CBB Review hands out awards for each conference tournament in 2024. Up next: The Big South Tournament.
In what will probably be the most shocking result of any conference tournament this year, Longwood, the 6 seed who went 6-10 in conference play, raised the trophy to win the Big South Tournament. They beat UNC Asheville, the winner in our Big South Tournament preview, and it wasn’t particularly close.
This just proves that no matter how good or bad you are during the season, it’s about getting hot at the right time, and as a result, the Lancers will dance for the second time in three years.
CBB Review Big South Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Wayln Napper, Longwood
While his stats don’t pop like many other tournament MVPs do, Napper was terrific on both sides of the floor and did a great job establishing his role each game, whether that was as a primary scorer or passer.
In the first game, he led the way with 20 points, leading the team to an easy win against Winthrop. In game two, he scored 16 points, but eight of those came in the final three minutes, making big shot after big shot to give Longwood the opportunity to pull off the upset. Finally, in the final, he dropped a near triple-double, with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was an overall balanced effort by Longwood, but Napper was the leader of the bunch.
I’d love to share the award with Drew Pember, who had a 30-point triple-double in the semifinal and was terrific all tournament, but just didn’t do enough in the final.
CBB Review All-Big South Tournament First Team
- G: Wayln Napper, Longwood – 3 games played (15.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.3 SPG)
- G: Duke Mikes, High Point – 2 games played (17.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1 SPG)
- G: Kezza Giffa, High Point – 2 games played (20.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2 APG, 0.5 SPG)
- F: Drew Pember, UNC Asheville – 3 games played (22.7 PPG, 11 RPG, 5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2 BPG)
- C: Szymon Zapala, Longwood – 3 games played (14 PPG, 5 RPG, 1 BPG)
Longwood’s NCAA Tournament Prediction
Longwood will most likely be a 15 or 16 seed. We’ve seen the 16 seeds have recent success, but it feels like a long shot for this team. The 2021-2022 team, which was miles better than this team, lost by 32 in the tournament. The key for them will be the defense and getting baskets inside. Longwood held two of the three opponents under 60 points and had little trouble driving and scoring, which opened up the perimeter and allowed them to hit at a high rate. Anything can happen in March, but I wouldn’t invest in a run from this team.