Beyond the Arc : Scoring outbursts

Arkansas' Clarke beyond an efficient scorer

Mike Miller — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:33:00 GMT

When Jodie Meeks torched Tennessee for 54 points last season, I figured I’d never see a more efficient performance.

Less than a year later, Arkansas’ Rotnei Clarke blew that to shreds. Note to self: Avoid such statements in the future.

Clarke, a 6-foot sophomore, drilled 13 three-pointers – and SEC record – and finished with 51 points in the Hogs’ 130-68 win against Alcorn State on Friday. It was one of those games where even Clarke came away slightly amazed by his night.

"I just felt like every time I shot it, it was going in," Clarke said. "I guess it was just one of those zones."

No kidding.

His numbers were 15 of 21 from the field, hit 13 of 17 three-pointers and 8 of 9 free throws. That’s a 97.7 eFG% and 2.018 PPWS. For comparison, Meeks was 90.9 eFG% and 1.885 PPWS. Meeks put on his show against much better competition, but still. Those are video game numbers.

Before the season, FOXSports.com’s Jeff Goodman called Clarke’s the nation’s top shooter, notably because ex-Razorbacks coach Stan Heath once saw Clarke hit 25 straight shots from beyond the arc and 94 of 100 overall.

Safe to say, other teams will be checking Clarke. Often.

Alert readers are now checking if Alcorn State is on their team’s schedule. The Braves gave up 100 points and a triple-double to Ohio State last week. Stopping Evan Turner – the game’s best all-around player a future NBA lottery pick – is one thing. But how could they not double-team Clarke? Arkansas suspended five players before Friday’s game, so it wasn’t like the Hogs had many options.

"The way he was shooting the 3s, I don't see how you can possibly lose him," Alcorn State coach Larry Smith said. "We failed to get him covered."

What’s Kansas going to do to them?

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Big-time scorers? 16 who could top 60

Mike Miller — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Pick your favorite scoring outburst from 2008-09. Was it Ryan Toolson hitting 63 against Chicago State? Or Ben Woodside’s 60 vs. Stephen F. Austin? Or Jodie Meeks dropping 54 against Tennessee?

Meeks passed Dan Issel in the Kentucky record books, while the last time two players passed the 60-point mark in the same season was 1977. It may be years before we see something like those performances again.

Then again, maybe not.

Any one of the following 16 players could go for 50 on a given night. Or even 60. Some, like Meeks, are efficient players who don’t need a lot of shots. Others are volume scorers. But all of them can fill it up.

Brody Schmidt/AP

James Anderson

James Anderson, Oklahoma State

That Anderson only averaged 18.2 ppg last season was an indication of the Cowboys’ scoring depth, not Anderson’s ability. He scored 35 against Texas, 33 vs. Rhode Island and 37 at Oklahoma. He’s deadly from anywhere on the floor (41 percent beyond the arc) and is awfully efficient. His 119.5 ORtg even topped Blake Griffin.

Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia

When Butler dropped 43 on ‘Nova last season, he was the first Mountaineer to top 40 in 31 years. Expect even more from the 6-7 swingman this season. His versatility makes him a nightmare defensive assignment and he’s not overly reliant on any one aspect of his game.

Denis Clemente, Kansas State

OK, so Clemente’s good at the trick shots. He’s also good at scoring. He blew up during Big 12 play, averaging 18.4 ppg, including a 44-point night against Texas. The 6-1 guard shoots better than 41 percent from beyond the arc and isn’t afraid to keep shooting once he heats up.

Aubrey Coleman, Houston

Here’s all you need to know about Coleman: Memphis was No. 1 on kenpom.com’s defensive efficiency last season, but the 6-4 guard went for 35 against the Tigers. The JUCO transfer isn’t a threat from outside, but he’ll overpower defenders on his way through the lane and hit his free throws. If he’s feeling it, he’ll keep shooting.

Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech

The ACC’s most talented guard isn’t in Durham or Chapel Hill. He’s in Blacksburg. Delaney’s 18.1 scoring average was nearly double from his freshman year and his 113.4 ORtg was better than Jeff Teague, Gerald Henderson and Greivis Vazquez. Delaney gets to the line frequently and rarely turns in a bad game. Just ask Clemson, which got torched for 37 points.

