Big Sky Player of the Year

[n.ogdencat]

Thanks for the opinions guys. I agree that even though I try my hardest not to be biased, I definitely could have a some bias there because I see UNC in person much more than anyone else in the Big Sky. That is why I love reading what you guys to say... it has already made me realize that my originally putting Barden #2 was too high!

Also, good point about the fact that he could be having as much success because of the relative weakness of big men in the Big Sky. Other than probably Bolomboy (who is still a role player), there isn't a 4 man in the conference with his athletic ability.

Okay Jon...you convinced me. Barden is the best player on UNCO's squad, but that doesn't say much. UNCO hasn't been particularly good this year (I think they will improve and be one of the better teams next year, because of Barden). Yet, even though he is on the team, Barden, this season, has been the lipstick on the pig. :kisswink: However, and I will readily admit...he deserves pre-season attention next year and will get it. Just looking over his numbers I believe he should get 2nd team honors this year. But we are talking about POTY here. Barden, is one of the top players in the Sky, but I wouldn't say he is #2. It really is a four man race...between Berry, Jamar, Cherry, and Bamforth for the honor. All of them will end up on the 1st team...with either Ward or Tresnak making an appearance too, and the sixth spot will go to either Huff or Rogers.

I do see what you are trying to do and I like it. Gotta think outside the box, which is awesome. Thank you for your point. Hey, you did convince me that Barden was UNCO's best player. :clap:

 

[talhadfoursteals]

You guys are right, that the award will go to someone on UM or WSU, which basically means either Jamar or Berry. You are totally right about that. I think what I was trying to do is see who has been the best player, regardless of how good their team has been. But ultimately you guys are right on.

Tal, I love your opinions and I just wish there were a lot more fans of the Big Sky that could spout off with detail the guys on other teams. Much like you think I am way off on Barden, I think you are way off

Compared to other PFs:
Aaron Moore - Moore is really good. You could make the argument here, but I still think Barden is a better offensive player and rebounder. But no doubt Moore is really good.
Venky Jois - Jois was great earlier in the year but has dropped off since his injury. His shooting is down, and he hasn't had a double digit rebounding game since January. Gets a nice boost from his shot blocking.
Frank Otis - Otis has been super efficient, but isn't the rebounder Barden is and plays a lot less minutes. Plus, he has a lot of other guys to take the attention off him. Think he benefits from being maybe their 4th option.
John Dickson - Dickson's not even close to the top tier of PFs. He shoots 45% on twos, takes a lot of 3s and doesn't shoot them that well, and is not the rebounder of any of the other guys.

Also, just can't get behind the argument that Unruh is better than Barden. He is a great shooter, rivaling Bamforth for the best in the conference... but that is the only thing he does really well. He shoots 47% on twos which is average, is not a very good defender, average ballhandler. Don't get me wrong, he's a really good player, but Barden just does so many more things for them.

Last, I don't think UNC has started to win just because Barden was inconsistent earlier in the year and is now playing consistently. They are winning more because their schedule got a lot easier. By my count, in his first 10 confernce games he had 14.1 PPG/10.2 RPG. Last 9 he had 15.7 PPG/9.2 RPG. His two worst games of the year have come against Weber State... but I suspect that's true for a lot of people this year since WSU has been easily the best defensive team in the Big Sky.

Don't worry jon, Tal is frequently off. He is similar to Glen Beck, specious reasoning at best and really fantastical at times. He likes to spout off and going on idiotic rants. :dunce:

 

[hawkssb04]

It's going to come down to Jamar or Berry. End of story. Sure, Cherry is a better player than Jamar, but Jamar has put together a much better season (health being the main reason). Ward may get some attention, but depending on who wins the regular-season title, Jamar vs. Berry could be one of the closest MVP votes the Big Sky has seen in some time. Perhaps Ward, Cherry and Jamar split some votes and Berry comes out on top... ;-) Here's hoping!