Key Players in the Big West Tournament
As mentioned earlier, UC Davis senior Chima Moneke has been suspended indefinitely. Otherwise, he would be at the top of this list. That said, here are the players to watch during the Big West Tournament.
JR TJ Shorts II – UC Davis
It was easy to write the Aggies off after their star forward was suspended. However, UC Davis secured the Big West Regular Season Championship behind a strong effort from Player of the Year TJ Shorts. His effort has the team riding a five-game winning streak entering the Big West Tournament. It will be up to him to step his game up even more and lead the Aggies to an auto-bid.
SO Max Heidegger and Sr. Leland King II – UC Santa Barbara
The two All-Big West First Team selections for UC Santa Barbara bring a different contribution to the Gauchos’ attack. Heidegger is the first option scorer and three-point threat, while King has been the second option and top player on the boards. These two individuals can flat-out play, and have helped turn the Gauchos from last place team to legitimate title threat.
SO Tommy Rutherford – UC Irvine
Tommy Rutherford may not be the most exciting player on the Anteaters’ roster, but he is the most important to their success. Not only is Rutherford incredibly efficient on the offensive end, scoring 10.5 points on .594 shooting, but he also puts in a ton of effort on the defensive end and the boards. If Irvine aims to make a run in this tournament, they will lean on Rutherford provide consistency.
JR Kyle Allman, Jr. – CSU Fullerton
The leading scorer in the Big West, Kyle Allman can score from anywhere on the court for the Titans. The junior ended the season by scoring 20+ points in nine of eleven games, including 40 points against Hawaii on the road. If Allman gets going, it is hard to stop him and this will be a key to CSU Fullerton’s success this week.
SR Gabe Levin – Long Beach State
Long Beach State faced some adversity this season, with a mid-season injury knocking grad transfer Bryan Alberts out for nine games, during which Gabe Levin really solidified himself as the 49ers top player. Now Levin will have to increase his play even more if the Beach has any shot at making a run in this tournament.