Originally Posted by
nmduke2001
Since I live in an area of the country that has access to “the mountain network”, I have seen Jimmer play 7 or so times this year. There is no doubt that he is a gifted offensive player. He may be the best pure scorer in the NCAA since Kevin Durant. However, Jimmer may be the worst defensive player in the nation as well. He doesn’t even really try on the defensive end. While in college, JJ was limited on the defensive end, but at least he gave it his full effort. Jimmer saves all his effort for the offensive side of the ball.
If basketball was made up of offensive and defensive players, Jimmer would be the deserving NPOY. However, players must play both ends of the court. This is why I think Nolan is more deserving. I wonder how many points Nolan would score if he just stood around on defensive and preserved energy? Nolan is an above average defender.
I believe that east coast bias is actually hurting Nolan. Very few people have seen Jimmer play an entire game. They see the 30-foot three-pointers on Sportscenter and the gaudy numbers in the box score, but they don’t see the actual game. They don’t see Jimmer stop as soon as the player in which he is assigned to guard blows right past him. They don’t see him “leak out” for a fast break attempt the second his player shoots. Opposing players often have wide open shots because Jimmer won’t run through a screen. It’s embarrassing.
For my money, I take Nolan every single time.