Conference Top Dogs

FRESNO, Ca--It's been over a month since I looked at the top players in the western conferences.  Sorry about that.  So, in looking at the stats, it was surprising to see a couple of new names atop the conference leader boards in scoring and rebounding and assists.  Perhaps, the most surprising name emerged in the talented WAC conference that features such individuals as Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson of Nevada, Jahmar Young of New Mexico State, Magnum Rolle of Louisiana Tech, and Paul George of Fresno State.  The surprise guy comes from San Jose State.  So let's take a look at the Top Dog in the WAC.

Adrian Oliver, SJSU, my WAC player of the month.

Last season, SJSU was just 13-17 overall and 6-10 in conference.  So far this season, the Spartans are 8-6 and seem to be improving with every game.  Much of this success is due to the stellar play of guard Adrian Oliver.  The 6-4, 210 pounds, Junior from Modesto is leading the conference in scoring at 20.7 ppg, and pulling down 6.2 boards.  Coach George Nessman will need to have Adrian's scoring output to keep the Spartans competitive, as the team is not deep.

Omar Samhan, St. Mary's, my WCC player of the month.

The "Moraga Marauder" continues to dominate the middle.  Maligned for his 310 lb. frame when he arrived at St. Mary's three years ago, the 6-11 Senior from nearby San Ramon, is now an impressive 265...and a model of consistency.  He has scored in double figures in every game this season and is the WCC leader in scoring (20.6), rebounding (10.6) and field goal percentage (56.8%).  And, he leads the conference in blocks.  Is he the differnce maker that will carry SMC over Gonzaga?

Dominic Waters, Portland State, is my Big Sky player of the month.

The Portland State Vikings have a gem in Senior guard Dominic Waters.  The Portland native is have an outstanding season.  He is second in the conference is scoring at 18.7 ppg (just o.2 behind the leader), handing out 4.8 assists per game.  And, his percentages are eye-popping:  91.4% FT, 53.2% FG, and 51.0% from the 3 arc.  It is that kind of play that keeps the Vikings alive in the Big Sky race.

Mark Payne, UC-Davis, is my Big West player of the month.

The big "point-forward" for the Aggies has NBA scouts looking at his game with earnest.  At 6-8, he presents matchup problems for those assigned to guard him because he is quick enough to take them off the dribble, and tall enough to get easy baskets inside.  He leads the BW with 17.2 ppg; hands out 4.5 apg; and pulls down 3.6 boards. 

Jimmer Fredette, BYU, is my Mountain West player of the month.

The Cougars are a sensational 16-1.  They are currently leading their tough conference (think UNLV, UNM, andc SDSU).  The play of the Glens Falls, NY, native is a primary reason for BYU's current success.  The 6-2 guard leads the conference in scoring (20.7ppg), and is second in assists (5.3 apg).

Klay Thompson, Washington State, is my Pac-10 player of the month.

Klay Thompson is 6'6", and a mere 187 pounds.  You wouldn't think a light weight like that could rebound like he does (5.0 rebounds per game).  You don't think of forwards handing out assists like he does (3.5 per).  And those stats to his Pac-10 leading 23.9 ppg average and you have the reason the Cougars are 12-3 overall and an early 2-1 in league play.