Finalists

David Arseneault
6’2” Jr. Guard
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA

While playing for his father in his hometown, David Arseneault established himself amongst the elite Division III players.  After an impressive sophomore season, leading Division III teams in assists with 8.5 and averaging almost 19 points per game, his game has improved.  He led the Pioneers to an impressive 10-5 start, averages more than 10 assists per game, and adds more than 16 points a game. On December 8th he set the NCAA assists record with 34 in a win over North Central University of Minnesota. Since being at school he has broken and re-broken the season assist mark, and at this rate will surpass last year’s 203 assists.

DJ Augustin
6’0” So. Guard
University of Texas
New Orleans, LA

With the departure of last year’s sensational teammate Kevin Durant, DJ Augustin has proven he too can be the focal point of a top Division I team. Although his assists are down by one from last year, his other categories have improved – his most impressive jump being in the points category climbing from 14 to 20 a game.  Averaging 6 assists per contest, Augustin has taken the Longhorns to a 16-3 record, ranking the team in the Top 10 in the nation. After last year’s success, Augustin was named Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press.  Augustin recently scored 26 points in win over Texas Tech.

Luke Cooper
6’0” Sr. Guard
University of Alaska-Anchorage
Melbourne, Australia

Since his freshman year at Alaska, Australian native, Luke Cooper’s game has done everything but cool down with the climate change.  His play has only improved over the past four years, averaging 5 points and 9 assists.  Cooper won the GNAC Player of the Week December 3rd for a win over Alaska Fairbanks and tying his assists record with 16.  During his junior year, he broke five conference assists records and led the GNAC for the third straight time in the category.  Cooper finished his junior year placing second in the Division II, averaging 8.2 assists per game and earned a spot on the 2007 All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference First Team.

Darren Collison
6’1” Jr. Guard
UCLA
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

After losing two Final Fours in a row to Florida, UCLA turned to Darren Collison to help go all the way. After a notable sophomore season, Collison’s sharp shooting – hitting better than 40% of three pointers he has taken – has impressed NBA scouts.  While averaging 14 points and 4 assists per game, his organization and leadership has helped UCLA during this years 18-2 start.  Although missing the first 7 games to an injured knee, he has helped UCLA to consistently rank in the Top 5 in the country and looks to go deep in the National Tournament.

Devan Downey
5’9” So. Guard
University of South Carolina
Chester, SC

Despite sitting out a season from his transfer from Cincinnati, this former Mr. Basketball of South Carolina (2005) has shown no signs of rust.  Not only has Downey almost doubled his scoring average at Cincinnati from 11 to 20 points a game, but all his stats have improved. He leads the SEC in scoring and steals and ranks third in assists. Even with a small frame, Downey combines his lightning speed and uncanny ability to finish at the rim to keep defenses on their toes.  Downey uses his 72 inch wingspan to its fullest potential, averaging 3.5 steals a game.

Mike Green
6’1” Sr. Guard
Butler University
Philadelphia, PA

Mike Green entered his senior year knowing he was the most valuable Butler Bulldog and that the team relied on him for direction. With Butler off to a 19-2 start, it is easy to see why Green’s leadership is important. While averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists a game, Green has successfully guided the Bulldogs into national attention, taking them to #1 in the Horizon League and consistently ranked within the Top 15 in the country.

Jamont Gordon
6’4” Jr. Guard
Mississippi State University
Nashville, TN

Gordon recently won Southeastern Conference's Player of the Week by scoring 24 points in both wins against Kentucky and Alabama. Those two impressive victories helped better the Bulldogs to 13-5 in a season where they look toward Gordon for leadership. Gordon has conquered all of last year’s averages, leads the team in points and assists, and brings in more than six rebounds a game. Gordon may not be the most explosive or quickest player on the court, but his aggressive style of attack with the hoop, coupled with his confident left hand makes him tough to defend.

Dominic James
5’11” Jr. Guard
Marquette University
Richmond, IN

Dominic James is a true example of a point guard. Able to operate in all areas of the game, James has made a huge impact at Marquette since arriving. After winning the Big East Freshman of the Year in the 2005-06 season, James has continued to show leadership. Last season he averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals a game, earning him a spot on the Big East All Conference First Team. He is currently averaging his career best assist/turnover ratio at more than 2 and leading Marquette through a tough Big East Division.

