emerging PFs

Big guys are different from smaller players. Around this time of year there are often several who are off to hot starts. That ends once the conference games start and the competition gets tougher. With that in mind, I wouldn't commit any of these names to memory just yet. That said, these guys have stepped up so far and will be watched.

• Willie Reed, St. Louis: Sophomore is off to a great start so far that includes double-doubles against Iowa State and Notre Dame, 2 schools each with a pro prospect at PF. Concern with Reed would be his efficiency and whether or not he can keep it up.
• Herb Pope, Seton Hall: More of a combo than a true PF. Pope is listed as a junior, but only has a half year of experience coming in, having transfered from New Mexico State. Right now he's solid everywhere except for scoring efficiency. Because he's smallish he'll need to develop an outside game.
• Hassan Whiteside, Marshall: Impressive freshman. He's averaging 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks and shooting 61% in just 22 minutes per game. His turnovers are way too high and Marshall's non-con was ridiculously easy. For those reasons it's best not to usher him into the mocks just yet.
• John Fields, UNC-Wilmington: Transfer from East Carolina is off to a good start as a 4th-year junior. He's hit all the important levels in each category. Because UNCW plays one of the tougher non-cons in the country his stats may actually improve as the season progresses.
• Nikola Vecevic, USC: Emerged as the best player on a rebuilding team. He comes up a little short on both defense and efficiency, but he's also a long, tall soph getting his first real shot so he's definitely worth keeping an eye on.