2002-2003 Total Offensive Efficiency (Shooting Guards)
Here is part 2 of the 2002-2003 rankings, the shooting guards.
Shooting Guard
1. Kenneth Lowe, Purdue
2002-2003 TOE: 0.112
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 5th
COMMENT: Lowe has long been one of my favorite Big Ten players and a regular on my All-Underrated Team. After missing last season, Lowe has come back strong this year to put up very good numbers. He is a strong player who takes good shots and very effective getting to the line. He also gives the Boilers a stronger defensive presence and some toughness that was missing last year. His injury late in the year took its toll on the Boilers.
2. Bracey Wright, Indiana
2002-2003 TOE: 0.096
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 12th
COMMENT: Like Dee Brown, a strong case can be made for Wright already being tops at his position in the conference. Just a darn good overall player. Once he tightens up his handle, he will be a star (if he isn't already). Wright missed a handful of games with some injury problems, but talent wise is as good as anyone in the league.
3. Jitim Young, Northwestern
2002-2003 TOE: 0.090
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 18th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.053
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 59th
COMMENT: Young has always been a guy that subjectively looked good, but his numbers have never backed that up...until the latter half of the Big Ten season when he really came into his own. A tough player with some versatility. He has become one of my favorite players.
4. Chauncey Leslie, Iowa
2002-2003 TOE: 0.087
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 20th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.060
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 49th
COMMENT: Leslie played the point last year and played well until given the starting job. This year, unencumbered by ball handling duties, he has been turned loose as a scorer. Leslie is very quick and creates a lot off the dribble which offsets being a mediocre shooter. Leslie has been a nice productive player for the Hawks.
5. Luther Head, Illinois
2002-2003 TOE: 0.086
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 21st
2001-2002 TOE: 0.052
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 60th
COMMENT: A versatile player who can play either guard position. Head got off to a slow start due to injury, but played very well as the season progressed. Will do fine when/if given a bigger role on the team.
6. Lester Abram, Michigan
2002-2003 TOE: 0.082
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 25th
COMMENT: Horton got the press, but this fella was the best freshman on the Wolverine team IMO and is one of the more underrated players in the league. He is a bit loose with the ball, but once that tightens up, you are going to have a versatile and dangerous offensive player. A lot like Robinson overall as a player (but better offensively and worse defensively).
7. Maurice Hargrow, Minnesota
2002-2003 TOE: 0.077
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 29th
COMMENT: Hargrow could have also been put at small forward as he is more or less a combo swing player. Either way, he has been a surprise scoring leader source for the Gophers. Hargrow is a good solid shooter who doesn't make a ton of mistakes. However, much of his value comes in his ability to get to the free throw line.
8. Sean Harrington, Illinois
2002-2003 TOE: 0.072
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 32nd
2001-2002 TOE: 0.048
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 66th
COMMENT: His ranking fell considerably once his shooting percentage came down to earth. He isn't very diverse offensively, but in addition to his role as a shooter, he makes good decisions with the ball (3 to 1 AST/TO). No, he isn't the best shooting guard in the league, but he is the kind of guy you win titles with if he is a supporting player.
9. Freddie Owens, Wisconsin
2002-2003 TOE: 0.068
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 40th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.032
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 78th
COMMENT: Owens has gone from a truly poor offensive player to a decent one. He has continued to learn how to create shots and is a good free throw shooter. He still can play out of control, but finds a way to make it work for him.
10. Shariff Chambliss, Penn State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.065
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 43rd
2001-2002 TOE: 0.089
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 21st
COMMENT: Just as last year, still just a shooter for the most part. Chambliss takes a ton of shots, about 2/3 of which are 3's. Deadly from the line. He is better than I thought he would be, but not someone that can be relied on as a focal point of a team. Would look great as a third option type on a good team.
11. Sean Connolly, Ohio State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.061
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 49th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.064
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 41st
COMMENT: I've always liked Connolly and had high hopes for him earlier this year. He wasn't bad, but really is just your run of the mill shooting guard as he doesn't do anything great.
