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SEC: Can Ole Miss PG Jarvis Summers Win Player Of The Year?

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

February 2, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O
February 2, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O /
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People marvel at mysteries all the time. The reason why they were created is so they can be revealed, not to remain hidden. One of the best kept secrets in the Southeastern Conference is Ole Miss point guard Jarvis Summers.

Virtually an unknown to most fans in college basketball, Summers is known well by his SEC opponents.

Against the best competition in the SEC, he played extremely well.

Mar 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) works for position against Mississippi State Bulldogs guard I.J. Ready (15) in the second round of the SEC college basketball tournament at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) works for position against Mississippi State Bulldogs guard I.J. Ready (15) in the second round of the SEC college basketball tournament at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports /

He dropped 22 against Kentucky, scored 20 on Florida and finished the Georgia game with 26 points. All of these games, Summers was not even the primary option or go to scorer. That task was given to his running mate Marshall Henderson.

Because of his ability to score, Summers finished as the eighth-highest scorer in the SEC. In 33 games last season, Summers only scored in single digits three times. For his play within the conference, he finished as the eighth-highest scorer in the SEC and was named an All-SEC Second Team performer.

Marshall Henderson took a bit of the shine because he was such a shot-happy shooting guard but Summers was the rock of the team.

The foil character to Henderson, Summers often took really good shots and used his basketball IQ to determine when Ole Miss needed him to score, or dish.

In addition Summers led his team in assists and in minutes played. Not only was he a great scorer, he was an efficient shooter. Overall in the SEC he was sixth in field goal percentage and fourth in assists.

Because of his high intelligence, Summers only took 11.8 shots and averaged 17.3 points. He also had a better field goal percentage than Henderson because of his ability to take quality attempts.

When Summers is taking advantage of one of his quality shots, he uses his sweet shooting stroke to knock down jumpers.

What is impressive is that Summers can not only shoot but he often gets into the rim. Summers uses his pure basketball skill to make crossovers on the perimeter and once he penetrates in the paint, he uses spin moves to finish at the rim.

Jan 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) drives against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Memorial Gym. Mississippi won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Jarvis Summers (32) drives against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Memorial Gym. Mississippi won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Though he attempts a high volume of shots in the paint that are difficult to make, he still converts most of them. Last season for the Rebels, Summers

shot

an incredible 64 percent at the rim. As well, Summers was the only player in the SEC to rank within the top-10 in scoring, field goal percentage and top five in assists.

The best comparison of Summers’ game is Damian Lillard.

Though Lillard came from a small school and dominated his competition, Summers is playing better competition in the SEC than Lillard ever saw while playing in the Big Sky Conference.

One of the key differences between the two though is that Lillard was a jump shooter. While Summers is a crafty guard that gets into the lane.

Entering into his senior year, Summers will have to assert himself offensively more than before. Henderson’s departure not only opens the door for the Summers to lead the Rebels, it also gives the opportunity for the spotlight to shine brightest on him.

Next year Ole Miss will try to increase the win total from their 19-14 record and become a major player behind the guard play of next year’s SEC Player of the Year

candidate

Summers.

Don’t let it be a mystery when he does win the trophy, because he is that talented.