Devan Downey, South Carolina
Don't be fooled by the senior guard's size. He's just 5-9, but he'll score on anyone. He averaged 19.8 ppg last season, including a 37-point outbursts against Clemson. He topped 20 points 15 times and few players get more easy buckets off steals. The biggest factor? Shot selection. His eFG% was 48.8 last season.

Tony Ding/AP

Manny Harris

Manny Harris, Michigan

The 6-5 junior can struggle with his jumper (he’s never been better than 33 percent from beyond the arc), but when you can split defenses and get to the free-throw line and hit FTs like Harris (86 percent from the line), you’re a good bet to rack up the points. If he ever starts hitting from beyond the arc, his numbers will shoot up in John Beilein’s offense.

Ricky Harris, UMass

Harris averaged 18.2 ppg last season, hitting nearly 39 percent of his 3-pointers. He dropped 35 during a loss to BC and topped 20 nine more times. "We know he's going to score 18 to 20 a night; you can pencil that in the book," says UMass coach Derek Kellogg. "The question will be 'How effective are those points?'"

Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall

The 6-5 guard topped 30 points six times last season, including a pair of 35-point nights. And, despite being the Pirates’ only reliable scoring option, he didn’t need a ton of shots to reach 22.7 ppg. Seton Hall has more guys to pick up that scoring slack this season, but Hazell remains a good bet to pop for a monster game.

John Holland, Boston
The 6-5 junior swingman had a 10-game stretch last season where he averaged nearly 24 points a game. He's capable of hitting from outside, inside or getting the free-throw line, which explains his solid 116.9 ORtg. The only thing keeping him from hitting 50? The Terriers have plenty of other scorers as well.

Anthony Johnson, Montana
The Big Sky scoring leader (17.6 ppg) is also an efficient scorer. His 110.7 ORtg on kenpom.com is the best among returning guards who used at least 28 percent of their team’s possessions, mostly because he rarely misses a free throw. The 6-2 junior hit 18-of-19 FTs in a 32-point night vs. Northern Arizona last year, reminiscent of Woodside's monster night.

Afam Muojeke, Wyoming

Set the Mountain West's freshman scoring record last season (13.8 ppg), and that was with Brandon Ewing hogging most of the shots. Now, the 6-7 wing "has a good chance to lead this league in scoring every year he's here from here on out," Cowboys coach Heath Schroyer told Blue Ribbon Yearbook.

Chris Carlson/AP

Roburt Sallie

Roburt Sallie, Memphis

In case you forgot, Sallie – who averaged just 4.5 ppg last season – hit 10 3-pointers and dumped 35 points on Cal-State Northridge in the NCAA tournament last season. Coming in cold and hitting 10 3s? That’s just ridiculous. And now, with Memphis losing 4 starters, Sallie’s going to play a much more prominent role in 2009-10. Imagine all the 3s.

Klay Thompson, Washington State
The 6-6 wing can create his own shot or pull up from just about anywhere, which will be frequently under new coach Ken Bone. The Cougars won't be a grind-it-out team anymore, which benefits Thompson. He made 41 percent of his 3-pointers last season. He’s a threat to score 40 any night.

Willie Warren, Oklahoma

In the words of Sporting News writer Mike DeCourcy, Warren is simply the most dynamic scorer in D-I. Warren was an efficient, explosive player as a freshman when he often had to play point guard. As a sophomore, he’ll be able to do even more ‘cause he won’t have to play point. That prospect should scare opponents.

Jahmar Young, New Mexico State
If anyone's capable of replicating Meeks' monster game, it's Young. The 6-5 guard topped 30 points twice last season and averaged nearly 18 ppg thanks to this sweet shooting stroke (42 percent from beyond the arc). He's an efficient (116.7 ORtg) scorer who doesn't do too much (he took just 12 shots a game last year) -- numbers almost identical to Meeks'.

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63 points! What's in the water this season?

Mike Miller — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:35:00 GMT

Move over Jodie Meeks. Make room Stephen Curry. Ben Woodside, you have company.

Ryan Toolson officially joined the high-scorers club. The Utah Valley senior scored 63 points in a four-overtime win Thursday against Chicago State.

