Among the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best big men are a few future first-round NBA picks. But who are the league’s top 10 bigs?
Is it North Carolina’s Tyler Zeller, Duke’s Mason Plumlee or Virginia’s Mike Scott?
Here are our choices for the league’s top 10 big men:
10. Ryan Kelly, Duke – The 6-foot-11 junior plays away from the basket a lot on offense, but he certainly defends plenty of bigs and spends enough time in the lane that he belongs on this list. Kelly, who is averaging 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks a game, can stretch defenses with perimeter shooting, has a nice midrange game, is solid getting tips around the rim, rebounds well on the defensive end and is a capable defensive player. He’s smart and talks on the floor more than any other Blue Devils player. When he’s on, Kelly gives Duke a dimension few other teams possess.
9. Bernard James, Florida State – The grizzled veteran isn’t the most polished player in the paint, but nobody works harder. The 6-10 senior has a decent lower-block move, hits the boards on both ends of the floor with great passion, and defends with intelligence and energy. James (10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks per contest) is still a bit raw in some respects, but he makes up for it with other intangibles, notably his Grade-A attitude.
8. Richard Howell, North Carolina State – Losing 26 pounds since last season has made an enormous difference in Howell’s game. So much quicker this season, he’s a better offensive player. He gets off his feet quicker when making a move on the blocks and going after put-backs, and he drives from the free-throw line much quicker. The 6-8 junior, who averages 11.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per outing, is better defensively and runs the floor well, a necessary attribute to play for new coach Mark Gottfried.
7. C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State – Long, wiry, athletic and getting better, Leslie has serious upside to his game. And as long as the 6-8 sophomore keeps listening to Gottfried and understanding the fundamental improvements necessary to raise his game, he will continue to grow. He is tenacious around the glass, finishes exceptionally well, and can be great in the open court. Leslie, who averages 13 points, 6,4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per outing, needs to work on learning when to use the dribble, post moves (must learn to keep the ball high) and defense.
6. Kenny Kadji, Miami – The 6-11 junior can hit the perimeter shot, but he attempts too many and needs to add more arc to his jumper. Kadji (12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks per game) is effective around the basket, rebounds well and he can take over for a few minutes at a time. But he sometimes disappears on offense, can improve his shot selection, and needs to understand flow better. But Kadji isn’t close to his ceiling.
5. Reggie Johnson, Miami – A bull in the China shop. Johnson’s greatest weakness is his weight (6-10, 284 pounds), but the junior has learned so well how to use it that it’s not the detriment for the reasons one might think upon first look. Mason Plumlee said guarding Johnson is so difficult because he rarely leaves his feet on post moves, so it’s impossible to anticipate when the shot is going up. Johnson (11.4 points a game) rebounds well and is a good passer out of the post. Johnson’s numbers would be better had he not been suffered a knee injury that cost him November and most of December.
4. Mason Plumlee, Duke – At 6-foot-10 with long arms and a powerful frame, Plumlee isn’t always the most graceful player on the lower blocks, but the junior is effective at backing in his man and getting off looks near the rim. Plumlee, who is averaging 11.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game, is a fine offensive rebounder, and his athletic ability really shines when he moves toward and facing the basket, including in the open court. He’s a ferocious finisher, an adept shot blocker, is imposing without leaving his feet on defense and has become a much more willing and capable passer.
3. John Henson, North Carolina – Henson may have the greatest upside long term. But his rawness and lack of strength around the basket keeps him from ranking higher at this time. But any week he’s capable of making a move, especially if he can become more consistent getting off low-post shots. Henson (14 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 blocks per game) has developed a nice 12- to 15-foot jumper, is a terrific offensive rebounder, is excellent at using back screens for alley-oops and is a wonderful defensive player with the ability to block shots of men he’s guarding and from the weak side. If the 6-11 junior can develop more of a mean streak he can take his game to extraordinary heights at this and the next level.
2. Mike Scott, Virginia – Scott is the best-shooting big man in the ACC, and he’s good at finding open seams from where to take those jumpers. At 6-8, 237 pounds, Scott has excellent hands, is strong, experienced as a fifth-year senior, and he has a nasty side the Cavaliers need. Scott is averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest. Scott has turned in such excellent numbers despite being the Cavaliers' only real interior scoring option, without the quality of help some of the other top bigs get from their more highly regarded mates.
1. Tyler Zeller, North Carolina – The 7-foot senior is the best player in the ACC right now and should get more national recognition for the season he’s turning in. Zeller, who was unfairly criticized for some late-game mistakes versus Duke, is averaging 16 points and 9.6 rebounds on the season. But in ACC play, those numbers are 19 and 10.8 to go with 20 blocked shots and 11 steals. Plus, he’s averaging 23.3 points in his past three contests. Zeller rebounds, plays defense quite well with his feet, has a nice jumper and runs the floor better than any big man in the nation. He also has increased his leadership, something the Tar Heels needed. Zeller is playing with more fire and tenacity than at any previous time in his career.