Ty Lawson
5’11” So. Guard
University of North Carolina
Clinton, MD

Ty Lawson has proven to be one of the most exciting players to watch in all of NCAA basketball. After a solid freshman performance of averaging more than 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals a game, Lawson looks to lead the Tar Heels deep into this year’s tournament. Lawson is undoubtedly one of the quickest players with the ball and loves to push the tempo of the game. He is averaging four more points per game than last season while leading the 19-1 Tar Heels in assists.

Eric Maynor
6’2” Jr. Guard
Virginia Commonwealth University
Fayettville, NC

Eric Maynor has solidified his name as one of the most valuable leaders in the nation. He gained national attention last year following his game winning jump to beat Duke in the first round of the March Madness Tournament.  He has continued to be a clutch performer for the first place team in the Colonial Athletic Division, leading the Rams offense to a 15-5 start. Averaging 18 points a game and adding 5 assists, Maynor is comfortable in his role of the catalyst of the team’s firepower.

Andrew Olson
5’10” Sr. Guard
Amherst College
San Diego, CA

Coming from California, Andrew Olson makes playing point guard for one of the top Division III teams look easy.  Showing improvements in both scoring and passing, Olson has had an outstanding senior year.  Leading his team in assists, he averages more than 11 points a game.  He has taken Amherst to a 16-2 start, ranking them high in the nation’s standings. In his junior year, Olson was selected for the 2007 All-Northeast District Team and was named the 2007 NABC National Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Jonny Reibel
6’2” Sr. Guard
Rollins College
Chicago, IL

Quickly becoming recognized as one of the country’s most talented guards, Rollins College’s Jonny Reibel has dominated this year from the point position. While averaging more than 20 points a game, he leads Rollins in points, assists, and steals. As a junior, Reibel broke the 1,000 point mark, led the Sunshine State Conference in assists (7.66) and steals (1.94), earned a spot on the All SSC-Team, and most impressively was named the SSC Player of the Year.

Tyrese Rice
6’1” Jr. Guard
Boston College
Richmond, VA

After starting all 33 games in his sophomore year and averaging an outstanding 17.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, Tyrese Rice has taken more responsibility this year and has improved across the board.  Now averaging 20 points per game and still leading his team in assists and steals, Rice continues his dominance.  Earning a spot on the 2006-07 All-ACC second-team, Rice looks to be the power surge BC needs to survive in the Atlantic Coast Division.

Brian Roberts
6’2” Sr. Guard
University of Dayton
Toledo, OH

Brian Roberts’ improvements over the past four years have been remarkable. Since joining the team as a freshman, he has improved each year in every important category. In his last year, he averages 19.3 points a game and adds 4.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds per contest. Roberts has an uncanny knack for scoring points in quick bunches and proves he can play well on the road. The Dayton Flyers will need this two time All-Atlantic 10 selection’s poise in order to move to the top of the division.

Derrick Rose
6’3” Fr. Guard
University of Memphis
Chicago, IL

As Memphis proves to be one of the most dangerous teams around, their point guard, freshman Derrick Rose, seems to be the most fearless of the bunch. The Tigers have erupted to an undefeated 19-0 start with Rose at point. He leads the team in assists and contributes 14 plus points a game. His most positive attribute is his court vision and ability to get teammates involved.  During a win over Cincinnati, he scored a season best 26 points making 5 of 8 three pointers.  Rose was nicknamed “Pooh” as a child and is referred to as “The Great Poohdini” on the court.

Sean Singletary
6’0” Sr. Guard
University of Virginia
Philadelphia, PA

Sean Singletary has been making the most of his last hurrah in Virginia. Currently ranked fourth in the ACC standings, the Cavalier’s veteran leader has flourished this season, averaging more than 18 points and 6 assists a game.  In a recent win over Boston College, Singletary posted season best 10 assists and 6 steals and contributed 19 points, causing only one turnover. Last season, Singletary earned several All-America honors, including third-team recognition from the National Association of Basketball Coaches.