6

Feb

Aussies in NCAAM

Stone free to do as he pleases at Missouri Tigers

Written By

Michael Houben

Contributor

Stone free to do as he pleases at Missouri Tigers
Stone free to do as he pleases at Missouri Tigers

Australian guard Jayden Stone plays for Missouri. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Highlights

Australian standouts headline NCAAM Power Rankings as conference play intensifies.

We’re into the thick of conference play, and there are some big performances to headline the last fortnight of NCAA play.

Some slight shifts in the NCAAM Power Rankings, with Tuburu Naivalurua’s consistent success for Oakland shifting him up to six, whilst the solid return of Jayden Stone has re-establish his position in the top 10.

Here’s the top performers from the last two weeks.

1. Jayden Stone - 20 points, 4 rebounds versus LSU

Back healthy and contributing for Missouri, Jayden Stone is back to his scoring best. In a battle against Max Mackinnon and LSU, Stone led his team with 20 points, going 7-14 from the field.

2. Oscar Cluff - 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists vs USC

He’s had a quiet run of games over the last week or so, scoring in double digits over his last four. With that said, Cluff was at his typical best against USC, logging 19 points in only 23 minutes of play.

3. Tuburu Naivalurua - 26 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals vs Green Bay

As the season persists, Naivalurua continues to prove himself as one of Australia’s most reliable NCAA contributors, and his game against Green Bay was a new high point on his standout season. He dominated the glass, including 7 offensive rebounds, and his team-high effort pulled them through in a 88-83 victory.

4. Charles Johnston - 15 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks in OT vs The Citadel

Despite starting his career at the D2 level, Johnston continues to emerge for Furman throughout the year, and his double-double against The Citadel was a vital contribution despite a narrow 77-75 loss. He backed up his glass-cleaning form against Samford late last month too with a mammoth 16 rebounds to his name.

5. Alex Condon - 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks vs Alabama

In perhaps Condon’s most complete box score of the year, the Gator big man stuffed the stat-sheet in every category, leading Florida to a big win over Alabama. While his growth as a shooter appears stagnant, it’s his playmaking in the frontcourt that is proving to be the real progression, the centre now up to 3.7 assists per game on the season. His play earnt him co SEC player of the week.

6. Max Mackinnon - 15 points, 8 assists in OT vs South Carolina

Max Mackinnon has blown all expectations out of the water this season for LSU, now up to 13 straight games with 10 points or more, with his 14.6 points per game average actually now exceeding what he achieved at Portland last year. His overtime performance against South Carolina was especially notable because of a season high 8 assists, showing he can distribute as well as put the ball in the hole.

7. Josh Dent - 16 points, 11 assists vs Oregon State

Dent’s poise and skill continue to shine brightly for Saint Mary’s, the floor general logging a career high 11 assists in a big win against Oregon State. Dent continues to get more consistent across the year, including against some big name opposition.

8. Austin Rapp - 19 points, 6 rebounds

Defensive limitations have caused a lingering regression in Aussie Rapp’s role in the Wisconsin rotation, but he continues to make a sizeable impact on the offensive end when his name is called. His latest performance against Ohio State was particularly memorable, going 7-10 from the field, including 5 made three pointers, across 20 minutes of play. His elite floor spacing continues to make him a massive asset for the Badgers.

9. Joel Foxwell - 27 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists vs Saint Mary’s

Big numbers aren't new for Foxy this season, but this might be the most impactful performance all year - Foxwell's team-leading performance led Portland to a massive upset win over powerhouse program Gonzaga 87-80. As good as Dent has been, it wasn’t enough to stop freshman phenom Joel Foxwell, who went on an absolute tear in late January against the Gael’s, leading all scorers with 27 points. A shoutout to fellow Aussie James O’Donnell in this game too, who went a perfect 9-9 from the field for 18 points.

10. Emmett Adair - 28 points, 7 rebounds vs Navy

Loyola continues to be an incredible situation for freshman Emmett Adair, who since his 29 point breakout against Coppin State early in the season has quietly been chipping away as a valuable contributor for the Greyhounds. He was once again back to his best to start February against Navy, where he lit up for 28 points including a career-best 6 three pointers.

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