Power Rankings #2 (Jan)
The second round of power rankings (released on January 8, 2009) included the following analysis:
- 'Naughty' list: Who's been a lump of coal thus far?
- 'Nice' list: Who's shooting like a Red Ryder BB gun?
- Biggest Surprise: A two-sided issue...
- Coaching Grade: How effective are you at managing your squad?
- New Year's Resolution: Popular advice applicable to your team's needs.
Team #10: Maria Koppen (1-6)
Naughty: Maria Koppen, Team Owner... After trying to find an underachieving player on Maria Koppen's team, I had trouble choosing one. Then I realized the biggest underachiever on this team is the owner. With two forfeits in the books (and one on the way), Maria Koppen looks well on their way to another seven weeks of embarrassment. The worst part? Those forfeits have been to absolutely pathetic point totals. It's never too late to turn it around, but you're probably playing for pride now. And I'm curious of you have any left.
Nice: Ty Lawson, North Carolina... Despite only logging four games of stats thus far, Lawson has been one of the few bright spots on Koppen's roster. Currently in the top 40 in overall points, Lawson has drastically improved in all statistical categories from last year. His points, rebounds, assists and steals are up... while turnovers are down. Nearing a 5-to-1 assist-turnover ratio, Lawson is a player whom every team wishes they hadn't passed on.
Biggest Surprise: Despite pleading from numerous teams, Koppen has continually failed to submit a roster on time (or at all). I know, I know... this is a competitive league and we all want to win. But I'm sure the rest of the teams would like to actually beat their opponent, rather than have a victory by forfeit. It's like in rivalry games... they always matter more when both teams are at the top of their game.
Coaching Grade: No coaching performance has ever deserved this, until now... F
New Year's Resolution: "Make lists and prioritize." The only way to improve is to consistently put forth the effort. It can't be hard to put a reminder in your fancy phone to set your lineup every week. If you don't have 10 minutes a week (seriously, that's all it takes), then I'm sure the whole league would like to know what you're so busy doing.
Team #9: Booo Joel (2-5)
Naughty: Byron Eaton, Oklahoma St... What a disappointing year for the senior point guard thus far. The first three weeks brought three frustrating performances, and he's been riding the pine ever since. However, Eaton still has a chance to earn some playing time once conference play opens up. He usually has his best games against the toughest competition. But it might be tough sledding when fellow Cowboy Obi Muonelo is ahead of you on this team's depth chart.
Nice: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue... I don't think anyone has helped Booo Joel more than Johnson. This last round pick has consistently improved his numbers as the season has progressed, finding himself in the top 15 in league scoring. A starter since week one, Johnson needs to continue to be "good" while frontcourt teammate Robbie Hummel needs to step it up and be "great".
Biggest Surprise: Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi St... This walking shot-blocker is fun to watch. It doesn't matter who has the ball for the other team, as Varnado always seems to be around the action. His scoring has nearly doubled from last year (up to 14ppg) and his amazing block numbers are somehow up more than one full point (5.8bpg). The stats are truly staggering - and when this beast double-doubles, it's one scary sight to see.
Coaching Grade: Booo Joel has made some nice moves in free agency. After a dismal start, you have to like the "heart on the sleeve" performances over the past couple weeks. Despite picking the right games for his players, Booo Joel has yet to find a solid starting lineup. Depth is never a cause for concern, but when you're consistently benching your 1st and 3rd round picks, it's never a good sign... C+
New Year's Resolution: "Reduce stress." It appears that Booo Joel has done just enough to overcome one of the poorer drafts in the league. After wheeling and dealing over the first month of the season, the improvements made from week one are remarkable. So sit back, and relax. You have one of the stronger frontcourts in the league, and they can keep you in every matchup. Let's see how far they take you, as the playoffs don't seem so far-fetched all of a sudden.
Team #8: Bill Self (3-4)
Naughty: Tyler Smith, Tennessee... The emotional leader of the Volunteers has failed to string together productive weeks all year. Aside from his triple-double explosion in week three, Smith has been unable to reach 20+ FCHP. If Bill Self is trying to orchestrate a run at the playoffs, he needs his 2nd round pick to be at the top of his game.
Nice: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame... As one of the premiere big men in the country, not much of anything can stop Harangody. Despite having only 5 starts in 8 weeks, Harangody is still in the top 15 in league scoring. It's hard to pick a bad game for the reigning Big East Player of the Year, as he routinely has great games night after night. But until he gets some help from his teammates, he's just Kevin Durant - the best player on one of the worst teams.
Biggest Surprise: BJ Mullens, Ohio St... And not in a good way: the 7-foot Buckeye has been a huge disappointment so far. He is averaging less than 18 minutes a game, and has yet to record a double-digit rebound game, while still trying to crack the starting rotation for the first time. It might be time for Bill Self to look elsewhere for some help in an already thin frontcourt.