12. Kelvin Torbert, Michigan State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.060
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 51st
2001-2002 TOE: 0.044
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 69th
COMMENT: I felt that Torbert was really overrated last year. He has improved this year, but still isn't all that good given his hype. He isn't much of a shooter and doesn't see the floor very well, but as long as he can create inside and in the mid-range and defends as hard as he does, he has some value.
13. David Teague, Purdue
2002-2003 TOE: 0.045
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 63rd
COMMENT: Teague is a solid designated shooter, but offers little else at this early stage of his career.
14. Darmetreis Kilgore, Purdue
2002-2003 TOE: 0.039
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 67th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.035
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 75th
COMMENT: Hated him last year. Hate him this year. Good perimeter shooter but is still just an out of control gunner who refuses to pass the ball.
15. Ben Johnson, Minnesota
2002-2003 TOE: 0.033
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 74th
COMMENT: While at Northwestern, I heard many people claim that they believed Johnson was a great player stuck on a bad team. I have never thought he was anything above average. Shoots the ball like a football player (though his 3-point % is good).
16. Emonte Jernigan, Ohio State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.032
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 75th
COMMENT: Poor shooting but really didn't play enough to draw too many conclusions.
17. Brody Boyd, Iowa
2002-2003 TOE: 0.029
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 77th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.054
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 58th
COMMENT: If he is hitting the long range bomb, he is passable as a role player. This year, he often didn't and had zero value.
18. Tim Brograkos, Michigan State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.024
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 79th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.056
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 54th
COMMENT: As often happens, as a guy plays more, his efficiency numbers drop. Nondescript player.
19. Maurice Ager, Michigan State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.022
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 81st
COMMENT: Injured early and highly thought of, but just didn't play very well.
20. Gavin Groninger, Michigan
2002-2003 TOE: -0.010
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 88th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.021
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 81st
COMMENT: I'm sure his mother loves him, but he can't play Big Ten basketball.
21. Mohammad Hachad, Northwestern
2002-2003 TOE: -0.011
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 89th
COMMENT: Despite how crummy his numbers look, I actually think he has a decent future as he is very active and does some things on the court that he can build on.
1. Kenneth Lowe, Purdue
2002-2003 TOE: 0.112
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 5th
COMMENT: Lowe has long been one of my favorite Big Ten players and a regular on my All-Underrated Team. After missing last season, Lowe has come back strong this year to put up very good numbers. He is a strong player who takes good shots and very effective getting to the line. He also gives the Boilers a stronger defensive presence and some toughness that was missing last year. His injury late in the year took its toll on the Boilers.
2. Bracey Wright, Indiana
2002-2003 TOE: 0.096
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 12th
COMMENT: Like Dee Brown, a strong case can be made for Wright already being tops at his position in the conference. Just a darn good overall player. Once he tightens up his handle, he will be a star (if he isn't already). Wright missed a handful of games with some injury problems, but talent wise is as good as anyone in the league.
3. Jitim Young, Northwestern
2002-2003 TOE: 0.090
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 18th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.053
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 59th
COMMENT: Young has always been a guy that subjectively looked good, but his numbers have never backed that up...until the latter half of the Big Ten season when he really came into his own. A tough player with some versatility. He has become one of my favorite players.
4. Chauncey Leslie, Iowa
2002-2003 TOE: 0.087
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 20th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.060
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 49th
COMMENT: Leslie played the point last year and played well until given the starting job. This year, unencumbered by ball handling duties, he has been turned loose as a scorer. Leslie is very quick and creates a lot off the dribble which offsets being a mediocre shooter. Leslie has been a nice productive player for the Hawks.
5. Luther Head, Illinois
2002-2003 TOE: 0.086
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 21st
2001-2002 TOE: 0.052
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 60th
COMMENT: A versatile player who can play either guard position. Head got off to a slow start due to injury, but played very well as the season progressed. Will do fine when/if given a bigger role on the team.
6. Lester Abram, Michigan
2002-2003 TOE: 0.082
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 25th
COMMENT: Horton got the press, but this fella was the best freshman on the Wolverine team IMO and is one of the more underrated players in the league. He is a bit loose with the ball, but once that tightens up, you are going to have a versatile and dangerous offensive player. A lot like Robinson overall as a player (but better offensively and worse defensively).
