GoldandGreenNews.com
Though Colorado State may be only three games into the 2010-11 basketball season, there have been quite a few surprises from the Rams thus far. This week On the Matt, I take a look at all the things the Rams have done in their two wins and lone loss that most people didn't expect.
And make sure to check GoldandGreenNews.com tonight for discussion CSU's game against Drake to tip off the MWC/MVC Challenge.
Dominance in the post
We all knew heading into the season that Travis Franklin and Andy Ogide would be the two key players for CSU, but I don't think anyone expected each to be averaging 18 points per game three games into the year.
Franklin leads the Rams with 18.7 ppg, while also bringing down over 5 rebounds per contest. Ogide is also standing out on the glass with 6.7 rebounds per game.
For the past two games, Franklin has broken 20 points, thanks in large part to an increased ability to maneuver through defenders he lacked a year ago along with doing a better job at the free throw line shooting 70 percent.
Junior college transfer Will Bell has also been a nice surprise, providing a solid backup at the power forward spot. Now, if only Trevor Williams could step things up.
Field goal percentage
Believe it or not, CSU ranks No. 7 in the country in field goal percentage. Not too shabby, eh?
Franklin, Ogide, Pierce Hornung and Dwight Smith are all shooting over 70 percent from the field and the Rams as a whole are at .521 on the season. On top of that. Bell, Dorian Green and Jesse Carr are all over 42 percent.
I know it's still early in the year, but if you look at the 2009-10 season for CSU, the Rams finished the year at 43 percent from the floor.
Keep it up and maybe Andy Katz's thoughts on the Rams making the NCAA Tournament might not be so far-fetched.
High scoring
The Rams only scored 77 points in five games last season. Three games into 2010-11 and CSU has done that in all match ups.
As of this morning, CSU ranks No. 35 in the country in average points per game and the Rams are out scoring opponents by a total of 31 points.
Eikmeier's struggles
It was assumed that sophomore guard Wes Eikmeier, a transfer from Iowa State, would be that key component to the CSU basketball team to help balance guard and post play. However, it's been a tough start for the Nebraska native.
Eikmeier, who has started all three games for the Rams, has the lowest shooting percentage amongst starters at .273 and his three-point shooting hasn't been exactly up to par, making only 4 of 14 attempts.
I think he'll bounce back alright, but maybe starting Carr or Adam Nigon against Drake could help ease some nerves and get Eikmeier back in rhythm coming off the bench.