Coaching Grade: You were #8 in last month's power rankings, and you really haven't done anything to improve you position. Until then, expect more of the same... C
New Year's Resolution: "Try something new." It's time to turn over a new leaf. There are plenty of quality players still available. Take a dip in teh free agency pool to help shuffle your lineup and motivate your team. Now is the time to take some chances if you're serious about a run at the playoffs.
Team #7: Chalmers Chiefers (3-4)
Naughty: Sherron Collins, Kansas... Collins has been described as a cross between a bulldog and a fire hydrant. But more than anything, he is the spark plug to the Kansas attack. However, it seems that as Collins goes, so do the Jayhawks. And thus far, his consistency has been less than stellar. He needs to develop into a more complete player before anything else. And improving his assist-turnover ratio should be priority number one.Nice: Taj Gibson, Southern Cal... While averaging a double-double, Gibson has been terrorizing opponents on both ends of the court. His points, rebounds, steals and blocks are up, while turnovers and personal fouls are down. That last stat is the key to Gibson's success. If he can continue to stay out of foul trouble, he will absoltely dominate the Pac 10 - music to Chalmers Chiefers' ears for sure.
Biggest Surprise: Scottie Reynolds, Villanova... Reynolds truly has surprised, but not in a good way. His 14ppg and 37% FG percentage are the lowest of his career. And it doesn't get any easier for the Villanova captain, with dreaded Big East play already underway. If he can get his assist numbers up, then he might be able to right the ship, and give this team the scoring power it needs. He's definitely got a sweet stroke in his arsenal, so he should keep firing away. Otherwise, he appears well on his way to fulfilling my "potential bust" prophecy.
Coaching Grade: Things are looking up for Chalmers Chiefers. Despite a sub-500 record, this team has the talent to play with anyone. A short bench could prove costly, as numerous moves in free agency were made right in front of him. This team might needs to find one more diamond in the rough for a real chance at the playoffs... B-
New Year's Resolution: "Spend more time with family." It's time to rally the troops for Chalmers Chiefers. Thus far, the season has been frustrating to say the least. The starting lineup appears set, but picking the right matchups has been tough to say the least. Now it's time to to put all of that behind you. What you need to do is spend some quality time with your team. Study their tendencies in order to maximize their potential.
Team #6: WGP (2-5)
Naughty: Wayne Ellington, North Carolina... The Tarheel sharpshooter just hasn't found his stroke yet. And when a guard can't his a shot, they're a waste of a starting spot. On the bright side, WGP has some talented youngsters eager for playing time. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Ellington turns it around immediately, or warms the bench for the rest of the season. But it probably wouldn't hurt WGP's chances if he started lighting it up.Nice: Jordan Hill, Arizona... Few players have possessed the consistency of Arizona's man in the paint. After getting his first start in week two, Hill has failed to score less than 30 FCHP. He makes the scariest two-man combination in the league alongside Blake Griffin, as both have been in the top 5 all year long.
Biggest Surprise: Samardo Samuels, Louisville... One of the other big men on WGP's roster has definitely hit the "freshman wall." Samuels has been a great shot-blocker, but has not scored or rebounded with any consistency. He has failed to reach 20 FCHP in ever start thus far. He's not a bad role player, but you have to believe WGP had more in store for the 3rd round pick when the season began.
Coaching Grade: Due to the success of his preseason draft, WGP hasn't had to make any changes. He's given nearly everyone on his roster a chance to prove their worth. The only potential downfall I see is a heavily big-man dominated roster. Once conference play heats up, big men often become a less integral part of the offense... B
New Year's Resolution: "Get in shape." I know this team has one hell of a one-two punch, but they desperately need a third guy to step up. If WGP can get some of his star freshmen to raise their game, he could make a run at the title. Until then, he might need to make some moves.
Team #5: Gordon Bombay (3-4)
Naughty: Chase Budinger, Arizona... The season started out like a ball of fire for Budinger, but has fizzled recently. With only one double-double on the season, the Arizona junior has not played to his potential. The once thought NBA lottery pick was benched for the first time all season, after failing to bring home a win for Bombay last week. But this just might be the wakeup call Budinger needed.Nice: Damion James, Texas... This next level prospect has steadily improved as the season has worn on. With double-doubles in three of his last four games, DJ is rounding into form just in time for conference play. He is one of the most difficult matchups in the country, so his numbers should remain consistent.
Biggest Surprise: James Johnson, Wake Forest... The Demon Deacon wing has not started since week 4. However, he has recorded two straight double-doubles and appears to be working his way back into the starting rotation very soon. He runs the floor extremely well, and complements his frontcourt mate Al-Farouq Aminu perfectly. And winning never hurts anything, as Wake is an undefeated 13-0 so far.
