As the first week of conference play has concluded, some players have set themselves apart from the pack. Updated weekly, this new series on Hoop Ten Harbor ranks the best players in the Atlantic 10. Enjoy.
1. Jack Gibbs, Davidson- Gibbs has established himself as one of the premier scorers in the country. He ranks 5th in the country in points per game averaging 23.8. Most noteworthy were two 41 point performances against Charlotte and Morehead State. Gibbs also averages 4.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. Gibbs has encountered some shooting woes early in conference play, but still is averaging 19.5 in A10 play. If he mends his shooting struggles, he will be the clear favorite for POY.
2. Terry Allen, Richmond- It has been three long years for Terry Allen, but he is now reaping the benefits. Allen carried the Spiders through a brutal non-conference schedule. Now he is going to have to carry them through conference play. Allen is averaging 19.9 points per game along with 8 rebounds. Allen has reached double-figure scoring games in 24 games dating back to last season. He will look to continue that streak on Sunday at Fordham.
3. Jordan Price, La Salle- Price has been a bright spot in a very dark season for the Explorers. Price is averaging 22.7 points per game, which ranks 12th in the nation. Price also averages 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Player of the Year is probably the last thing Price can think about right now, as La Salle has dropped seven straight.
4. DeAndre Bembry, St. Joes- Bembry came into the season with a lot of hype surrounding him. The future draft pick is sure living up to that hype. Bembry averages 16.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Bembry is one of the best all around players in the country. What stood out most to me was his performance at Richmond. After struggling all game, Bembry stepped up in the final minutes to put the dagger into the heart of Richmond. Bembry will try to build on his impressive stat-line against Rhode Island on Sunday.
5. Melvin Johnson, VCU- Johnson is one of the best three point shooters in the A10, shooting 45.3%. Johnson had a strong start to conference play with two twenty point outings. He is averaging 19 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Look for him to add to those stats as the Rams face Saint Louis this weekend.
