Story By: Chad Cook - AugBball.com
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Check out the player profile from Chad Cook at AugBball.com on Augusta University junior Keshun Sherrill.
This infographic shows the accolades Augusta University star Keshun Sherrill has earned in just two years of action. This is almost impressive enough to prove correct my belief he is the best college guard within a few hours drive of here.
Individual honors aren't what make me such a fan. I like watching him win. Four of last season's games leap to mind as examples of his doing whatever was needed to get the Jags timely victories. Although he shot a very conservative 12 times (scoring an insanely efficient 18 ppg in so few attempts!) per outing last season, he poured in the points in the most adverse conditions.
On the road in a sold out HEAL Center against city rival Paine, Sherrill scored 25 points, all in the game's final 25 minutes, to secure bragging rights for his Jags in an exciting rivalry game.
At then undefeated Lander, Sherrill again scored 25 points in the final 25 minutes to even the Jags' league record at the time at 3-3. Sherrill was magnificent during a second half when the Jags' fate was very much in doubt. Down 4 in the final minute of regulation, he scored twice, the second time seemingly against the entire defense, to force overtime in the closing seconds. This is the game that made me nickname Keshun "Superman!"
The win preceded a 13-1 finish in league play and the eventual number one seed of the Peach Belt East division in the conference tournament. Two of those wins were heavily influenced by Sherrill as well. With the Jags trailing 65-60 at Young Harris, Sherrill buried a three with 1:50 remaining and another at the :17 mark to give Augusta a 66-65 lead and eventually a key road win. And while senior Devon Wright-Nelson nursed an injury versus then east division leader UNC Pembroke, Keshun carried the offensive load and eventually provided more late game heroics. This time he sank a three late to keep the Jags close before getting to the free throw line on the last possession, where he made two to seal the win at home.
Sherrill now stands as the Jaguar with the most experience. By a mile. Speaking about the Jaguars' preseason rankings (#23 and #17 in recent polls), coach Dip Metress pointed out the truth that most of the key players from the Jags' two straight trips to NCAA tournaments the past two seasons are gone. But Sherrill still has two seasons remaining. He has proven he is the type of player who leads championship teams. So I get what the voters in the preseason polls are thinking. And I agree.
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