[Paint Touches] Top 50 Players in the Big East

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

https://painttouches.com/2018/08/20/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-50-41-3/

It's our third year in row counting down the top 50 players in the Big East. Andrei added his feedback to the list this year. We'll be breaking it down into 5 10-player segments. Thoughts, comments, agreements, and outrage all encouraged!

[Herman Cain]

https://painttouches.com/2018/08/20/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-50-41-3/

It's our third year in row counting down the top 50 players in the Big East. Andrei added his feedback to the list this year. We'll be breaking it down into 5 10-player segments. Thoughts, comments, agreements, and outrage all encouraged!

Thank You for preparing this. I continue to think Quincy McKnight is underrated.  I get that he has some warts, but the word is he has improved significantly in his year off. I guess time will tell.

[Its DJOver]

I guess I'll find out as more of the list is revealed, but how much of an impact does returning from an injury make?  In 2016-17 Emmitt Holt averaged more points than both Kyron Cartwright and Jalen Lindsey, in fewer minutes, and I think he could potentially be a top 10 player in the Beast, but being a big man coming back from a back injury, I also think there should be quite a few question marks surrounding him.  Same story with Krampelj at Creighton, (ACL not back) especially since he might miss part of the non-conference and could have quite a bit of rust when he comes back.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I guess I'll find out as more of the list is revealed, but how much of an impact does returning from an injury make?  In 2016-17 Emmitt Holt averaged more points than both Kyron Cartwright and Jalen Lindsey, in fewer minutes, and I think he could potentially be a top 10 player in the Beast, but being a big man coming back from a back injury, I also think there should be quite a few question marks surrounding him.  Same story with Krampelj at Creighton, (ACL not back) especially since he might miss part of the non-conference and could have quite a bit of rust when he comes back.

For the purpose of this list, we make the assumption that the player is coming back 100% healthy. That obviously is not always the case and you are right that Krampelj and Holt are two of the biggest questions marks heading into next season.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Thank You for preparing this. I continue to think Quincy McKnight is underrated.  I get that he has some warts, but the word is he has improved significantly in his year off. I guess time will tell.

Yet another in a long string of bizarre obsessions

[brewcity77]

Good opening article. Seton Hall really looks likely to struggle this year. Adding a low-efficiency, high-usage player to a roster that isn't always accustomed to their most efficient players taking alpha roles only compounds that problem.

I was surprised to see three Georgetown players in the bottom 10. Obviously Govan will be significantly higher (like Powell for SHU), but do you expect a three-way battle for the bottom of the league between Georgetown, Seton Hall, and DePaul?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Good opening article. Seton Hall really looks likely to struggle this year. Adding a low-efficiency, high-usage player to a roster that isn't always accustomed to their most efficient players taking alpha roles only compounds that problem.

I was surprised to see three Georgetown players in the bottom 10. Obviously Govan will be significantly higher (like Powell for SHU), but do you expect a three-way battle for the bottom of the league between Georgetown, Seton Hall, and DePaul?

What Georgetown has that Seton Hall and DePaul don't is depth. Other than Govan, Georgetown doesn't have any known stand out talents but they have a lot of solid players. Guys like Mosley, Malinowski, and LeBlanc  won't be a star every day but their might be enough of them that different players can step up to be Govan's wingman every night. I think it will be DePaul in the basement, Seton Hall just ahead of them, and then Creighton and Georgetown just in front of them.

[PGsHeroes32]

Thank You for preparing this. I continue to think Quincy McKnight is underrated.  I get that he has some warts, but the word is he has improved significantly in his year off. I guess time will tell.

On a scale of 1-pogo stick

Where does he rate??

[Silkk the Shaka]

On a scale of 1-pogo stick

Where does he rate??

I have some bad news. The groundhog emerged from its burrow and saw a girthy neck. That means 6 more years of Herman talking about Quincy McKnight

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Bumpity Bump

[jsglow]

Bumpity Bump

New material bf the bumpity brother!   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

https://painttouches.com/2018/08/27/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-40-31-3/

#40-31 is now live. This segment includes our first pick from our alma mater.

[Its DJOver]

Bit surprised that we've only seen one Bluejay thus far (although I imagine there will be multiple in the 30-21 range).  Team loses 3 of their top 4 scorers, as well as Harrell Jr.  Krampelj will be a stud assuming he's healthy, but I think you're higher on Ballock, Epperson, and either Alexander or Joseph than I am (although I am curious to find out which one you go with and why). 

[Herman Cain]

I am keen on the prospects of Ryan Welage for Xavier this year. However, I think you have him ranked appropriately for now, as the kid is a bean pole and will be coming into a mans league.  If Xavier is able to mask his defensive weakness in a zone defense then Welage may be due for a midseason upgrade.

[wadesworld]

I am keen on the prospects of Ryan Welage for Xavier this year. However, I think you have him ranked appropriately for now, as the kid is a bean pole and will be coming into a mans league.  If Xavier is able to mask his defensive weakness in a zone defense then Welage may be due for a midseason upgrade.