Coaching Grade: Trust me - I know how hard it is to accept the fact that your 1st round pick is a total bust. You've made some smart moves to offset Budinger's blunders, but you still need to develop some team chemistry. This lineup changes more than Sherron Collins' waistline... B-
New Year's Resolution: "Be more independent." Gordon Bombay has been fairly reliant on outsiders for help thus far. The young owner is talented, but still wet behind the ears. He has made some smart moves in free agency, but has needed people to cover for his mistakes. Bombay needs to start taking the reigns of this squad and make it his own.
Team #4: Aids (4-3)
Naughty: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky... The Kentucky guard often plays like a man possessed. It seems as though he will do anything within his power to score every time down the court. And unfortunately, his shooting percentage has felt the effects. Meeks has the memory of a goldfish and the conscience of a 3-year old. He's never seen a shot he didn't like. Although, until he becomes a more complete player, he might end up hurting Aids' cause more than he helps.Nice: Manny Harris, Michigan... As the only player on the roster to start every week, Harris usually puts a smile on Aids' face. I previously described him as the engine to the Wolverine offense... and he has been playing like a well-oiled machine all year. He is only one of two players (Nick Calathes) in the league to record two different categories of double-doubles (pts-reb & pts-ast) on the year. Expect more fireworks from this offensive explosion waiting to happen.
Biggest Surprise: Mac Koshwal, DePaul... The man in the middle from the Windy City has recorded double-digit rebounds in each of his last 7 games (6 double-doubles). Aids snatched up the free agent center in week 4, and he has been climbing the rankings each week. At 6'10" and 255lbs, Koshwal is more than ready for the physicality of Big East play.
Coaching Grade: Aids has done a great job of getting the most out of his players. And if it wasn't for some back luck in matchups, he could be in first place. This team is dangerously deep and can erupt on any given night. But can they finally get their act together, or continue to underachieve? ... B
New Year's Resolution: "Get a better education." It was pretty obvious that Aids had no idea what he was doing at the draft. However, his active role in free agency has built the foundation of a contender. If only he knew more to begin with, imagine the potential. The rest of the league should be thankful that he had exactly two starts between his 1st (Tyshawn Taylor), 2nd (JaMychal Green) and 4th (Willie Warren) round picks, all currently free agents.
Team #3: Boilers (5-2)
Naughty: E'Twaun Moore, Purdue... The biggest disappointment for Boilers is Moore hands down. He has failed to post 20+ FCHP all year, and has been benched two of the last three weeks. There are too many playmakers on this team to waste a starting spot on Moore. If he can't put up some encouraging numbers soon, he'll be getting splinters in his backside faster than you can say "Boiler-misser".Nice: Greivis Vasquez, Maryland... This do-it-all Terp was one of the stronger picks of this year's draft. He has scored in double figures in all but one game this year, and is solid across the board every time he steps on the court. At 6'6", Vasquez is a matchup nightmare for smaller guards, with a great game inside and out. If he continues to stuff the stat sheet, Vasquez could end up as the league's most unsung heroes.
Biggest Surprise: Lazar Hayward, Marquette... Hayward is a tough New Yorker who plays with a chip on his shoulder. He oozes with confidence and his smooth style of play left me scratching my head when he went undrafted. Nevertheless, his teardrop jumpers and ability to crash teh boards with a purpose make him one of the most versatile players on this team.
Coaching Grade: By far the most active player in free agency, Boilers has made the right moves at the right time. But will all of these players be able to mesh in time for the rapidly-approaching playoffs? Balancing the overload of potential on this team might prove to be a difficult task... A-
New Year's Resolution: "Get out of debt." This roster has been bolstered by numerous free agent pickups. Kyle McAlarney, Lazar Hayward, DeShawn Sims and Jeff Teague all appear to be legit contributors. But now is teh time to have your money start working for you, instead of the other way around.
Team #2: Crimson & Bluebloods (6-1)
Naughty: AJ Price, Connecticut... The season got off to a slow start for Price, as an early season suspension and in-game ejection have kept him on the pine. The 3-year starter has yet to find his touch from 3-point land and has only scored more than 20 points once on the year (a feat he accomplished 10 times last year). Price thrives on the big stage, so Big East play should snap him out of his pre-conference slump.
Naughty: Smurphs, Team Co-owners... Due to the fact that their lone loss came at the hands of a forfeit, I can't blame any of the players on Smurphs' team. So what happened? How could a team that was playing so well lose focus at the most critical point of the season thus far? Rookie mistake? Let's hope so... but now there's blood in the water, and the sharks are already circling these recently wounded Smurphs.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment