NCAA Basketball: Zion, Markus Howard leads 2019 college hoops All Star game
By Josh Svetz
Guards/Reserves
Marial Shayok – Iowa St.
Marial Shayok has become a star for the surging Cyclones scoring 19.1 ppg and 5.1 rebounds per game.
The senior shoots efficiently from everywhere on the court with a 50% field goal percentage, 39% three point percentage and 88% from the stripe.
Perhaps the Virginia transfer’s greatest strength is his hero ball mentality, evidenced by saving the Cyclones from a potential upset at Oklahoma with a go-ahead three pointer on a broken play.
Admiral Schofield – Tennessee
As great as Grant WIlliams has been for the Volunteers, don’t sleep on Admiral Schofield.
The senior can do it all scoring 16.6 ppg along with 6 boards and 1 steal a game. He’s a pure microwave who can get hot at any time and bury the opponent. His tenacious defense gives top-tier scorers fits and he acts as a perfect complimentary player.
His contributions are a huge reason why the Volunteers are ranked #1 in the AP Polls.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker – Virginia Tech
Despite a poor performance in his last game against Louisville, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a key component to the Hokies’ success this year.
The sophomore has gained the attention of NBA scouts and projects as a possible first round pick.
His 17.5 ppg, 4.2 rebounds a game and 2 steals make him an explosive and versatile combo guard that gives opposing teams nightmares.
Kyle Guy – Virginia
The ultimate role player, Kyle Guy has slipped under the radar due to the balanced nature of Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers.
However, the junior shouldn’t be ignored, averaging 14.5 ppg and shooting almost 44% from behind the arc.
His deadly marksmanship, lock down defense and ability to take care of the ball make him an all around excellent two-guard.
Jarrett Culver – Texas Tech
With the losses of Zhaire Smith, Zach Smith, Justin Gray and Keenan Evans, many thought the Red Raiders would take a step back this season.
Those people didn’t count on Jarrett Culver. The sophomore has grabbed the reins and become a menace in the Big-12 with his 17.8 ppg, 6.6 boards a game and his knack for making the tough shot late.
Culver’s contributions are the lead argument in favor of the Red Raiders replicating their success last March.
Chris Clemons – Campbell
What if I told you that the leading scorer in the NCAA is a 5’9, 180 lb guard from Campbell?
Well guess what, this isn’t a hypothetical, it’s real. Chris Clemons is a scoring machine with his 29 ppg leading the whole NCAA. He’s been one of the most consistent scorers in the whole association with only two games where he’s scored under 20. He’s also less than 150 points from joining the 3,000 career point scorer club, a threshold that only 8 players have reached.
Sure, the Fighting Camels may not be that good, but with only two conference losses, including a tight win at Radford, Clemons has the Fighting Camels in the thick of it for an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Shamorie Ponds – St. John’s
The rebirth of the Red Storm begins with the amazing play of Shamorie Ponds.
An electric scorer and excellent passer, the junior leads the Red Storm with 20.8 ppg and 5.5 apg. He has a knack for causing turnovers averaging almost 3 steals a game.
A combination of tenacity, clutchness and talent, Ponds could be a key player to watch if he can will the Red Storm into the NCAA Tournament.