BIG EAST TOP TWO-GUARDS 2008-2009: KYLE McALARNEY

November 11, 2008

When thinking of a prototype shooting guard in college basketball, images of Kyle McAlarney certainly comes to mind. McAlarney is a 6-foot-1 gunslinger with a lightning quick release who can get hotter then a pistol in an instant. When his shot begins to fall, there is not a shot he can't make on the court.

As a junior, McAlarney returned from a half season's suspension to score 15 points a game. McAlarney plays with fire and passion and the confidence he exudes in his shot makes it known that he always believes his next shot is going to go down.

Last year, McAlarney connected on 108 of 245 three-point attempts, good for 44%. He eclipsed the 30-point mark three times, scoring 32 against Connecticut and 30 against both Villanova and Syracuse. The 30-point outburst against the Orange included an unthinkable nine of 11 from three-point range that afternoon in South Bend.

McAlarney is very comfortable shooting in the Joyce Center in South Bend and with Big East Pre-season Player of the Year Luke Harangody manning the paint inside, the shooting ability of McAlarney makes the Irish very difficult to defend. Sagging inside on Harangody could cost you three if you do not know when McAlarney is on the perimeter. That is the role of a shooting guard and K-Mac fills it perfectly.