MVCfans wrote:rlh04d wrote:BCPanther wrote:Marshall
Doyle
Washpun
Cotton
I'm good with that.
I didn't pick a preseason COY, but I think I chose both Doyle and Washpun before the season started. The trouble I'm having with my All-MVC teams is how many Shockers make first team and which player gets POY?
There was a good article in a Terre Haute paper regarding the first team, and they were pushing for four Shockers. Granted, he admitted it was easy for him since he didn't get to vote for Odum.
Still, I think his reasoning is sound.
My opinion: If I could draft a starting lineup from the MVC, I would take all four of the main Shockers.
I think Van Vleet is better than Odum and he'd be my starting point guard. I don't think anyone would argue with that at this point. He's better than Odum in nearly every statistical category this year ... Odum only wins ppg and rpg, both barely, and Van Vleet is a far more efficient shooter, with much higher FG% and 3PT%. More assists, less TOs, etc. And the gap between FVV/Odum and the rest of the Valley PGs is drastic.
I think Baker is the best shooting guard in the league. I think he's one of the best in the country, and I think every coach in the Valley would start him at the 2, and eight teams would start him at the 1.
I think Tekele Cotton is better than any other option at the 3. He's the defensive player of the year without a doubt. I think he's the one likely to be left off the first team, though, because he lacks the obvious stats.
I think Cleanthony Early is by far the best 4 in the league. It's not close.
I would actually probably take Mock at the 5 if I was drafting a team. As far as an award goes with the 5, though, I'd take Tuttle. I'd probably take Odum out of position just to name the best five, though.
I seriously bet that would be Marshall's starting five as well (with Mock) if he had his choice.
I don't think Balentine is a 1st teamer (poor defense, system guy on offense). I don't think Jackson is the best player on his team (Beane). I think Lemon is a turnover machine and a detriment to his team. I'd give 2nd team to Balentine, Gulley, Jackson/Beane, whichever of Odum/Tuttle I didn't take, and Pickett.
Player of the year is a toss-up. I think WSU's success is most directly related to FVV or Baker over Early, though, although any of the three are worthy.