DANVILLE, Ca--It seems like each of the six western conferences I monitor has at least one "Super Sophomore." And four of them have a set worth mentioning. These players have shed any thoughts of a "sophomore jinx," and have taken up leadership positions on their teams. In pulling the information together for this article, I noticed that all of them are playing at least 29 minutes per game. Making them not just starters, but major contributors to their teams. Four or five of these players are well known; the rest are not so well-known unless you are a devotee of college hoops.
The "Super Soph" of them all is Luke Babbitt of Nevada Reno. The big, hometown kid (he's just 20) has put up some very impressive numbers so far. He leads the WAC in ppg (21.1), is second in rebounding at 9.8. He's shooting 52.6 from the field and over 90% from the charity stripe. It's not just his numbers that are impressive, Luke is playing almost 36 minutes per game.
The other WAC "Super Soph" is Paul George of Fresno State. For his Bulldogs, George is averaging 17.7ppg, 7.7rbpg, on 47% shoot and 88% from the line. Like rival Babbitt, Paul plays alot of minutes...33.9. Paul George is keeping FSU respectable.
The Big Sky's "SS" is Damian Lillard. I wonder how many California schools passed on this Oakland, Ca, native? I wonder how many would like to have him right now (Pacific, maybe?)? Damian is averaging 19.4ppg for the Wildcats, mostly from long range and he's pulling down 4 rbpg in his 34.7 minutes per game. Those are ironman minutes for a guard. And, his play is the major reason why Weber State is atop the Big Sky conference.
There are three Big West sophomres having very good seasons. Orlando Johnson of UCSB, Eric Wise of UC-Irvine, and TJ Robinson of Long Beach State. They all average about 16 points per game and all three are solid rebounders, with Robinson averaging a double-double by pulling down 10.1 boards. All three of these "Super Sophs" is a vital member of their respective team. Yet, Eric Wise just might be a little more important to the Anteaters because UCSB and Long Beach have better supporting casts than does Irvine. Wise's shoulders need to be a little bit wider.
Just about everyone thought guard Isaiah Thomas of Washington would have a very good sophomore season. And, he is. He's averaging 18.2ppg and playing 30.9 minutes per game at the point. Klay Thompson of Washington State is doing even better for the surprising Cougars. He leads the Pac-10 in scoring at 22.9ppg, playing solid defense, getting 5.1 rebounds per game, and playing 35 minutes per game. Here's a name you probably have not heard of...Jeremy Green of Stanford. Playing guard opposite Landry Fields, this "SS" is scoring 17.4 point per game and just keeps getting better. Coach Dawkins has him on the floor for 33 mpg.
Ever heard of Keion Bell or Drew Viney? Bell, who is a guard for the Pepperdine Waves is near the top of the scoring leaders in the WCC. Keion gets most of his points from long range, 19.2 ppg worth, shooting at a 43.8 fg%. He's quick enough to the ball to average 5.1 rbpg, too. LMU has Oregon transferee Drew Viney playing forward for them. All he's doing in his first year with the Lions is averaging 16.5 ppg, 7.2 rbpg, and converting 84% of his FTs.
There's one more out West we need to mention...Afam Muojeke, an unususal name for a cowboy. That is, unless it is a Univeristy of Wyoming Cowboy. Afam is scoring at a 16.8 clip, grabbing 4 rebounds per game, sinking 83.5% of his free throws, all in 28 minutes per game.
There you have 'em! They are the best of the sophomores.
