Memphis' Barton Displays Versatility
It's fair to say that the sophomore guard, Will Barton is one of the most improved players in the country so far this season and his versatility is a key reason why. His numbers are up across the board- most notably his scoring up from 12.3 points to 20.7 per game due to his .549 field-goal mark (.428 last season) and a more accurate perimeter jumper (.345 on 29 attempts this season vs. .265 last year). He is getting to the foul line nearly three times as often, despite the fact that his usage rate is nearly the same from his freshman season.
But his aggressive offensively mentality is sparking the other facets of Barton's game, most notably on the boards; over the past five games, Barton has three double-doubles while setting, tying and then setting a personal best in scoring and rebounding in all three of those games. His best game to date was a loss to Louisville on the road (not an easy place to win), but the sophomore nearly willed Memphis back despite a double-digit deficit most of the game. Barton tallied personal bests in scoring (28 points, 19 free throw attempts) and rebounding (16 boards).
He is also coming up big as a playmaker when defenses key in on him too; Barton has matched his career-high with 6 assists twice this season, finding an aggressive slasher in Adonis Thomas or perimeter shooters like Joe Jackson or brother Antonio Barton.
If he can keep up his torrid play into conference play, its likely that Barton will be one of the top guards off the board on Draft Night.
By President Corey Ruff - 12 - 20 - 11
