In the first edition of the Sports Desk, some of the Ionian sport writers break down which Iona College men’s basketball player has stood out to them this season. There have been a few players that made a solid impression, but there is one player that has caught the most attention.

Ryan McFadden, Assistant Sports Editor

Iona freshman EJ Crawford and sophomore guard Rickey McGill have really stood out to me this season. If I had to pick one player, it would be McGill. He went from averaging 10.5 minutes per game in 2015-16 to 32.8 minutes, and becoming one of the top point guards in the conference.

McGill has shown he can be a solid floor general, averaging 5.3 assists per game. He also had three games where he racked up 10 or more assists. McGill is a solid defensive player, averaging 1.9 steals per game.

The more you watch McGill, you can see how he has improved his game, which makes me look forward to seeing the type of player he will end up being by time he is a senior.

Matt Lisella, Staff Writer

In my opinion, Rickey McGill has stood out as a symbol of consistency in a year that has been quite the opposite. Iona came into the season with new guards: Jon Severe, E.J. Crawford and Sam Cassell Jr. There were also questions with Schadrac Casimir returning from injury. But, through adversity and uncertainty, the sophomore is averaging 10 points, 3.8 rebounds and five assists to go along with innate leadership qualities.

As a freshman, he saw backup time as a defensive specialist and now has used that to transform his game. He’s an accurate passer and good decision maker. He has a good pull up jumper and can knock down the three ball.

He does a good job of getting to the rim as well and is the definition of an all-around point guard. With two years left to play, I think McGill will earn himself First Team All-MAAC honors before he graduates.

Tevan Costoso, Staff Writer

The player that has stood out the most me is Rickey McGill. The sophomore guard is averaging 32.5 minutes a game on the floor. McGill has tallied 10.7 points and 5.2 assists per game.

The 6 foot 1 guard from Spring Valley has scored 15 or more points on eight different, which includes the game against Quinnipiac on Jan. 23 where he scored 20 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. You can’t forget McGill’s full court buzzer beating shot against Siena on Feb. 7.

Since he is only in his second season with the Gaels, McGill has us all wondering the amount of growth he has inside of him.