Crashing Hoops December 2021 Player of the Month: Darius McGhee

With the launch of Crashing Hoops’ new website comes the edition of a Player of the Month award, which will be announced at the end of every month of the college basketball season. The Player of the Month Award will be awarded to the most outstanding player from a Mid-Major conference every month.

The winner of the Crashing Hoops December 2021 Player of the Month award goes to one of the top scorers in the entire nation, Darius McGhee of Liberty University.

McGhee is a sharp shooting combo-guard that leads the NCAA in total points and is third in the country in PPG (21.9).

December Statistics (one game remaining): 24.6 PPG, 2.5 REB, 3.25 AST, 47% FG (17.8 attempts), 43% 3PT (11.6 attempts), 88% FT (3.2 attempts)

Season statistics: 21.9 PPG, 3.07 REB, 2.93 AST, 45% FG (16.5 attempts), 38% 3PT (10.6 attempts), 84% FT (3.5 attempts)

Per Synergy, McGhee ranks in college basketball’s 80th percentile in overall offense, which is a great achievement by itself, but it is his 1v1 scoring ability that really stands out. He ranks in the 89th percentile in isolation scoring, undoubtedly due to his incredible quickness and change-of-pace ability, mixed with deadly accuracy on jumpers off the bounce, and unlimited range. He’s also a tremendous finisher around the rim despite his small stature.

It’s not just what he can do with the ball in hands that makes him so dangerous, however. McGhee's combination of quickness and great footwork make him an enormous threat off-ball as well. He ranks in the 87th percentile in scoring off screens, and 77th percentile on spot-up attempts.

While the assist numbers may seem low, it is important to note that McGhee is a more-than-capable (and willing) passer. He creates numerous opportunities for his teammates with his ability to penetrate and manipulate defenses through the pick-and-roll.

Defensively, McGhee is quick and vocal, and his toughness and leadership really stands out. He’s made a massive improvement from last year in his ability to play passing lanes as well. He’s snatching 1.43 steals per game this year compared to .83 last season.

McGhee has improved every year of his career at Liberty and will undoubtedly go down as one of the most successful and influential players in the history of Liberty Men’s Basketball.

“Darius continues to improve on a daily basis,” said Flames’ Head Coach Ritchie McKay. He has really taken ownership in being a workhorse for our team on both ends of the floor. You don’t get a player like him very often and his impact on our program has been immense. He’s a great basketball player, but he’s an even better person. His humility is admirable.”

The Flames play one more game today, December 31, and the statistics in this article will be updated accordingly.