Has to upgrade that neck girth to crack the top 30 in a grown man's league.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Bit surprised that we've only seen one Bluejay thus far (although I imagine there will be multiple in the 30-21 range).  Team loses 3 of their top 4 scorers, as well as Harrell Jr.  Krampelj will be a stud assuming he's healthy, but I think you're higher on Ballock, Epperson, and either Alexander or Joseph than I am (although I am curious to find out which one you go with and why).

Your instincts are good, though you missed the fifth Blue Jay.

[bilsu]

For the purpose of this list, we make the assumption that the player is coming back 100% healthy. That obviously is not always the case and you are right that Krampelj and Holt are two of the biggest questions marks heading into next season.

Are you ranking each team's assumed starters or will we find some teams with more than 5 players on your list? Villanova's 6th man is probably better than a lot of starters.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Are you ranking each team's assumed starters or will we find some teams with more than 5 players on your list? Villanova's 6th man is probably better than a lot of starters.

Instead of doing a true top 50, we took the five best players from each team and ordered them one to fifty. Important to note, these are the five best players, not necessarily the five starters from each team.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

https://painttouches.com/2018/09/03/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-30-21-3/

#30-21 is now posted.

[brewcity77]

I think who will man the 5 is one of the most interesting questions about our team this year. I could see Joey getting time there as a stretch 5 and in stretches putting five guys on the floor that can hit the three. I also think both Heldt as the experienced senior and John as the most physical enforcer will get time there. All the more reason I think that most of our guys should be getting 15-25 mpg.

[Herman Cain]

https://painttouches.com/2018/09/03/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-30-21-3/

#30-21 is now posted.

I like Jahvon Quinerly at 21. He is a very solid player, with good IQ who can take it to the hole using both hands with ease, which is a big asset.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

https://painttouches.com/2018/09/10/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-20-11-3/

Segment 4 is up. Last one will feature the top 10.

[Its DJOver]

I knew there would be an obvious jump in talent somewhere in the teens, but I did not expect it to be that big.  I think you make an excellent point about X not having a go to last second shot taker that many teams have, but their overall quality is there.  MU and StJ only teams with multiple player still to be named. 

[Billy Hoyle]

I knew there would be an obvious jump in talent somewhere in the teens, but I did not expect it to be that big.  I think you make an excellent point about X not having a go to last second shot taker that many teams have, but their overall quality is there.  MU and StJ only teams with multiple player still to be named.

we know Ponds is #1, then there's everyone else.

[brewcity77]

we know Ponds is #1, then there's everyone else.

Maybe. I'd have Sam #1 and think it's by a fairly substantial margin. Ponds puts up raw numbers but isn't as efficient as Sam, nor is he as versatile a defender.

[Lennys Tap]

Maybe. I'd have Sam #1 and think it's by a fairly substantial margin. Ponds puts up raw numbers but isn't as efficient as Sam, nor is he as versatile a defender.

If Sam is POY in the Big East by a fairly substantial margin we'll wi the big East by a fairly substantial margin. Hope you're right.

[brewcity77]

If Sam is POY in the Big East by a fairly substantial margin we'll wi the big East by a fairly substantial margin. Hope you're right.

I'm not saying POY. I know it's a fine line, but I'm saying best player. I don't expect Sam will have the usage for POY. Look at our own team. I think the consensus is that Sam is the best player we have, but ask anyone nationally and it's Markus.

As far as the closest competition, I think it's Govan and Paschall. As far as this list, I expect high values are placed on efficiency and defense. Both of them (like Sam) are better in those regards than Ponds.

Here's how I'd have the top-10 (because I'm sure TAMU is already done):

10) Max Strus
9) Martin Krampelj
8) Justin Simon
7) Markus Howard
6) Kamar Baldwin
5) Myles Powell
4) Shamorie Ponds - Dynamic player, but more volume than efficiency keeps him out of best player contention.
3) Eric Paschall - Must prove he can carry the load. Great two-way player who has shown flashes but not consistency.
2) Jessie Govan - One of the best bigs in the country. Can step out and hit the three. I wouldn't argue if someone else had him #1.
1) Sam Hauser - The most efficient returning offensive player. The most dangerous three point shooter because of his size/accuracy combination. Can guard 2-5 depending on matchups. Probably won't win POY because minutes & usage will diminish his raw stats.

[Jay Bee]

^^^^ wat

[Herman Cain]

Good job on 20 through 11. You made up for the Quincy McKinght faux pas by bring in Taurean Thompson at 17.

[LloydsLegs]

Small quibble.  Isn't Collin Gillespie the likely back-up point guard rather than Booth? 

Nova will at times play all three at once (and mix in Cremo), but I see Quinerly or Gillespie handling the point almost all of the time.  Booth and Cremo a bit. 

Sheesh do they have options:  Quinerly plus 3 combo guards who all can handle.  I guess I've talked myself into not having any idea who the number two ball handler will be.

[Dr. Blackheart]

1) Sam Hauser - The most efficient returning offensive player.

No Heldter Skelter love?

[brewcity77]

No Heldter Skelter love?

In terms of the top-10, it's safe to say Heldtasaurus Rex doesn't have the usage to be up here.

