Swamigp’s Weblog

I read a very interesting article on ESPN where “experts” picked their Player of the Year in College Basketball. The survey of 11 analysts showed that the majority picked Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina Tar Heels forward, over Kansas State freshman, Michael Beasley, for the award. I have watched many North Carolina basketball games, most recently the Duke game, and have observed how Tyler Hansbrough plays. He is a very physical player who can body a defender and get points in the paint, but he seems very un-coordinated and undersized for his position, as well as having a very limited range. His field goal percentage hovers around 54% for the year, which is a misnomer because his range consists of 16 feet, unlike Beasley who is shooting 47 percent for the year with ability to shoot threes from 20-25 feet. Hansbrough’s physicality is the reason why he makes so many tough baskets in the lane, the reason for his high scoring totals, lowering his shoulder and barreling into the defender. The perception of him around the country is a gifted player who knows how to play the game at a superb level, but I don’t see why he is so hyped with the way that he plays, it isn’t very smooth. One factor that I think plays into the hype for him,  is the team that he plays on, a very popular North Carolina team. Michael Beasley, on the other hand, has mesmerized the country with his outstanding play as a freshman. This year he is averaging 26 points and 12 rebounds for a team that isn’t as highly touted as North Carolina, the Kansas State Wildcats. He plays a lot bigger than his 6′9” frame and takes over games with his unbelievable range and dominating post game. The difference between these two players is that Beasley has more mobility and range, and therefore is able to showcase more overall talent than Hansbrough. Another big reason why Michael Beasley should win the award is that he plays beyond his years, and is putting up these kinds of numbers in his first year in college against some very good teams. He is playing at the level at which Kevin Durant played at last year when he won player of the year, against similar competition. Kansas State’s record (20-10) is similiar to what Kevin Durant’s Texas teams’ record was (25-10) entering the tournament, which means that this award should have nothing to do with how the team performs, only the players performance. Michael Beasley has put up monster numbers against more experienced teams, like when he scored 39 points to go with 14 rebounds against a top-5 team in Kansas. The fact that he is a freshman and  has ability to play at such a high level during his first year is the reason why Michael Beasley should win Player of the Year in the NCAA. Watch out for him in the NCAA tournament.