Top MVC Freshmen

[Da Coach]

Montana Wheeler is the top scoring freshman for Bradley. He is averaging 6.5 ppg and is 6th in the MVC in assists per game with 3.75 apg. But his scoring average of 6.5 ppg only ranks 63rd in the MVC. There are 4 freshmen who rank in the top 20, and 3 in the top 11 scorers in the MVC, so if that continues, they appear to be the most likely freshmen to be considered.
Here are the top MVC freshmen who will probably get attention for Freshman of the Year, and the All Freshman team-
UIC's 6'6" freshman guard Andy Johnson from Union, KY, ranks 8th in the MVC in scoring with 14.9 ppg- https://uicflames.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/andy-johnson/11212
Valparaiso's 6'3" freshman guard Rakim Chaney from Rockford Auburn HS ranks 10th with 14.0 ppg- https://valpoathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rakim-chaney/10185
Illinois State's 6'2" freshman guard Ty'Reek Coleman from Waubonsee Valley HS ranks 11th with 13.8 ppg- https://goredbirds.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ty-reek-coleman/14891
Murray State's 6'9" freshman G/F Roman Doman from France ranks 19th with 11.8 ppg. He also is tied for 17th in rebounding with 5.3 rpg- https://goracers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/roman-domon/11139
Belmont's 6'4" redshirt-freshman guard Jabez Jenkins from Covington, GA ranks 26th with 10.4 ppg. He is also tied for 9th in rebounding with 5.5 rpg. https://belmontbruins.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jabez-jenkins/4570
UIC's 6'5" freshman guard Rashund Washington from Dublin, GA ranks 34th with 9.7 ppg- https://uicflames.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rashund-washington-jr-/11208
Evansville's 6'3" freshman guard Bryce Quinet from Scottsdale, AZ ranks 45th in the MVC with 8.8 ppg- https://gopurpleaces.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bryce-quinet/6775
UIC's 6'8" freshman forward Jayce Nathaniel from Buford, GA ranks 48th with 8.6 ppg- https://uicflames.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jayce-nathaniel/11200
Valparaiso's 6'8" forward J.T. Pettigrew from Bolinbrook HS ranks 50th with 8.4 ppg and 5.1 rpg. he is also tied for 21st in rebounding with 5.1 rpg.- https://valpoathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jt-pettigrew/10187

 

[Da Coach]

The Preseason MVC Player of the Year Award went to Illinois State's Chase Walker.
Other members of the Preseason All-MVC 1st team were: Johnny Kinziger (Illinois State), Tyler Lundblade (Belmont), Trey Campbell (UNI), and Jaquan Johnson (Bradley.

Here are their averages so far-
Jaquan Johnson- 18.9 ppg- leads the MVC in scoring; shooting 46.8% overall (5th in MVC), and 40.0% from three. Also leads MVC in steals and is 7th nationally (3.3/g) and is 24th in MVC rebounding (5.0 rpg).
Tyler Lundblade- 16.6 ppg- 4th in MVC scoring; leads MVC in 3pt% (41.3%), and leads in FT% (90.9%)
Johnny Kinziger- 12.3 ppg- 15th in MVC scoring and 2nd on his team
Chase Walker- 11.9 ppg- tied for 17th in MVC scoring, and 3rd on his team, 11th in rebounding (5.4 rpg), shooting 40.4% overall (down from 58% last season) and 20.0% from three (down from 36% last season). He also leads the MVC in personal fouls per game (3.4 PF/G)
Trey Campbell- 11.9 ppg- tied for 17th in MVC scoring, and 2nd on his team; 35.5% FG%, 31.0% 3pt%; 3.7 apg (ranks 7th in MVC)

So who is the leading candidate for Player of the Year?

 

[BUBraves2006]

I plan on writing on this in depth closer to the conference season starting, but one interesting thing is that the two best teams to date, UNI and Belmont, have multiple really impactful players. So, if you were having this go out for a vote, some might even have difficulty deciding between Bond and Campbell (UNI) as well as Orme and Lundblade (Belmont).

But, there really hasn't been anyone who has been more impactful on both sides of the court than Bully. Also, he's arguably the most "important" player because Belmont and UNI would still be good if one of those guys wasn't there. I don't think we can really say BU would be very good without Jaquan and all he does.

 

[yoda]

... there really hasn't been anyone who has been more impactful on both sides of the court than Bully. ...

I have a feeling he's gonna be getting some phone calls....so let's enjoy him while we can.