[Lennys Tap]

In terms of the top-10, it's safe to say Heldtasaurus Rex doesn't have the usage to be up here.

Or the ability.

[NWarsh]

Or the ability.

Yeah, well,that is just, like, your opinion, man

[Newsdreams]

Yeah, well,that is just, like, your opinion, man

Milkman rules, hey?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

https://painttouches.com/2018/09/17/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-10-1-3/

Last segment is up! Two familiar faces are featured.

[Herman Cain]

https://painttouches.com/2018/09/17/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-10-1-3/

Last segment is up! Two familiar faces are featured.

Very well done and more importantly you got a Dickie Simpkins reference in.

So the question is, if Heron is eligible for St. Johns, do they become a top half of the Big East team this year?

[brewcity77]

https://painttouches.com/2018/09/17/top-50-players-in-the-big-east-10-1-3/

Last segment is up! Two familiar faces are featured.

Good stuff. I'd still have Hauser ahead of Howard & question Ponds adjusted offensive efficiency (8th in AdjOE of the 10 guys on this list), but a good argument nonetheless.

[MUBigDance]

Does Sam shoot more this year? One thing I wish he'd done more of. I know, maybe that selective shooting gave him the efficiency he has. This year see him hitting close to 20ppg with similar efficiency.

[LloydsLegs]

Very well done and more importantly you got a Dickie Simpkins reference in.

So the question is, if Heron is eligible for St. Johns, do they become a top half of the Big East team this year?

If he is, top 3.

[Lennys Tap]

When was the last time we had 2 first team All Big East players? I think never.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Very well done and more importantly you got a Dickie Simpkins reference in.

So the question is, if Heron is eligible for St. Johns, do they become a top half of the Big East team this year?

If Heron is eligible I think they are top 3 in the Big East. Though it will depend on how they adjust their identity. Since CM arrived, St. John's as been known for high flying, ball swatting, soul crushing interior defense. With only two guys standing taller than 6'7"...one of whom averaged under 10 minutes a game at his last stop and the other a skinny true freshman ranked between 200-300 in most services...I don't think they can continue that. If they don't have the swat brothers patrolling the paint, will they be able to be as aggressive on the perimeter? I'm not saying that I think they will be bad, but I am curious how their philosophy and strategy will shift.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Good stuff. I'd still have Hauser ahead of Howard & question Ponds adjusted offensive efficiency (8th in AdjOE of the 10 guys on this list), but a good argument nonetheless.

You'll have to talk to Andrei about Howard over Hauser. I had them ranked Hauser 4th, Howard 6th. Andrei ranked them Howard 2nd Hauser 4th. Averaged the scores together and the tie breaker was who had the highest individual ranking.

I thought long and hard about Ponds but his ability to stuff the stat sheet really sets him apart from everyone on this list. That and the fact that he can enter "God mode" unlike any other player in this league. He has stretches where he's bad but when he's good, he's the best player in the conference by a wide margin IMHO.

[Silkk the Shaka]

If he is, top 3.

Agreed, if he's eligible it's a 3 horse race. If not, it's us & Nova.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

When was the last time we had 2 first team All Big East players? I think never.

Even though I put them at 3/4, I don't think Hauser ends up on the first team. I hope he ups that usage but I'm not sure a Hodag can change its stripes. I think he may continue to be absurdly efficient but not aggressive enough to get the numbers that put him on the first team. That and the fact that Howard will continue to get most of the spotlight.

[Galway Eagle]

When was the last time we had 2 first team All Big East players? I think never.

DJO and Crowder

[Jay Bee]

You'll have to talk to Andrei about Howard over Hauser. I had them ranked Hauser 4th, Howard 6th. Andrei ranked them Howard 2nd Hauser 4th. Averaged the scores together and the tie breaker was who had the highest individual ranking.

The usage difference is too much for me to overcome - they're both wonderful, but M2N gets the nod from me as well.

[Lennys Tap]

DJO and Crowder

Correct - 2011-12. We end up ranked 8 or 9 that year and reached the S16. Repeat?

[Galway Eagle]

Correct - 2011-12. We end up ranked 8 or 9 that year and reached the S16. Repeat?

Topped out ranked 8, 14-4 retroactively won the Big East. Arguably our best team since the FF (maybe 08-09). But had a glaring hole down low that LSU, Vanderbilt, Cuse and GTown all took advantage of. I personally think this years team might be more well rounded.

[Herman Cain]

Topped out ranked 8, 14-4 retroactively won the Big East. Arguably our best team since the FF (maybe 08-09). But had a glaring hole down low that LSU, Vanderbilt, Cuse and GTown all took advantage of. I personally think this years team might be more well rounded.

I think we actually were ranked as high as 7 at one point. Otule and Davante's injury definitely hurt us down low. 

[Galway Eagle]

I think we actually were ranked as high as 7 at one point. Otule and Davante's injury definitely hurt us down low.

Not in the AP.

http://www.collegepollarchive.com/mbasketball/ap/teams/by_season.cfm?seasonid=2012&teamid=100#.W6EQ4qQo-Ec

You're right we got to 7 in the coaches I just personally take the AP to more valid.