7. Maurice Hargrow, Minnesota
2002-2003 TOE: 0.077
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 29th
COMMENT: Hargrow could have also been put at small forward as he is more or less a combo swing player. Either way, he has been a surprise scoring leader source for the Gophers. Hargrow is a good solid shooter who doesn't make a ton of mistakes. However, much of his value comes in his ability to get to the free throw line.
8. Sean Harrington, Illinois
2002-2003 TOE: 0.072
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 32nd
2001-2002 TOE: 0.048
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 66th
COMMENT: His ranking fell considerably once his shooting percentage came down to earth. He isn't very diverse offensively, but in addition to his role as a shooter, he makes good decisions with the ball (3 to 1 AST/TO). No, he isn't the best shooting guard in the league, but he is the kind of guy you win titles with if he is a supporting player.
9. Freddie Owens, Wisconsin
2002-2003 TOE: 0.068
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 40th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.032
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 78th
COMMENT: Owens has gone from a truly poor offensive player to a decent one. He has continued to learn how to create shots and is a good free throw shooter. He still can play out of control, but finds a way to make it work for him.
10. Shariff Chambliss, Penn State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.065
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 43rd
2001-2002 TOE: 0.089
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 21st
COMMENT: Just as last year, still just a shooter for the most part. Chambliss takes a ton of shots, about 2/3 of which are 3's. Deadly from the line. He is better than I thought he would be, but not someone that can be relied on as a focal point of a team. Would look great as a third option type on a good team.
11. Sean Connolly, Ohio State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.061
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 49th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.064
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 41st
COMMENT: I've always liked Connolly and had high hopes for him earlier this year. He wasn't bad, but really is just your run of the mill shooting guard as he doesn't do anything great.
12. Kelvin Torbert, Michigan State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.060
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 51st
2001-2002 TOE: 0.044
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 69th
COMMENT: I felt that Torbert was really overrated last year. He has improved this year, but still isn't all that good given his hype. He isn't much of a shooter and doesn't see the floor very well, but as long as he can create inside and in the mid-range and defends as hard as he does, he has some value.
13. David Teague, Purdue
2002-2003 TOE: 0.045
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 63rd
COMMENT: Teague is a solid designated shooter, but offers little else at this early stage of his career.
14. Darmetreis Kilgore, Purdue
2002-2003 TOE: 0.039
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 67th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.035
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 75th
COMMENT: Hated him last year. Hate him this year. Good perimeter shooter but is still just an out of control gunner who refuses to pass the ball.
15. Ben Johnson, Minnesota
2002-2003 TOE: 0.033
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 74th
COMMENT: While at Northwestern, I heard many people claim that they believed Johnson was a great player stuck on a bad team. I have never thought he was anything above average. Shoots the ball like a football player (though his 3-point % is good).
16. Emonte Jernigan, Ohio State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.032
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 75th
COMMENT: Poor shooting but really didn't play enough to draw too many conclusions.
17. Brody Boyd, Iowa
2002-2003 TOE: 0.029
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 77th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.054
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 58th
COMMENT: If he is hitting the long range bomb, he is passable as a role player. This year, he often didn't and had zero value.
18. Tim Brograkos, Michigan State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.024
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 79th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.056
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 54th
COMMENT: As often happens, as a guy plays more, his efficiency numbers drop. Nondescript player.
19. Maurice Ager, Michigan State
2002-2003 TOE: 0.022
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 81st
COMMENT: Injured early and highly thought of, but just didn't play very well.
20. Gavin Groninger, Michigan
2002-2003 TOE: -0.010
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 88th
2001-2002 TOE: 0.021
2001-2002 Big Ten Rank: 81st
COMMENT: I'm sure his mother loves him, but he can't play Big Ten basketball.
21. Mohammad Hachad, Northwestern
2002-2003 TOE: -0.011
2002-2003 Big Ten Rank: 89th
COMMENT: Despite how crummy his numbers look, I actually think he has a decent future as he is very active and does some things on the court that he can build on.