BJ Young's overall game evolves for Arkansas
BY KURT VOIGT Associated Press
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
1/23/13 at 4:30 AM
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - One of BJ Young's reasons for returning to Arkansas for his sophomore season was to improve as an overall playmaker.
The Razorbacks guard has done that so far this season, nearly doubling his assists total while facing defenses that are geared to stop the talented scorer.
Heading into Wednesday night's game against Mississippi State (7-9, 2-2 Southeastern Conference), Young is fourth in the SEC in assists at 4.2 per game. That's up from the 2.3 assists he had per game last season as a freshman, when he led Arkansas (11-6, 2-2) in scoring at 15.3 points per game.
The 6-foot-3 Young once again leads the team in scoring at 17.2 points per game, third-best in the SEC. It's his role, however, as an offensive facilitator - including a season-high nine assists earlier this season against Alabama A&M - that coach Mike Anderson has stressed and noticed.
"I think he's trying to become a more well-rounded player," Anderson said. "Defenses are gearing up toward him, and I think he's doing a good job of distributing the basketball as well. That, to me, is part of him developing and growing as a player."
Young's evolution has come at a price: While his scoring is up nearly two points per game from last season, his overall shooting numbers are down across the board.
He led all SEC guards in shooting percentage from the field last season, connecting on 50.4 percent of his shots - including a 41.3 percent mark on 3-pointers.across the board.
Original Print Headline: Young's game is evolving for Hogs
Up next
Vs. Mississippi State
8 p.m. Wednesday
TV: CST-269
Radio: KCFO am970
