TIQ Player Ratings Reveal Top Returning Talent

It’s good to be a fan in the Midwest, if the top returning players according to the Total Impact Quotient ratings mean anything.

As we prepare for the 2011-12 season, let’s take a look back at the top players from the 2010-11 season. To tally the top 50, I added the top players in various statistical categories to the list of players from major conferences. That adds the likes of Cleveland State’s Norris Cole, College of Charleston’s Andrew Goudelock and Morehead State’s Kenneth Faried to a list that predictably includes Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams.

Of last season’s top 50 players, 15 will be back in action this season. Michigan State’s Draymond Green tops that list as the No. 5 overall player last season with a TIQ of 38.1 points. Even though Green averaged only 12.6 ppg, he was a veritable stat stuffer: He added 8.6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.8 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game. Green has the range to knock down 3 pointers and the size and athleticism to be a factor in the post.

In addition to Green, Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor (TIQ = 37.9 points), Ohio’s D.J. Cooper (TIQ = 36.6 points), Kansas’ Thomas Robinson (TIQ = 36.3 points) and Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger (TIQ = 35.4 points) rank as the top returning players. Everyone except Robinson played about 75 percent of his team’s minutes last season, so they’re already bona fide dominant starters. Coach Bill Self will be looking for Robinson to step into the roster position of one of the Morris twins and maintain his excellent production in a vastly expanded role.

Cooper’s presence in that group is indicative of the TIQ’s ability to credit excellent talent outside the power conferences.

In fact, Cleveland State’s Cole (TIQ = 39.6 points) and College of Charleston’s Goudelock (TIQ = 39.4 points) come in at No. 1 and 2 for their ridiculously great performances last season.

Cole proved he could be a prolific scorer, averaging 21.7 ppg last season. However, he didn’t stop there. Cole also delivered 5.8 rpg and 5.3 apg for the Vikings. That’s a sick stat line, worthy of the No. 1 spot in the rankings. He didn’t receive much serious consideration for All-American status, but the AP writers did name him as an honorable mention for their list.

Goudelock got the same honor from the AP — and the same lack of attention from everyone else. The Cougars’ star put up 23.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 4.2 apg. He didn’t have as many non-scoring contributions as Cole did, but Goudelock was a slightly better shooter at 45.5 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point territory. Both players could turn out to be solid contributors in the NBA, whenever the league gets back onto the court.

Among power conference teams, the No. 1 draft pick takes the overall No. 3 spot in the TIQ ratings. Duke’s Kyrie Irving was a beast for the Blue Devils before injuring his foot. He ended up playing barely 20 percent of the season. However, in that time, Irving tied Goudelock with a TIQ of 39.4 points. You can’t blame the Cleveland Cavaliers for wanting to build around him.

Without any further ado, here’s your top 50 players from last season.