Six observations from the hardwood:
In an effort to be fair and balanced guess who leads the nation in scoring as a team? The mad scientist, Duggar Baucom at The Citadel has his team cranked up to hyper-drive averaging over 105 points per game! That leads the nation’s 2nd highest scoring team (Central Michigan) by 13 points per game!!!
Giddy Potts of MTSU scored a season high 27 points in leading the Blue Raiders to a 71-48 win over Vanderbilt of the SEC this week. Potts was 10 of 17 from the floor (59%), 4 of 9 from three-point (44%) while adding 9 rebounds and 3 steals as MTSU won their seventh straight game. That streak included a 77-62 win at Ole Miss.
Tim Kempton of Lehigh averages 29.0 PPG and 13.5RPG. He is one of the best big men in the country and probably the next pro out of the Patriot League.
After losing Kay Felder to the Cleveland Cavs we might expect Oakland to regress. I guess not! The Grizzlies are 9-1 and led by three high profile transfers including: Martex Walker (Texas), Sherron Dorsey-Walker (Iowa State) and Stevie Clark (Oklahoma State). Greg Kampe one of the most under rated coaches in the country. While those three get a lot of credit for their best start in their NCAA D-I history, there is another unsung hero. Isaiah Brock is literally a hero but not because he averages 6.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and shoots 80% from the free-throw line. Brock defended our country in the Army in Afghanistan. Brock served in Afghanistan and Kuwait and is a decorated Army veteran receiving the Army Commendation Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and a Certificate of Achievement. He now defends the basket for the Grizzlies with a team-leading 12 blocks.
Siyani Chambers of Harvard is on a roll. The 6-0 guard from Minnesota has three straight double figure assist games leading the Crimson to wins over Fordham, Northeastern and Boston College. Chambers is one of the best passers in the nation averaging nearly 8 assists per game and a 3.4 assists to turnover. In the season of giving, Chambers is Santa!
There is something going on in the desert, specifically at Grand Canyon University after 27 wins last season (5-4 to date). Two of GCU’s defeats are to Duke and Louisville. Dan Majerle’s team won at home against San Diego State last week 76-72. DeWayne Russell had 21 points, nine assists and four rebounds in the win. GCU could contend in what looks like an improved WAC. New Mexico State is 7-2, UVU is much improved, UMKC and CSU Bakersfield all could contend in a Wacky WAC race.