In the NBA there is an annual award for the best sixth man, recognizing a highly productive non-starter. In most cases the award recipient is a player who provides instant and consistent offense off the bench. But scoring is just part of the equation in being a productive reserve.
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| Sherron Collins' attacking style of play adds instant energy to the Jawhawks' offense. (US Presswire) |
Allen Wrenches have a specific skill or specialty. For example, rebounding, making 3-pointers or being a defensive stopper. Baking Sodas are multi-purpose, versatile players who are multi-skilled on offense and able to defend more than one position on defense.
No matter what category a bench player fits into, the very best ones have the ability to change games and be highly productive in limited time on the floor. If there was a Sixth Man Award in college hoops, here are some players I've seen who would make my list of candidates.
Remember now, an omission is not a slight, just an opportunity for you, the readers, to broaden my knowledge!
Danny Green, North Carolina: This junior swingman is a sixth-man prototype. He's a versatile defender and a very efficient scorer. He can make plays with or without the ball and packs considerable production into limited minutes. He embraces his role, and though he doesn't start, he often helps to finish games. In 21 minutes per game, he averages 12.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. He's one of the select few in college basketball belonging to the "50/40/90" club. That's at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the foul line. His line on Wednesday was 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals in 23 minutes. Can you say, "stat-sheet-stuffing super sub"?
J.P Prince, Tennessee: He has only played a few games for the Vols, but he is instant offense. He is an excellent penetrator and finisher with the athleticism to go around or over his defender. He's scoring 12.4 points per game and making 59 percent of his field goals. At times he can make the spectacular look routine. He is lethal in the open court with his ability to get to the rim and create his own shot, and at 6-feet-6 with long arms, he has the potential to be very effective in Tennessee's pressure defense.
Jon Scheyer, Duke: He plays 28 minutes per game and is virtually a "sixth starter." He's solid handling the ball and is comfortable running the point or playing off the ball in Duke's drive-and-kick offense. He sports a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and is a sneaky rebounder. He pulls down 4.8 boards per game on a team that really counts on everyone to eat some glass. He's also averaging 10.6 points and shooting 44 percent from 3-point range and a little under 90 percent from the foul line. He's a steady defender and seems to always play within himself.
Sherron Collins, Kansas: Built like a fullback and possessing the quickness and balance of an elite level NFL running back, he is high-voltage defense and offense. His tenacity and energy in attacking the basket and opposing ball-handlers is game-changing stuff. Ten points per game, 47 percent field goal shooting and one steal for every turnover are impressive numbers in 22 mpg, but it's his attacking posture that makes him such a valuable player coming off the bench.
Kalin Lucas, Michigan State: Only a freshman, he's a confident combo guard. Equally adept at setting up others or looking for his own offense, he keeps constant pressure on the opposition. He has excellent range and finishes well on drives to the basket. And he's already come up big in victories against Texas, Minnesota and Purdue. He sports a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and is averaging 10 points in 24 minutes per game. He's a capable defender, too.
Darian Townes, Arkansas: The 6-10 senior forward is on pace for career highs in points, rebounds and field goal and free throw percentage. He has good hands and really knows how to play in the paint. He's shooting 57 percent from the field while averaging 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in only 22 minutes per game. He leads Arkansas in offensive rebounds and has 22 blocked shots in 14 games.
A few others
Dante Milligan, UMass: In just 15.8 minutes he's averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 64.7 percent from the field. He has also blocked 24 shots in 15 games. The 6-9 senior gives the Minutemen an active inside presence off the bench.
David Cubillan, Marquette: A tenacious on-the-ball defender who also sports a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in 20 minutes per game. He's a bit of a streaky shooter, but averages 7.2 points.
Taylor King, Duke: Ten points in just 13.5 minutes per game. Two-thirds of his made baskets are threes. He's a 45 percent 3-point shooter and has "in the gym" range. When he enters the game, he's conscience-free and ready to splash some 3s!
Dwayne Collins, Miami: In just 19 minutes he gives the Hurricanes 9.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from the field. He also leads the team in offensive rebounds and is second in blocked shots. That kind of production takes pressure off the perimeter game.
Shawn Taggart, Memphis: The 6-10 sophomore has range out to the 3-point line and is an excellent shot-blocker, which is a rare and valuable combination. In just 13 minutes on Wednesday he had nine points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots. On the season he averages 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in just 17.6 minute per game.
