Yesterday the guards were on display, but today it's time to recognize the best wings in the country. Without the wing or swingman, the guard wouldn't have a dangerous shooter to pass to or a slasher that forces defenses to collapse, leaving the guard open for three.
Most players on the list typically play the three or small forward position on the floor, but a few play the two and some can fill in at power forward if necessary.
1. 6'4'' Arizona State Sophomore, James Harden
A massive drain of Pac-10 talent means James Harden is the best player in the conference. He's also the best small forward in the country. Harden will easily be a top ten pick in next year's NBA draft should he declare himself eligible.
Few wings can match the Sun Devil's ability to score from wherever on the court. Harden is the best slasher to the basket, but the sophomore can also step outside to drill the three pointer. Harden hit an astounding 108 three-pointers as a freshman and nailed over 40 percent of the threes he took.
Harden's 17.8 scoring average should jump to close 20 points per game in 2009. Harden is also a stout defender, picking up over two steals per game. The front runner for Pac-10 Player of the Year will lead Arizona State into the NCAA Tournament.
2. 6'7'' Tennessee Junior, Tyler Smith
Like James Harden, Tyler Smith is the best player in his conference. The junior spent his first two seasons in the shadows of stars Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith, but 2009 will be the breakout campaign for Tyler Smith. He's an all-around solid player who led the Volunteers in rebounding and assists.
But Smith can also score. As Tennessee's third option last year, Smith still tallied 13.6 ppg after averaging 14.9 ppg his freshman year. The Tenessee small forward did increase both his field goal percentage and three-point shooting by almost ten percent.
In 2009, Coach Bruce Pearl will look to Tyler Smith for everything: scoring, rebounding, distributing the ball, defense, and most importantly, leadership.
3. 6'6'' Pittsburgh Senior, Sam Young
Preseason Big East Player of the Year, Luke Harangody, is going to have some competition for the postseason player of the year award from Pitt's Sam Young. The senior will provide the Panthers with loads of scoring and priceless senior leadership.
Young has the best face to the basket mid-range game in the country. His ball fakes keep defenders off balance, allowing Young to fire eight to ten foot jumpers at will. Young returns as the Big East's second leading scorer at 18.1 ppg.
4. 6'6'' Temple Senior, Dionte Christmas
Insert holiday joke here. Now that we're past that, Dionte Christmas will be the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year as the league's leading returning scorer and ninth best returning rebounder. Christmas is naturally a two-guard, but could see significant time as a wing with his solid size and Temple's depth at guard.
Christmas is an electric scorer who can put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the court. His three-point percentage dropped by a few percentage points last season and tighter defenses as well as a deeper three-point line could hurt Christmas' production.
Even if his range is slightly limited in 2009, the Owl will be on pace to win the league's scoring crown for the third consecutive season.
5. 6'10'' Gonzaga Sophomore Austin Daye
The nation's most improved player will be one of the tallest wings in the entire country. In a lineup that features a 6'8'' two guard (Micah Downs), a 6'10'' small forward doesn't sound too crazy. Austin Daye saw limited playing time in 2008, stepping on the court for less than 20 minutes per game.
The Bulldog still produced a slick 10.5 ppg and blocked 1.6 shots per game. Daye is also an efficient shooter, connecting on over 40 percent of his threes and almost 90 percent of his free throws. Assuming Daye plays 25-30 minutes per game, the super sophomore should score between 17 and 20 points per game.
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