MAAC Men's All-Star Picks at Season's Mid-Point

Wasn't season-openers about two weeks ago? It sure feels that way.

Yet, suddenly, the halfway point of the conference men's season has come and gone. Teams have already played 10 of their 18 league contests.

So, it's as good a time as any for the Hoopscribe's mid-season all-star selections for me. Women will come within the next few days.

So, without further interruption ...

2012-13 MID-SEASON ALL-STAR SELECTIONS

- Lamont "Momo" Joes, 6-1 guard, Iona: The transfer from Arizona has shown why he initially started his career at a higher level. His 22.3 points per game not only leads the conference, but is fourth-best nationally. His 3.8 assist-per-game average is fifth-best in the league.

- Juan'ya Green, 6-3 sophomore guard, Niagara: He might be young, but he also might be the most talented perimeter player in the conference. He doesn't score quite as much as Jones, averaging 16.0, but he could score more if needed. His 5.0 assist-per-game average is third-best in the conference.

- O.D. Anosike, 6-8 senior forward, Siena: Leads the country in rebounds at 12.0 per game, on his way to becoming the first conference player to ever capture the national rebound title in back-to-back seasons. Also averages 13.1 points per contest.

- Billy Baron, 6-2 junior guard, Canisius: Followed his dad, Canisius coach Jim Baron, from Rhode Island to Buffalo, and has helped the Golden Griffins to their best start in more than a decade. He averages 16.0 points and his 5.6 assist-per-game average leads the conference.

- Dylon Cormier, 6-2 junior guard, Loyola: A smooth-playing off-guard who is effective at both ends of the court. His 17.0 ppg. average is fourth in the confertence, while he ranks third in the league in steals with 1.8.

SECOND-TEAM PICKS

- Sean Armand, 6-4 junior guard, Iona.
- Antoine Mason, 6-3 sophomore guard, Niagara
- Erik Etherly, 6-7 senior forward, Loyola
- Rhamel Brown, 6-6 junior forward, Manhattan
- Chris Manhertz, 6-6 senior forward, Canisius

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Green, Niagara.
It could just as easily be Jones of Iona, but Green is the best player on the best team (so far), and his assist total shows he's more than just a scorer.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Amadou Sidibe, 6-8 freshman forward, Fairfield.
He averages 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 60-percent shooting from the floor. Very difficult selection, considering Niagara's freshman forward T.J. Cline's numbers are very comparable.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Joe Mihalich, Niagara.
Three sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup, but Mihalich's team has won nine straight conference games and sits atop the league standings. He's the award's run-away choice at this point.