Devan Downey Leaves No Doubt He Is College Hoops' MVP

On Tuesday night, there was more than one David conquering Goliath in the Colonial Life Arena.

There was Kentucky—the best team in the nation—strutting into Columbia, S.C., having won its first 19 games of the year and eyeing the 20th. However, the swagger Kentucky had is now gone thanks to the South Carolina Gamecocks, led by guard Devan Downey.

Downey, the senior sensation and undersized guard, has opened the eyes of many while leading the injury-depleted Gamecocks this season.

Listed at 5'9", his height has been the sole reason Downey has been doubted and why he wasn't a more highly-touted recruit coming out of high school in Chester, S.C.

Downey is more than just a basketball player in South Carolina. The kid holds numerous state records, was the 2005 Mr. Basketball, and is a celebrity. He is one of those few people whose talent, everyone can tell, lifts limitations on his future, and he has no problem letting you know.

That's why, when Downey came back to South Carolina after spending the 2005-06 season as a Cincinnati Bearcat, it seemed as though the Gamecocks had hit the lottery.

This year has been nothing short of spectacular for Downey, averaging 22.4 points per game, 3.6 assists, 3.1 steals, and 3.4 rebounds per game. In six conference games so far this year (against Auburn, LSU, Vandy, Ole Miss, Florida, and then-No. 1 Kentucky), Downey has been at his best, averaging 31.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.3 steals per game.

Compared to John Wall, who many consider the best player in the country, Downey has been a much bigger asset to his team.

Wall averages 17.1 points per game, 6.6 assists per game, 3.7 rebounds per game (Wall has a height advantage of seven inches on Downey), and 2.1 steals.

Downey was able to prevent Wall, an impact player known to take over late in games, from bringing Kentucky back to life and preventing the major upset.

The main difference between Downey and many players in consideration for postseason awards is his worth to the Gamecocks.

For the most part, after losing stars Dominique Archie and Mike Holmes (dismissed from team) for the remainder of the season, Downey has been the driving force that has led the Gamecocks this season.

Tuesday night, Downey showed he can be a one-man wrecking crew, wreaking havoc on Kentucky's defense and causing Coach John Calipari to constantly double-team.

The things that continue to be impressive are Downey's speed, his ability to see the floor, and his ability to just get the ball in the hoop.

When he is double-teamed, he finds the open man.

When he is pressed, he simply dribbles around it with ease. He was able to break Kentucky's volatile press last night without many turnovers (two for the game), most of the time simply outrunning the unbelievably-athletic Wildcats’ press defense.

When he has an open look, he doesn’t think twice before letting it fly.

And more often than not, he makes great decisions with the basketball by just letting his instincts do the work.

Downey has put the entire Gamecocks' basketball program on his back, and he continues to run at full speed.

What he lacks in size he makes up for with heart and the will to win; that is what makes him the most valuable player in college basketball.

Just ask anyone in South Carolina: Downey, their home-grown superstar and their David who continues to electrify in a sport of Goliaths, is the best.

And they will be sure to tell you only the sky is the limit for the guard from Chester.