Yes, 63. Sure, he played 60 minutes, but … wow. Considering only 20 other D-I players have scored more than 60 points in a game, that’s damn impressive.

The last guy who scored at least 63 was Bradley’s Hersey Hawkins in 1988. The last time two different players scored at least 60 in the same season? 1977. Who knew a couple of small-school guards would be the guys making history? (Oddly enough, their teams played each other last week. Toolson had 27, while Woodside scored 26; his Bison won.)

Even better? Toolson’s performance was clutch.

He hit the winning basket – points 62 and 63 – with 2.3 seconds remaining in the 4^th overtime to seal the 123-121 win. Same for the second quarter, when the Wolverines fell behind by 10 points. Toolson scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds to tighten things up, and carried the load the rest of the way. (Not an easy thing, either. Chicago State had two 40-point scorers of its own.)

"This was a wonderful game," coach Dick Hunsaker told the Deseret News. "I'm so happy for our players. I feel bad for Chicago State, and it's a shame both teams couldn't have won tonight. Ryan Toolson was incredible. It's a thrill and an honor to be a part of this game."

I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised by Toolson. He’s already turned in a 41-point performance this season and his uncle is Danny Ainge, a BYU hoops legend, former NBA star and President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics.

Also, Toolson’s making a run at some NCAA history. He’s among the best free-throw shooters to ever play.

Toolson’s career free-throw percentage is just over 94 percent, which puts him in reach of Missouri State’s Blake Ahern, who made 94.6 percent of his free throws. That’s well ahead of the next best in Gonzaga’s Derek Ravio (92.7), Villanova’s Gary Buchanan (91.3) and Duke’s J.J. Redick (91.2).

The catch in all of this is that Utah Valley isn’t an official NCAA member yet. That starts next season. So even if Toolson passes Ahern, it won’t be an official record.

It’s much like NJIT’s recent 51-game losing streak. The Highlanders are in the process of becoming a D-I team, which makes their streak an unofficial record. (Another odd note: Toolson gets to play NJIT twice in the next month.)

Regardless of Utah Valley’s official standing, 63 points is 63 points. That’s nice night, no matter who you are.

Nation's newest sensation? Jodie Meeks

Mike Miller — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:50:00 GMT

Scoring more than 40 points in a college basketball game is no small thing. A point a minute? That’s some work.

When someone hits 50, the accolades start pouring in.

And when someone scores 54 points on just 22 shots against the reigning SEC champs on national TV and breaks a 39-year-old scoring record at the NCAA’s premier basketball program, well, there’s just one word for it. Ridonkulous.

AP/Wade Payne

Jodie Meeks

Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks absolutely torched Tennessee on Tuesday night. He hit 3s, he hit jumpers, he hit free throws, he hit … everything. Guy missed just seven shots all night – and scored 60 percent of the Wildcats’ 90 points.

It was amazing to watch. (Go ahead, check out the highlights again.) But don’t just take my word for it. Like I said, accolades poured in.

Is it a coincidence Meeks wears No. 23? The Knoxville News’ Mike Strange says no way. The 6-4 junior was positively “Jordanesque.”

Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie told the Lexington Herald-Leader that it was a remarkable performance. "Till he gets 60, it'll probably be at the top of the list. One of the most unbelievable individual achievements I've ever seen."

Of course, Gillispie wants to try and keep Meeks grounded. Gillispie will tell Meeks he isn’t perfect yet. “But he had an almost perfect night.”

The thing that amazed people the most was how effortless Meeks made everything appear. His teammates would catch themselves watching Meeks drain another 3 or scoot past a Tennessee defender.

It seems the only people who weren’t impressed by Meeks were the Volunteer “defenders.” After all, he had 26 by halftime. You’d think someone would try to check him. Instead, they focused on trash talk.

Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson told ESPN’s Pat Forde that the Vols never shut up.

"I wouldn't be talking at all,” Patterson said. “My mouth would be shut. Especially when a guy's got 54 in your own gym. They can talk all they want. Jodie's shots speak for themselves."

Meeks isn’t an unknown talent, either. He entered the game as the nation’s fifth-leading scorer. He dropped 39 in Kentucky’s season opener to VMI and dumped 46 on Appalachian State last month.

