Monday against Penn, Josh Harrellson posted a double-double for the second time in as many games, and the fourth time this year (Boston, Indiana, Louisville and Penn). He was 5 of 7 from the field and made both of his free throws. Harrellson also posted 11 rebounds (7 off, 4 def), 2 assists and 6 blocks. He played good defense as well. Not that Penn’s big man was much of a challenge, but Josh completely shut him down. Penn’s starting center/forward averages 6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5 blocks per game – against Harrellson he posted 0 points, 1 rebound and 0 blocks.
As you can see in the video below, Josh is having a lot of fun and gaining the respect of his coaches and teammates. Even watching Harrellson is fun. He has done well against other big men in the past few games, he’s got a sweet layup and 3-point shot, and he’s starting to dunk more often. I always wonder why any big man wouldn’t dunk every time. Layups tend to get swatted if anyone ‘of quality’ is defending the post – if you dunk you at least draw the foul if you miss.
My only concern heading into SEC play is how Harrellson will do against strong, physical big men. Josh did great against Louisville and Penn, but their post players are not what I would consider in the same class as, say Delvon Johnson from Arkansas. Although… Josh [I]is[/I] currently leading the SEC in rebounding and [I]is[/I] currently 8th in blocked shots. He may surprise us all if he keeps making great play a habit.
[youtube_sc width=430 url=Ms4ugfXfE4E]
