Big 5 stat spectacular

On the eve of the Big 5 semi-classic, it's time for a look at how the Quakers stack up statistically with the rest of the Big 5 and little brother Drexel.

Using the statistical formula that we've been using this season in the DP and in earlier posts on The Buzz, we find that the answer is that they're doing quite well.

Again, the numbers, which use nine major statistical categories, aren't to be interpreted as raw numbers, rather for comparisons. And the numbers are adjusted to six team games. For instance, La Salle has played just three, so their numbers are seen doubled.

Far and away the best:
1. Mark Zoller, Penn, 77

The crowded pack:
2. Brian Grandieri, Penn, 57.5
3. Chaz Crawford, Drexel, 57
T-4. Dionte Christmas, Temple, 56
T-4. Darnell Harris, La Salle, 56
6. Sherman Diaz, La Salle, 55
7. Ahmad Nivins, SJU, 54.6

The rest of the top 10:
8. Curtis Sumpter, Villanova, 46.5
9. Bashir Mason, Drexel, 41.4
10. Ibrahim Jaaber, Penn, 38.5

Pleasant surprise: Coming in one spot below Jaaber is DaShone Kirkendoll, a Temple junior who's done more than his fair share for the Owls. Last year, he averaged 0.8 points in 4.9 minutes per game. This year, his statistical rating is boosted by 13 points per game (including 20 against Rutgers) and just two turnovers in three games.

Disappointment: Way down at 41st on the list is Drexel's Dominick Mejia with a player rating of just 3.6. The Preseason Mid-Major All-American has averaged under eight points per game and is killed in the rankings by 36 percent shooting and only four points from the foul line in five games. Two assists and 12 turnovers aren't helping either.

And in case you were curious, here are the Penn rankings after six games:
Zoller 77
Grandieri 57.5
Jaaber 38.5
Danley 30
Egee 6.5
Votel 3
Franklin 3
Reilly 2.5
Schreiber 2.5
Kach 2
Gill 1
Lewis -0.5
McMahon -2.5
Cohen -4.5
Smith -8.5

Players not named Zoller, Grandieri, Jaaber or Danley have played 34 percent of the minutes and have 2 percent of the production.