This week, the Bob Cousy Award Watch List released its top10 watch list. NCAA Basketball players can play their way on and off the list the rest of the season. I will be breaking down each finalist as a player and how I would vote for the award
10. Scottie Barnes – Florida State Seminoles
Scottie Barnes is a 6.9 227 pound freshman from Florida State and was the number 7 consensus recruit in the country last year. He is the current 9th player on Espn’s 2021 draft board. At 6.9 with a 7/2 wingspan, Barnes is a very good versatile defender that professional teams love. It’s super valuable to have such a big guard on your roster that is so versatile.
But Barnes averaging 10.6 points per game 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists has really struggled with his jump shot this year shooting 32% from three and 45.% from the line. Barnes is a very good player but improving his jump shot would be really important for his NBA career and it would really help Florida State’s offense. He’s been a huge part of Florida State’s team due to his size and playmaking ability. Right now, I have him 10th on my list.
9. Marcus Zegarowski – Creighton Bluejays
The 9th player checking in on my Bob Cousy award watch list is Marcus Zegarowski a 6’2 180-pound guard from Creighton. Zegarowski’s is the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Micheal Carter-Williams and is averaging 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game for Crieghton. Zegarowski’s numbers are a little bit down this season; he’s been banged up and had offseason knee surgery.
According to Hoop-Math his assisted shots at the rim, two-point jumpers, and three-point jumpers are lower. That means he’s having to create his shot more which are typically harder shots. Zegarowski the leader and point guard for the number 17 team in the country. He is a very good three-point shooter shooting over 40% every season in his career. Zegarowski is also really good in ball screens and as a pull-up shooter. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble helps make him such a good player.
Creighton is a pretty good team and they’re really fun to watch. Zegarowski has been hurt recently but he’s the engine that keeps Creighton going. Him staying healthy and getting into a rhythm towards the 2nd half of the year would be huge for Creighton.