Saturday, May 25, 2019

How Nowell compares historically

Little Rock has had some outstanding point guards in our history. How does Markquis Nowell compare with them in his freshman season? We have enough data to do a little research. I am somewhat hampered doing this because I do not know which of them actually played point most of the time. For example, James Scott is on our career assists list, but never made the single season leaders list. So, I am taking those players who were among the single season leaders in assists. The only place I can get their freshman year numbers is from the 1000 point club, so they necessarily also will be on that list.

Nowell - 11.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 105 assists, 36 steals, 38.2 FG%, 35.4 3PT%, 79.2 FT%

Josh Hagins - 8.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 96 assists, 38 steals, 45.2 FG%, 33.8 3PT%, 77.0 FT%
Derek Fisher - 7.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 92 assists, 39 steals, 41.2 FG%, 29.0 3PT%, 77.2 FT%
Vaughn Williams - 7.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 80 assists, 44 steals, 46.7 FG%, 71.0 FT%

The bottom line is that Nowell compares favorably up and down the line. He did not shoot nearly as well overall, but that can be attributed somewhat to his very small size. Hopefully maturity will improve his shot selection. Considering that the three players he is being compared to are all in the top ten scorers of all time, and they are the top three career leaders in assists and steals, there is not much more you could expect of him. Statistically they qualify as the top three point guards in Little Rock history, and he goes toe to toe with them. Mark him down as a 3-star who did not disappoint.

(Now if, if, IF Nowell and Maric will stay with the program for four years and improve as they go - ah, that is sweet to think about.)

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