Cleanthony Early is a god and/or the best player in the MVC

[iSASO]

Three games into the conference season, I haven't seen anyone capable of shutting Early down. He got in foul trouble in the Drake game but still scored in double figures.

[CBB_Fan]

Three games into the conference season, I haven't seen anyone capable of shutting Early down. He got in foul trouble in the Drake game but still scored in double figures.

Cleanthony Early is the player most capable of shutting Cleanthony Early down. He can't score from the bench (though it appears like he has the range).

I think his skillset is most comparable to a pick'n pop stretch 4 in the NBA (though obviously he'd be a small forward at the next level). In college, he is good enough in the post game to force help, and he can stretch a defense from the short corner or perimeter.

I'm not sure how well he would translate to the NBA. He's not going to be able to play in the same way, because the players with his playing style are primarily 6'10 or taller (long enough to shoot over NBA defenders). He does have good height for the small forward position, and good enough athleticism, but his ball-handling is not NBA level. He also would need to bulk up to defend against pros, but that is common for almost all rookies.

I certainly see him as a high second round pick at this point. Good enough to get notice, and lead a team at the college level, but still a MVC player. With a solid year and a half, he could be a 1st rounder.

[valleychamp]

Among MVC players he is ranked #11 in scoring, #15 in rebounding, #5 in FT%. He is not highly ranked in any other category.

He is clearly a very good player. But to this point he's been just that--a very good player--and there are a lot of very good players in this league. He's not the best player in the conference and maybe not even on his own team. Sky's the limit for him though.

[shoxrox]

That is a fair observation and post, valleychamp. I think I even agree with it.

[glm38]

IMO Doug Mc is the best player in the MVC and its not even close. Early will probably not ever post close to dougs offensive #'s because the Shockers are so deep and Marshall seems to favor a very balanced attack. Its not his fault. Yet even if you put Early in a system designed to showcase his skills I still don't see him matching Dougs numbers and efficiency. Not yet.

[Ace Dad]

I say it is too early and the kid needs about 6-8 games to show what level he really is at. Not rational to try to judge a JUCO so early in the season when he is still learning to play at the D1 level. Last year does not count.

He will become more disciplined as he feels comfortable in the Shocker system.

I do not think Evansville has anyone who can guard him.

[Wufan]

Among MVC players he is ranked #11 in scoring, #15 in rebounding, #5 in FT%. He is not highly ranked in any other category.

He is clearly a very good player. But to this point he's been just that--a very good player--and there are a lot of very good players in this league. He's not the best player in the conference and maybe not even on his own team. Sky's the limit for him though.

Well said! Cle is good, not great. He gets extra attention from the fans due to his size, athleticism, and inside-out ability.

[musiccitybulldog]

The thing that impresses me about Early that I think is much rarer that other "good" players, he has the ability to win games.
Several Shocker games I have seen this year, if Early had not come through when he did and how he did, the record wouldn't be what it is. He gets rebounds at the "right" time, he can go coast to coast and deliver, he can knock down a three at the time that chokes the other team. He seems to be a player that contributes more than the points he scores.
It's funny this thread came up when it did last night as I asked my wife while watching the Bradley game if he could be all MVC or player of the year.
Its fun to watch Marshall coach him. If he isn't already, he is going to be a "big deal".

[WhiskeySierraUniform]

Among MVC players he is ranked #11 in scoring, #15 in rebounding, #5 in FT%. He is not highly ranked in any other category.

Minutes played per game average:
Doug McDermott - 30.6
Jackie Carmichael - 28.8
Colt Ryan - 26.9
Tyler Brown - 27.4
Desmar Jackson - 30.0
Jake Odum - 32.1
Anthony Downing - 33.9
Ben Simons - 33.7
Anthony James - 31.9
.
.
.
.
.
.
Cle Early - 23.7

[xsaluki]

Early will feel the pain when he goes against my Salukis.

His arms will be hurting from all the shooting. His wrists will be bruised from the dunking.

That pansy won't know what hit him.