Still, he’s not a household name like Stephen Curry or Tyler Hansbrough. Eric Crawford of the Louisville Courier-Journal says that should change ASAP. After all, if Meeks played in the ACC, “he’d have he’d have to have Dick Vitale surgically removed from him.”

The best indication of Meeks’ impact? He shot his way into the national player of the year discussion, an area previously reserved for guys like Tyler Hansbrough, Stephen Curry and Blake Griffin.

It’s a no-brainer, really. Kentucky’s 13-4, about to be ranked again and is now the SEC favorite. Why wouldn’t their star scorer be in the discussion?

I just can’t wait to see what Meeks does next. Kentucky plays Sunday at Georgia, which is the conference’s worst team. After that, it’s Auburn, Alabama and then Mississippi, which plays the worst defense in the SEC.

Is it wrong to root for a rout?

Meeks shoots into Kentucky's record books

Mike Miller — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:54:00 GMT

Jodie Meeks shot his way into Kentucky’s record books and gave the SEC a much-needed boost Tuesday night. Scoring 54 points will do that.

We knew Meeks could score. The 6-4 junior opened the season with a 39-point effort in a loss to VMI, dumped 46 on Appalachian State in December and entered Tuesday night’s game against No. 24 Tennessee as the nation’s fifth-leading scorer (24.2).

But this was a thing of beauty.

And even though Meeks embarrassed the skidding Vols (the SEC preseason faves dropped to 10-5), the SEC must have been happy to see Meeks light it up. The conference’s hoops résumé has seen better days (see here, here and here). Makes sense that Kentucky would be the one boost the league.

Meeks’s monster night broke Dan Issel’s 39-year-old record and was remarkable to watch. Unlike Ben Woodside’s 60-point outing earlier this year, Meeks did most of his damage from the field.

He didn’t press things, but just let his points come in the flow of Kentucky’s offense. He hit threes, he drove the lane, he hit pull-up jumpers, he did it all. He took 22 shots -- a normal night for Meeks -- and scored 54 points.

Some players would be lucky to score 30 points on 22 attempts.

Meeks made 10-of-15 3-point attempts, made all 14 free throws and even dished four assists (to 1 turnover). He missed just seven shots total. For tempo-free nuts, that’s a 1.885 PPWS and an eFG% of 90.9. When it comes to offense, you won’t see a more efficient, remarkable night. Simple as that.

(Check A Sea of Blue on Wednesday for more on Meeks and his performance. Truzenzuzex is probably breaking it all down right now.)

60 points is rare air

Mike Miller — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:41:00 GMT

Spent Friday and Saturday moving. Emerged from a no-news cocoon Sunday morning, only to read in wonder about Ben Woodside’s monster Friday night.

Man, 60 points. And I thought I was busy.

The senior guard tied an NCAA record by hitting 30-of-35 free throws in a 112-111 loss triple overtime loss. It tied a mark by – who else? – LSU’s Pete Maravich and was the highest point total by a D-I player since Arizona State’s Eddie House dumped 61 on Cal.

"Woodside's performance was absolutely phenomenal," North Dakota State coach Saul Phillips said. "He really played well and he played hard. We certainly saw something special tonight.”

Woodside’s scoring outburst grabbed some national attention Saturday. He received a phone call from ESPN’s Jimmy Dykes and was lauded by Seth Davis and Fran Fraschilla. No surprise there. We love scoring.

Some historic nuggets on high-scoring nights:

Woodside is the 19^th D-I player to score at least 60 points against a D-I foe and the first since House. Pistol Pete topped 60 four times, with a high of 69 vs. Alabama in 1970. Only U.S. International’s Kevin Bradshaw has broken 70.
Sixty has been broken 25 times in all – including seven times during the 1969-70 season. (Seven players averaged more than 30 points a game that season, headed by Maravich’s 44.5 ppg; what everyone was doing that season, I have no idea.)
Furman’s Frank Selvy holds the overall D-I scoring record, hitting 100 against Newberry in 1954.
Portland State’s Freeman Williams topped 60 three times (including 81 against Rocky Mountain in 1978), but they were all against non D-I foes.

The season’s other scoring star, Stephen Curry, dumped 41 on Chattanooga Saturday. Will he hit 60 this season? If he gets to the free-throw line 35 times, I’d say it’s a done deal.