by David Cassilo / @dcassilo
The debate has raged for the past month about whether Jimmer Fredette, Jared Sullinger or Kemba Walker is the best player in the country. However, when it comes to who is the best player nobody is talking about, there is only one name: Kenneth Faried.
Playing at Morehead State in the Ohio Valley Conference, Faried is the nation’s leading rebounder, hauling in 14.5 board per game. Thursday was another routine work for Faried as his 21 points and 20 rebounds led the way for his team in a 78-72 victory over Jacksonville State.
For Faried, it was his third 20-20 game of the season, and his second in three games. With his impressive rebounding ability coming for a rarely seen team, he is college basketball’s version of Kevin Love.
From The Anniston Star:
“Another day at the office,” Faried said. “That’s pretty much what’s I’m expected to do night in and night out. That’s what my team wants me to do, my coaches want me to do and my daughter wants me to do, so I’ve got to keep grinding. The season’s getting late, people are getting tired, but I’m kicking it into second gear right now.”
With the 20, Faried passed Ralph Sampson into fourth place on the NCAA’s career list (since 1973 when freshmen were allowed to play again) and moved within one of No. 3 Malik Rose and 57 of No. 1 Tim Duncan. JSU coach James Green joked earlier in the week the Gamecocks at least get as many rebounds as Faried to have a chance and they did – 24. They only had one more than the Eagles’ senior at halftime (13-12).
Making a name for himself at a tiny school, Faried has seen his name shoot up draft boards this season. Unfortunately, that might be the first time many fans get to see him as Morehead State is involved in a tight race for the one bid that the Ohio Valley Conference will get for the NCAA tournament.
