ForumsThe Halfcourt Trap Vol. I, No. 32.
Ahead of an early flight to Birmingham, here are the Trap’s postseason awards and some news and notes.
1. Player Of The Year: Michael Beasley. I am amazed at the number of analysts who openly admit Beasley is the best player in America, then say they are voting for Tyler Hansbough. It’s akin to voting for Al Horford instead of Kevin Durant last season. It’s also illogical. Honorable Mention: Hansbrough, Chris Douglas Roberts, Kevin Love.
2. Coaches Of The Year: I could not, to my own satisfaction, choose between Keno Davis and Matt Painter. Thus, they share the title. What Davis accomplished is admirable, but Painter won big in a major conference with a team filled with freshmen and sophomores. Honorable Mention: John Calipari, Bruce Pearl, Jim Calhoun.
3. All Americans: Beasley, Hansbrough, CDR, DJ Augustin, Eric Gordon. Honorable Mention: DJ White, Kevin Love, Tyler Smith, Jamont Gordon, Shan Foster.
4. SEC Openings: The media has it right on LSU. By all accounts, they want Tim Floyd, but they’re probably going to get Anthony Grant. Multiple people have told me Coach K is pushing for Jeff Capel to get the South Carolina job.
5. Brady’s Back: While Nolan Richardson would have been a better, more impressive hire, Arkansas State did just fine landing John Brady. Final Four coaches generally don’t end up in the Sun Belt.
6. Rick Byrd. Congratulations to the well respected Belmont coach. His squad acquitted themselves brilliantly against Duke. The upset would have been a nice signature for an underrated, quality career for Coach Byrd.
Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.
