A little love for little men with big game

Last week I highlighted some "Low-Pub/High-Production" power forward types. And after watching Oklahoma's Austin Johnson continue his stellar conference play in a road win at Oklahoma State on Monday, I feel inclined to put the spotlight on some of the "little" fellas who fit that bill. Actually, not all are small, but they all would be considered guards.

I appreciated the names that some of you suggested as being worthy of inclusion on the list last week, and I welcome your suggestions this week, too. As hard as I try to stay on top of things in college hoops, the landscape is too vast for anybody to -- even the so-called experts -- to survey it all.

Demetri McCamey (left) and Talor Battle should get more attention. (US Presswire)

James Anderson, Oklahoma State: The Cowboys' top scorer averages 17.7 points and more than five rebounds per game. He's an excellent perimeter shooter, making 44.9 percent of his 3s, and he shoots 85.5 percent from the foul line. An outstanding athlete, he leads his team in blocked shots, too.

Talor Battle, Penn State: This pint-sized stat-sheet stuffer has plenty of game. He leads the Big Ten in scoring (18.5 ppg), is second in assists (5.4 per game), and is averaging just under six rebounds per game. He has shown a propensity to deliver in the clutch, too.

Dionte Christmas, Temple: The undisputed offensive leader for the Owls is having another outstanding season. An explosive scorer, he's averaging 20.6 points while shooting 39.9 percent from beyond the arc and better than 50 percent inside of it. He can get his shot off the dribble or coming off screens. He leads his team in minutes, points and steals, and is second in rebounds and third in assists.

Devan Downey, South Carolina: Downey leads the SEC in steals at three per game and is second in scoring, averaging just under 20 points. He's a capable 3-point shooter, but is most effective breaking down defenses with his speed and deceptive strength. I appreciate his judicious use of the 3-point shot.

Justin Dentmon, Washington: The senior combo guard has really been outstanding in conference play for the surprising Huskies. His Pac-10 numbers are impressive at just under 18 ppg and 44.8 percent 3-point shooting. He's also making 81.6 percent of his free throws and getting to the line seven times per game. Compared to last season, he's much more efficient and making big shots, too. As coaches like to say, he's playing like a senior.

Austin Johnson, Oklahoma: He has battled various injuries throughout his career, but the senior seems to have saved his best play for last. In conference games he has been lethal, making timely shots and running the team superbly. His assist/turnover ratio is above 3-to-1 and he drops five dimes per game. He also is averaging 14 ppg in Big 12 action and shooting 50 percent on 3s.

Eric Maynor, VCU: Much like Christmas, Maynor has to carry a heavy load for his team offensively, and has been up to the challenge. He's averaging just under 22.7 points while making 50.9 percent of his 2s, 39.5 percent of his 3s and 81.7 percent from the foul line. He has averaged 28 points in his last three games and has led his team in scoring in 14 of 21 contests. And he always seems to deliver in the clutch.

Demetri McCamey, Illinois: His numbers aren't eye-popping at just under 13 ppg (which leads the team) and only 33 percent from 3-point land. But he's second on the team in assists and is always ready to take and make a big shot. His physicality serves him well at both ends and he's a guy other coaches are always worried about.

Ronald Moore, Siena: Moore has struggled with his shot (40.4 percent on 2-pointers), but his value is in how he runs his team. He uses his speed to be a disruptive ball hawk on defense, and on offense he constantly pushes the pace to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. His six assists per game and 2.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio lead the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

Jerome Randle, California: He leads the Bears in minutes, points, assists, 3s made and attempted, and free throws made and attempted. He's a dynamic shot maker and playmaker. For the season he's shooting 56.7 percent on 2s, 47.5 percent on 3s and 87.2 percent on frees. Very impressive.

Marcus Thornton, LSU: One of the nation's most explosive scorers, he has totaled 59 points in his last two outings and has gone for 30 or more on four occasions this season. He's shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc, but he's also an excellent driver. In addition to his 19.5-point average, he's grabbing 4.8 rebounds per game.