Is James Harden the best player in the country? - ehh's Blog

ehh's Blog

Is James Harden the best player in the country?

Posted on December 9, 2008 at 03:20 PM.

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Maybe, maybe not. But he isn't getting anywhere near the attention he deserves. Sure, part if it is because of the East Coast bias and BSPN, but even UCLA's still-intact run of consecutive Final Fours received plenty of media attention. But then again, UCLA is UCLA after all.

Now that the season is in full swing and game after game can be seen on ESPN, I'm getting a little annoyed with the constant claim from the media nitwits that the three best players in America are Tyler Hansbrough, Blake Griffin and Stephen Curry. Well, those guys aren't doing their jobs well enough if they don't consistently include James Harden in that group, if not at the top of it.

All Harden, a 6'4 220 guard, is doing so far is averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 58% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc and 81% from the charity stripe. He has made 16 of last last 22 three point attempts.

The schedule hasn't been too tough yet but the stats still don't tell the entire story. Some comparisons are being made to current pros; a better version of Michael Redd or a less-athletic but better shooting Dwyane Wade. Who knows how his pro career will turn out, but make sure to watch this future Top 5 pick while you still can, he's not going to be tearing up collegiate ranks for much longer.