late. Huge game Wednesday night at Cameron, and the Tar Heels destroyed Florida State over the weekend. It could be Ben Hansbrough from Notre Dame, who continues to amaze me with drives to the basket and team leadership. It could be Kawhi Leonard from San Diego State, who averages a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds a game) and makes that team go. It could be Tu Holloway, who scores 21-a-game and has his Xavier team tied for the top of the Atlantic 10. It could be Jordan Hamilton from Texas, who averages 19 points and almost 8 rebounds a game. Or, it could be one of my favorite players to watch (pure motion player), Jon Leuer from Wisconsin, who scores 20-a-game with 7 rebounds.

As of right now, I can’t pick – but I will be watching, and someone will lock up that spot soon.