Top 10 Backcourts in NCAA (Comparing to Sycamores)

[TreeTop]

Alright get ready for me to throw some crazy talk out there. Here's the CBS Sports Top 10 Backcourts in the NCAA...

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebas...-college-basketball-preview-top-10-backcourts

And no surprise, WSU is ranked number 2.

1. Kentucky
2. WSU Players: Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker, Conner Frankamp, Evan Wessel, Landry Shamet
3. Villanova
4. IU Players: Yogi Ferrell, James Blackmon Jr., Robert Johnson, Nick Zeisloft
5. UCONN
6. UNC
7. Oklahoma
8. Maryland
9. Cal
10.Kansas

Here's the crazy talk...I don't think our Sycamores are that far off from WSU and IU. I'm drinking the Kool-Aid when it comes to Devonte Brown. I've totally bought in to his putting in the hard work in the off season and improving his ball handling/taking care of the ball, field goal shooting and free throws. All other facets of the game (quickness, driving to the bucket, and defense) are already top notch. I can't wait to see what he does. Brenton Scott, Freshman of the Year...I'm a little worried about a Sophomore Slump, but if he doesn't fall into that doldrum, then he's only gonna be better this year. Everett Clemons, complete unknown in terms of D1 experience, however, if he's the pass-first, take care of the rock, hard-nosed defensive point guard that he's being billed as, then it's ok to be excited about his presence. Grant Prusator, lethal from outside. Yes, his defense is a little suspect, but I guarantee you if you look at all the other players listed for each team in the Top 10 above, there are three-point guys who are very specific to being just that, three point guys.

So, what am I saying? Am I saying that our backcourt is a Top 10 backcourt in the NCAA? No. But, I AM saying, I have no problem with this backcourt going up against the Number 2 backcourt in the country.

 

[Sycamore Proud]

Our outback will be pretty good I believe. I also believe IU's kids have a lot of talent. BUT, they also have Tom Crean to screw them up. JMHO

 

[Bluethunder]

I agree that Van Fleet and Baker are top notch, but have never understood the love for Wessel. If he is the 3rd guard, that is a heck of a drop off from the first two.

(BTW, I hate threads like this because now we will have to have some wichita state fan come on here and share their two cents,....hurrah!) Just my opinion though.

 

[sycamorebacker]

I don't think Yogi plays a lick of defense and Blackmon is certainly not known for his D.

 

[Stickboy46]

I agree that Van Fleet and Baker are top notch, but have never understood the love for Wessel. If he is the 3rd guard, that is a heck of a drop off from the first two.

(BTW, I hate threads like this because now we will have to have some wichita state fan come on here and share their two cents,....hurrah!) Just my opinion though.

You are correct .. Here is my two cents. You are correct in your statement. Wessel is a key part of WSU winning, but I wouldn't consider him part of the best backcourt. Besides the fact that he has been playing at the 4 for a large part of his career, he doesn't put up stats that would qualify for "best backcourt", he's not a scorer, or driver, or anything flashy. The thing he does do for you is gain you a few extra possession by getting loose balls, or tough rebounds. Those do help you win.

The other two mentioned above (Frankamp and Shamet ... and Taylor) will be great, just don't know how long it will take for them to fully show that. I don't know if I would put them ahead of other veteran MVC backcourts by themselves. Lots of potential, just don't know how it will turn out until later in the year.