Two promising young players shared the Big East Rookie of the Year award that was announced Tuesday night, but USF guard Dominique Jones isn't one of them.
The honors went to Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn and Pittsburgh center DeJuan Blair, with Jones and Syracuse's Donte' Greene missing out after being named as unanimous picks with those two on the league's all-rookie team Monday.
Notre Dame's Luke Harangody, as expected, was named the league's Player of the Year, and Fighting Irish coach Mike Brey was the league's coach of the year for the second season in a row.
So is this a snub, or just a function of Jones playing for a team that went 3-15 in the league?
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Mike Mercer anked 18th in the SEC in scoring (13.6 ppg), 14th in assists (3.3 apg), eighth in steals (1.70) and 13th in assist/turnover ratio (1.43).
He has career highs of 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Prior to his injury had led the Dogs in scoring and minutes played and had been the only player to start every game of the year.
As a freshmen Mercer was selected by all 12 coach as one of the best freshmen in the SEC.
Out of HS Mercer was rated as the #5 PG and 22nd overall player in the class of 2005 according to Rivals.com
Averaged 19.8 points, 8.1 assists and 6.0 rebounds as a senior in HS.
He scored 19 pts in the Jordan Classic.
Posted by: The Champ | March 12, 2008 at 12:26 PM
I am somewhat surprised at Flynn. Green was the better player for 'Cuse, but maybe not as important. I have to disagree with Josh, because I can't say that Flynn is that much better than Jones. When Jones was on in those 30 point games, he was unstoppable. And he had virtually no help. However, 3-15 is a huge hurdle. I think that the awards we did get were appropriate- KG first team (how could anyone vote against him?) and DJ first-team Frosh and honorable mention all-BEAST.
I actually forgot about Mercer. That's pretty bad. A guy who gets 10 a game in the SEC should be pretty good in the Big East. Hopefully, there won't be any rust or baggage from the layoff.
Posted by: Dave W | March 12, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Seems pretty fair to me. Flynn is without question a better player. Jones is very athletic and a tremendous finisher but I believe the awards went to the right people. Can't wait to see Jones and Mercer play together...here's hoping for a better '09 season.
Posted by: Josh | March 12, 2008 at 11:36 AM
What were this other Syracuse guy's stats? He came out of nowhere because I thought Donte Green would get it.
And yeah, winning teams always get you an award. That's why Kobe didn't win MVP the last 3 years (especially 2 years ago).
Posted by: Windbane | March 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Hard to say--had he played as he did on a team that went 15-3, I'd bet he'd have won. But these are tough calls--I can't fault the selection.
Posted by: Ken | March 12, 2008 at 09:18 AM
3-15 did not help :(
Posted by: DELdaBULL | March 12, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Clearly the Big East rookie of the year.
no doubt about it.
Posted by: Ari Hinkelberger | March 12, 2008 at 12:27 AM