Best of the (Lunch Time) Ballers

There are many excellent hoopers that roam the halls of Rockhurst every day. Although many of the top Hawklet basketball players play on the varsity team, there are still many others who compete in a different arena: lunch basketball. Since no one has compiled a list of the top lunch basketball players yet, I figured I would take matters into my own hands.

The players on this list are measured by five different criteria: playmaking, finishing, shooting, defense, and basketball IQ. Playmaking refers to a player’s ability to dribble and pass the ball effectively. Finishing refers to a player’s ability to make close shots around the basket. Shooting refers to a player’s ability to knock down shots from the midrange or 3-point line. Defense refers to a player’s ability to prevent his opponents from scoring. Basketball IQ refers to a player’s overall knowledge of the game.

Each player is ranked using an average score of these attributes, on a scale of one to ten. Every player will also receive a comparison to an active or former NBA player.

This list is focused solely on seniors. I originally planned to create a top five, but I was afraid to leave anyone off. With that being said, here are the top six lunch basketball players at Rockhurst as rated by me.

6. 

   No Jumpa Lane

Overall Score: 6.6

Playmaking: 9

Finishing: 8

Shooting: 2

Defense: 7

Basketball IQ: 7

Lane is a solid player that has shown the ability to step up and hit the occasional big shot. He displays good dribbling skills and can create open shots for himself. Lane would be higher on this list if he could develop a consistent jumper.

NBA player comparison: Russell Westbrook

5. 

   Gerald

Overall Score: 7.6

Playmaking: 9

Finishing: 7

Shooting: 7

Defense: 7

Basketball IQ: 8

An underrated player. Gerald displays lots of toughness and effort on the court. He is without a doubt one of the more skilled players at Rockhurst. He has above average dribbling skills and is not afraid to rise up for contested shots. 

NBA player comparison: Demar Derozan

4. 

   Dominion

Overall Score: 8.2

Playmaking: 8

Finishing: 7

Shooting: 10

Defense: 10

Basketball IQ: 6

Known simply as “Dom,” Dominion displays a natural feel for the game. With arguably the most deadly jumper at Rockhurst, defenders are perplexed when having to choose between defending his range or lightning-fast speed. He also gives relentless effort on defense, with the ability to guard any position on the court. Dom is sure to dominate the competition. 

NBA player comparison: Seth Curry

3. 

   Cornelius 

Overall Score: 8.4

Playmaking: 9

Finishing: 8

Shooting: 9

Defense: 6

Basketball IQ: 10

Heart over height. Corn is a relentless finisher and is not afraid to play with physicality. His effort on both sides of the ball displays a true love for the game. Defenders also have to account for his jump shot, as Corn is known to pull up from the logo.

NBA player comparison: Draymond Green

2. 
   

   Matty Ice

Overall Score: 8.8

Playmaking: 10

Finishing: 9

Shooting: 8

Defense: 8

Basketball IQ: 9

“Yessir Matty” is a common phrase that is uttered when Matt Koehler takes the floor. With potentially the deepest bag Rockhurst has ever seen, Matt can effortlessly get to his spot at a moments’ notice. He is also a willing passer, dishing the ball to his teammates when he is often double-teamed.

NBA player comparison: Jason Williams

1. 

   Zion

Overall Score: 9.6

Playmaking: 10

Finishing: 10

Shooting: 9

Defense: 10

Basketball IQ: 9

The clear No. 1 choice. It is common for people to mistake Chris Jones for Zion Williamson, the 6’6, 280-pound forward for the New Orleans’ Pelicans. Chris has earned the nickname Zion due to his elite athleticism and aggressive playing style. If Chris is on the court, the other team can simply forget about their chances of winning. 

NBA player comparison: Zion Williamson