NCAA Hidden Gems

In men's college basketball today, there are superstars waiting to go to the next level, and there are those that know who not many know about that know how to help their team win. Everyone knows about Oklahoma's Blake Griffen, and his monster numbers both in points and rebounding that he puts up on a nightly basis. Then there is Connecticut's Hasheem Thabeet who dominates on the the defensive end of the court with his shot blocking and rebounding ability. Another common household name is Stephen Curry, sharp shooter who plays for Davidson. Curry can shoot for anywhere on the court, and whenever he has an open look, do not expect anything but a made basket. However, there are those names that you have probably never heard of, and if so, only because of a Sports center highlight.

Here are some players you should keep an eye out for during this year's college basketball season as conference play gets under way in a few weeks:

Trevor Booker-Clemson:
Booker is a 6-7 forward who is averaging about 15 points and 9 boards a game. He can get it done inside and outside with a good medium range jumper. Booker helps lead the Tigers to a 10-0 start and into the rankings. Look for Booker to have a strong year, and into the tournament with a solid performance.

Jeff Pendergraph-Arizona State:
We all know about James Harden and his abilities over there at ASU, but the Sun Devils would be no where near where they are with out his contributions. Pendergraph is averaging 12 points 7 boards, but has had break out games this season of 23 and 22. Pendergraph is Hardens wing man who is second on the team in scoring but is the team's leading rebounder. The Sun Devils are currently ranked #20.

Durrell Summers-Michigan State:
Summers, a freshman guard helped carry the Spartans to a huge win over Texas on Saturday with a big 3 pointer with under a minute to go. Summers is one of the best role players in the nation, and knows how to knock down the big shot. He will surely be Tom Izzo's go to guy as he progresses in his collegiate career.

Dante Cunningham-Villanova:
Cunningham is Villanova's best player this year. He has been injured all his career at Nova, but this year he has been healthy. When Cunningham has been healthy, he has shown his talent. Leading the team in points (16.7) a game and rebounds (7.6) he has taken pressure off of guard Scottie Reynolds, an All-American calibre point guard. Look for Cunningham to have a solid year.

Al-Faroug Aminu-Wake Forest:
Aminu is a 6'9" freshman who has the ability to dominate games. He is said to be NBA ready. He can put up a double double every night and uses his length to dominate on the defensive end. His scoring ability is natural, and has soft hands around the basket. Look for Aminu to be a high draft pick in next June's draft.

Other Hidden Gems:
Derrick Brown-Xavier
Jeremy Pargo-Gonzaga
Jrue Holiday-UCLA
Cameron Tatum-Tennessee
Manny Harris-Michigan

The Most Exciting Player in College Hoops

The return of college basketball is always an amazing time of year. The passion, the determination, and the pride are what makes the college game so much more appealing to the fans than the NBA. All year we watch young stars showcase themselves to the NBA and try to run the table for the championship at the end of the year.

I personally root for UNC and I hate Duke. I always check to see how Penn is doing in the ivy league. Also, i follow some other cool teams and slowly fall in love with some new guys every year. In years past, Kevin Durant, Eric Gordon, Carmelo Anthony, etc, have been the guys that I couldn't get enough of and as this year moves forward, there is one player I'll be watching: Davidson's Stephon Curry.

You probably remember Stephon Curry from last year's March Madness, where he lead cinderella Davison to the elite eight and almost took down the eventual champ, Kansas in a heartbreaker. Unless you went to Davidson, you probably didn't see him coming. Now that the media has caught on, Curry has been getting some well deserved media attention too (here, here, here, and here).

Then to start this season, Curry has picked up right where he left off. Last night, he dropped 44(!) on Oklahoma with an array of drives and treys from all over the court. The most impressive points coming at the end of the game when he got a three off and in over monster freshman Blake Griffin. Davidson lost the game, but Curry made it a battle and must-see tv. Frankly, I'm embarrassed that I didn't list it on the side in our Must See TV This Week.

This season, Curry switched positions to play the point, partly because they lost their solild PG from last season and partly because it will improve his draft stock. He was slightly undersized for a SG and would be at a great disadvantage there in the NBA. But now, as a PG, Curry's stock is soaring up the draft board and his Davidson team is ranked #21 in the nation.

Stephon is a shoot-first guard, more of a combo guard in the model of Monte Ellis, Gilbert Arenas, or Dwayne Wade. Curry isn't as quick as Monte, but he has tremendous court awareness. Curry isn't the size of Arenas, but he is outstanding coming off screens and using his body to get in the right position to score. And Curry doesn't get to the rim like Wade, but he shoots the lights out from all over the court.

That sweet jumper is most impressive aspect of his game. Curry has a lightning quick release and can seemingly get his shot off anywhere at any time. Behind the arc, he is lethal from very, very deep. He never misses free throws and is one of the purest overall scorers in the country. Curry is wildly creative with ball in his hand and uses it to his advantage, scoring well with both hands.

Not only that, the kid showcases an award winning smile and appears to be a good, humble guy. Curry could have bolted for the NBA as a sophomore after last years March Madness showcase, but he chose to stay for his junior year and lead his teammates for another year. With Stephon Curry playing like he is, Davidson is now must-see tv everytime they play.