Durley First Team?

[electricmayhem]

Let me ask you guys a question. I'm putting together the Awards articles for Examiner.com -- I'm having a problem. I've watched a ton of hoops and I'm running into trouble making a decision.

Do you feel JT deserves first-team? I trust your fan base as one of the most knowledgeable in the league. The numbers aren't impressive, but I know from watching WSU games what he means to the team.

I'd love your opinions... congrats on a great season, and good luck in the Lou!

Joe

[eeshocker]

IMO, I don't think JT would be first team. He's only 13th in scoring and 9th in rebounding in Valley play. While he is probably the most important player on the team for the Shockers, I don't think he has the numbers.

There are several Forwards listed above him in both scoring and rebounding. It seems odd to me that the Shocks are 1 game out of first place and yet have no 1st team MVC players. You would think to be in that position, there would be one outstanding player stats wise. I guess that speaks to the Shockers depth and unselfishness. Wonder what the season would have looked like if JT were more vocal and demanding of the ball in the post. He probably could have been a 15pt/game type player.

[Speed]

But there are a few capable of asserting themselves for all-tournament teams.

[Aargh]

I wouldn't feel offended if Durley were not 1st team. He has some holes in his gme that a 1st team player shouldn't have.

[ShockTalk]

In 2006, Miller was the only 1st teamer for the Shocks. His numbers are better than JT's and they played about the same mpg.

Kyle and PJ were HM and Wilson's numbers were very similar to Durley's.

It's just the way it is. Good, deep, and balanced teams most likely won't be well represented on individual award teams, even though, many of those players selected would have had lower numbers had they played on such a team. The 2006 team wasn't neccesarily deep, but they did have 7 players averaging 21 or more mpg.

[ISASO]

Don't put any of them on any individual awards team. I hope it pisses them off. Make sure you publish your list by Thursday, please.

[wusphlash]

Durley will likely get first team. While other's numbers are better, he was the focal of every other teams defensive strategy. 14-4, second place, 8 wins on the road, he'll get enough votes if only by default.

[ShockerFever]

He might not be a Top 5 player in terms of numbers, but he was a strong reason why we finished 2nd, 1 game behind first, and 14-4 in our conference.

I think you have to have at least one 1st team player when you've separated yourselves like that.

[pinstripers]

no way

[Aargh]

he was a strong reason why we finished 2nd

There are two ways to look at that statement. In the history books, JT < Jamar. By quite a ways.

[Born2Shock]

I havent looked, but I would guess Durleys numbers are very comparable to Kochs last year, and he was POY. Additionally, most every coach/team in post game had some sort of quote about, "we knew we had to double team and stop Durley". Even the greatest frontcourt since Duncan and Robinson regularly doubled Durley with GodEchinequeGod and McDermott. Teams gameplanned around stopping JT. This screams first teamer at me, even if the stats arent off the charts.

[wsushox1]

Yes

[another shocker]

Yes. Definitely.

[wu_shizzle]

Question answered.

JT is due everything he gets and he is only a few months away from making a nice paycheck if he wants it.