We like to do things differently here at Hoop Ten Harbor. Sure, it’s great to cover all the ins and outs of every single game, but occasionally, we like to spice things up. While there are undoubtedly a good number of talented basketball players in the Atlantic 10, there are also a number of cool, intricate player names that reside in the conference. Just like the awards at the end of the year pick an All-Atlantic 10 team, we chose to make something similar, but our criteria has nothing to do with skill. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we look at some of the best named players across the Atlantic 10 conference.
PG: Scoochie Smith, Dayton Flyers
We all saw this one coming. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be named Scoochie Smith? The alliteration rolls of the tongue so elegantly, yet the o’s in the name “Scoochie” seem to drag on forever. Every college hoops announcer relishes in the opportunity to cover a Dayton game for one reason: getting to say his name over and over again. Smith has been one of the best distributors in the league this year for Dayton. He’s averaging 4.5 assists per game and has an assist to turnover ratio of 2.77. We don’t know if Scoochie’s name has anything to do with his performance, but it sure is fun to say.
SG: Four McGlynn, Rhode Island Rams
I’ll tell you right now, this one is not simply because his first name is “Four.” If he were a “Four Jones” or “Four Smith,” I don’t think his name would be that intriguing. But the last name “McGlynn” adds another page to the story. Four McGlynn sounds like the name of a detective or someone who fights crime. Put the words “The adventures of…” in front of his name, and tell me you don’t have yourself the next best selling comic book. Anyway, I think I’ve lost my train of thought. McGlynn’s averaging 12.6 points per game for Rhody and has been an integral part of the offense. I thought it would be cool, but it turns out that Four McGlynn has not finished with 4 points in a game this season.
SF: Mar’Qywell Jackson, Duquesne Dukes
This one took a lot of consideration, but I finally settled on Duquesne’s Mar’Qywell Jackson. First of all, props to his parents for finding a way to fit “q,” “y,” and “w” into his first name; I’m not sure if I could do that if I tried. He previously attended UTEP before transferring over to join the Dukes. Jackson is originally from Detroit, Michigan. In case you were wondering how his first name is pronounced, it’s more like Mar-Kwell. If you told me that and then asked me to spell his name, I’m not sure I’d be able to come up with that. Jackson is averaging 3.3 points and 1.1 rebounds per game this year.
PF: Mo Alie-Cox, VCU Rams
Mo Alie-Cox was a hard choice to pass up at the power forward position. Maybe it’s just that he looks so much like a Mo Alie-Cox (is that even possible?). Built like a linebacker, the junior has actually attracted to some professional scouting this season, from the NFL, that is. Mo Alie-Cox is the perfect name for the dominant post player he is. The hard “x” at the end of his name kind of accentuates his beastly powers in the paint. He’s been spectacular for the Rams this year, averaging 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. With one of the most unique names in college basketball, Alie-Cox had to be on our list.
C: Papa Ndao, St. Joseph’s Hawks
Papa Ndao is the final player on our All-A10 Best Names Team. Originally from Senegal, he played basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida. Bottom line: the first name Papa is plain awesome. There are just so many different father lines that he can associate himself with. Throws one down: Who’s your Papa? Checking into a game at home: Papa’s home. The possibilities are endless. I need that guy on my team. He’s averaging 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Hawks this season.
Honorable Mentions
- DeAndre’ Bembry, St. Joseph’s Hawks
- Yuta Watanabe, George Washington Colonials
- Idris Taqqee, St. Bonaventure Bonnies
- ShawnDre’ Jones, Richmond Spiders
