Remember My Name: Sometimes the Good of the Individual = The Good of the Team

Last week we looked at a coach in Remember My Name, and we may do so again in the future if a little-known candidate makes enough of a splash. But today, it's back to looking at the players.

I have a specific concept to explore today, and that's the statistical category leaders. Peeking at category leaders on BBState, two types of player dominate the listings (the guys you see without having to hit the "more" link): blue chip players at big-time universities, and one-man show types putting up big numbers at a small school while losing night after night.

But every once in a while, we find that real gem - a guy who's getting his within the team concept. What follows is a look at those lucky teams that are topping their conference standings with both a team effort and a star performer.

Maryland-Baltimore County, 10-5 (2-0 America East): UMBC has a couple of real dynamos leading their surprising run to the top of the AEC. Junior Guard Jay Greene sets them up with aplomb, dishing out an average of 7apg. He's topped double-digits in assists four times this season already. 6'8" Senior Forward Cavell Johnson (pictured) is a frequent recipient of Greene's largesse, averaging 14ppg and even making his threes (67%). He also starts the break frequently, pulling down nearly five defensive boards per contest.

Wagner Seahawks, 10-4 (3-0 NEC): Another squad with two statistically dominant players and a kick-ass team that backs them up. Durell Vinson and Mark Porter both score around 14ppg to lead the Seahawks, but each throws in a top-15 performance in another area as well. Vinson is rebounding at 11 per (including 10 in a loss at Kansas State), and Porter slings dimes like a guy trying to fill up a wishing well (6.4 per). Now if I could just quit calling them the Wagner Power Painters, everything would be going their way.

Cleveland State Vikings, 10-5 (3-0 Horizon): 6'2" Guard Cedric Jackson gets his team going with defense, averaging nearly 3 steals per game. The Vikings are a surprising leader in the loaded Horizon, with nationally-ranked Butler a 1/2 game back due to a loss vs. Wright State.

Cal State Northridge Matadors, 10-3 (2-0 Big West): For the Matadors, the big name is Josh Jenkins. His 6.5 assists per game have helped Cal State Northridge into a tie with Cal State Fullerton for the lead in the Big West. The teams meet twice in February.

Austin Peay Governers, 10-6 (6-0 Ohio Valley): Derek Wright is not a big scorer, averaging just 9ppg, but the 5'9" Senior Guard from Los Angeles is a master pickpocket, taking the ball from his opponent nearly three times per game. If it weren't for (6-1) SEMO, the Governors would have run away with the OVC already, booming out their delightful "Let's go Peay!" chant.


IUPUI Jaguars, 11-3 (3-0 Summit): Last but not least, the two-school-hybrid Jaguars are getting a torrid 52% from behind the arc via 6'2" Junior Guard George Hill. To top that off, Hill is also chipping in nearly 7rpg.

See, it pays to be just a little bit selfish sometimes. If it leads to wins, your teammates will thank you.