As far as first team all conference goes, I think 3 guys are locks.
1. Erik McCree - TECH (SR)
Second Team last year and Preseason 1st team. In the running for POY; clear leader of the No. 2 team
and is 6th in scoring (17.9) and 3rd in rebounding (8.9); 29th blocks (.5)
Nobody to split votes with. Should be a slam dunk.
2. Jon Elmore - Marshall (JR)
1st scoring (20.1); 1st assists (6.1);5th in ATO (1.9); 12th in 3 pt % (.354); 9th steals (1.3); 35th rebounds (4.3)
Even though he was only 4th team in the pre-season, I don't see how he can get snubbed.
3. Marcus Evans - Rice (SO)
3rd in scoring (19.2); 6th in assists (4.2); 15th in ATO (1.1) and 6th in 3pt %(.384);
He was 1st team last year and on preseason 1st team this year. He has not disappointed statistically.
After that, it gets a little murky
Jacorey Williams - MTSU (SR)
7th scoring (17.5), 7th rebounding (7.6), 25th blocks (.5)
May very well be the best player in the conference, but is a one and done transfer from Arkansas.
James Kelly was a similar type impact last year for Marshall; Kelly was Newcomer of the year and 1st team, but not POY.
(of interest, Kelly was arrested last week on felony drug charges). Williams also has two well respected teammates who
were pre-season choices, Upshaw (pre-season 1st) and Giddy Potts. Williams has to be Newcomer, but is there room on
first team too?
Prediction - 2nd team
4. Reggie Upshaw - MTSU (SR)
16th scoring (14.2), 11th rebounding (6.6), 15th steals (1.2) and 15th blocks (.9)
Pre-season first team, 3rd Team last year. 4 year starter for a team that has been
runner-up and champion the last 2 years and is set to win regular season this year.
Prediction - 1st team.
Giddy Potts - MTSU (JR)
10th scoring (15.3); 6th steals (1.4); 20th rebounding (5.4); 8th 3 pt% (.379); 34th assists (1.4)
Pre-season 2nd team
Prediction - 2nd team
5. Dominic Artis - UTEP (SR)
12th scoring (15.2); 2nd steals (2.1); 3rd assists (6.0); 8th ATO (1.8) and 13th rebounds (6.4)
Pre-season 2nd team. UTEP has been one of the better stories of the year and is looking like
a 3rd seed. Artis may have the best looking stat line after Elmore and is the straw that has been
stirring the turn around. He deserves it based upon the performance of his team down the stretch.
I don't think he will be hurt be transfer from Oregon since he has spent two years at UTEP; also
likely All Defense.
Other potential 2nd teamers:
William Lee - UAB (JR)
22nd scoring (13.0); 1st blocks (2.4); 12th rebounds (6.6); 29th steals (.9)
pre-season 1st team, 3rd team last year
has been the best player on an underperforming team; likely All Defense.
Chris Coakley - UAB (JR)
pre-season 1st team, 2nd team last year
numbers aren't bad but probably drops lower on post-season teams
B. J. Stith - ODU (SO)
preseason 2nd team, probably doesn't make it because Caver performed better
Ahmad Caver - ODU (SO)
19th scoring (13.4); 4th assists (4.5); 2nd ATO 2.4; 10th steals (1.3); 13th 3pt % (.352)
Jacobi Boykins - TECH (JR)
14th scoring (14.6); 1st steals (2.1); 4th 3pt% (.414.); 23rd blocks (.6); 27th assists (2.2); 31st rebounds (4.5)
The numbers are there, but not picked for any pre-season honors. Should at least make 3rd team
along with all defensive team.
Ryan Taylor - Marshall (SR)
13th scoring (14.8); 5th rebounding (8.5); 5th blocks (1.7)
Pre-season 2nd team
Justin Johnson - Western Kentucky (JR)
15th scoring (14.2) 2nd rebounding (9.1)
preseason 3rd team
Egor Koulechov - Rice (JR)
5th scoring (18.4); 4th rebounding (8.7); 1st 3pt% (.484); 30th assists (2.3); 41st steals (.8)
Former Arizona State transfer had no pre-season honors
Jeff Beverly - UTSA (JR)
9th scoring (16.0); 15th rebounding (6.0)
no preseason honors
Jon Davis - Charlotte (SO)
2nd scoring (20.0); 7th assists (3.8); 14th ATO (1.1); 31st steals(.9)
preseason 4th team.
Last edited by skilldawg; 02-21-2017 at 05:44 PM.
I tend to agree that McCree is the odds on favorite to win POY based on the capital he's built up the last few years. Seems like he's not hunting buckets as much this season and is more composed. His ability to rebound in traffic is another asset to go along with his impressive offensive arsenal.
Have you considered those Dogs?
McCree should win POY. McCree still has time to carve a special place for himself in history. He's going to be the first LA Tech player to lead his team to the NCAA Tournament in 26 years.
I am concerned that one of the MTSU guys gets POY because of what they have done over the past 3 years and because if McCree gets it it will be 3 straight for the dawgs
Ive seen suggestions that McCree get POY, MTSU guy Williams (?) gets Newcomer award. And of course Bracey as the Freshman.