Antonio Campbell should be Mid-American Conference player of the year.
Ohio forward Antonio Campbell recognizes what he's been doing.
Coach Saul Phillips couldn't deny it. Neither could Eastern Michigan coach Rob Murphy.
"Do you think (Campbell) is not only the best big man in the league, but the best player in the MAC?" a reporter asked Phillips after Campbell's 33-point performance against Eastern Michigan Tuesday night.
The air in the room stilled.
"I'm not gonna argue against my player," Phillips said. "Glad I don't have to guard him. He's as versatile as anybody in the league and he's putting up numbers (trying to show) that he's as good as anyone in the league."
OK, let's just say it: Campbell should be Mid-American Conference Player of the Year.
Ultralight beam (of offense)
Campbell has demanded double teams from opposing defenses. He's almost perfected an efficient left hook and has an arsenal of post-up moves at his disposal. He shoots like a guard two-thirds his size.
"It's difficult (to game plan for Campbell) because he's an inside-out guy," Murphy said. "He's capable of making shots all over the floor."
Looking around the MAC, Campbell is the most versatile offensive player.
Toledo center Nathan Boothe — the leading scorer in the MAC — has an impressive interior repertoire, yes, but his 3-point shooting pales in comparison to Campbell's. Boothe shoots 38 percent, while Campbell shoots 44 percent.
Western Michigan guard Thomas Wilder is also a contender for MAC Player of the Year, but his inflated stats have not led to many wins for the Broncos.
Despite Wilder's powerful slashes and mid-range jumper that have led to almost 19 points per game, the Broncos (10-16, 4-9 MAC) sit at the bottom of the standings.
Campbell and Ohio (17-8, 8-5 MAC), however, have won four-straight games to stay in contention for the MAC's No. 2 seed — once a fantasy after the Bobcats' 2-4 start.
"I think the confidence level for this team is high, especially myself," Campbell said. "I'm playing well and trying to get better."
Facts
Campbell's offense has been a a key contributor to Ohio's push for a top-3 seed.
He is responsible for 23 percent of Ohio's points this season (440 of 1,951). Wilder is responsible for 25 percent of his team's points (480 of 1,910) and Boothe is responsible for 24 percent (495 of 2,047).
Those are small discrepancies, but what gives Campbell an edge is his play against the MAC's best defense and his rebounding.
Against Ball State, the MAC's best defensive team, Campbell dropped 26 points on 10-14 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds. In the first meeting with the Cardinals, he garnered 27 points and 13 rebounds.
Boothe: 16 points and six rebounds against Ball State.
Wilder: 21 and 23 points in two losses against Ball State.
Fade
Campbell's dominance may not be fading away anytime soon.
He's only a junior, and Phillips has monitored his minutes closely throughout the season.
Against Eastern Michigan on Tuesday, Campbell played the entire first half for the first time all season. In 20 minutes, he scored 24 points and seven rebounds.
Campbell has averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game.
"To put the ball in the hoop in as many ways as he does is a gift," Phillips said.
@Lukeoroark
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