WILDCAT NOTEBOOK: Wayns earns Big East honor

 Wayns' World

Freshman guard Maalik Wayns is quickly emerging as the leading candidate for Big East Rookie of the Year with his recent performances in conference play. 

The Philadelphia native was named Big East Rookie of the Week for the third time this season after contributing to wins against Rutgers and St. John's. 

In the game against St. John's, Wayns scored 16 points on five of eight shooting from the field. Wayns and fellow guards Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher combined for 53 of the team's 91 total points.

Many experts predicted Lance Stephenson from Cincinnati would walk away with Big East Rookie of the Year honors considering he was the top-rated prospect entering the conference. 

But with an increase in playing time, Wayns has placed himself in the discussion. 

He is currently third on the team in scoring during conference games and has been clutch late in games. In the final two minutes, Wayns is a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line, shots that generally are saved for Reynolds. 

Upcoming Schedule

While sitting on top of the Big East standings at this point in the season is always nice, the Wildcats' upcoming schedule will truly test the makeup of this year's team. 

The battle for Big East supremacy is increasingly becoming a contest between Villanova and Syracuse, but while Villanova is currently entering the worst part of its schedule, the Orange have already run their gauntlet. 

The Wildcats will face six ranked teams in the final 10 games of the regular season and four of those six come on the road. 

This doesn't include difficult games on the road against Cincinnati and at home against Connecticut. Meanwhile, the Orange only have three ranked teams left on tap, and only one is away from the Carrier Dome. 

That would be against Georgetown, a team they just dismantled at home. There's no question Villanova is one of the best teams in the country, but that doesn't guarantee a regular season Big East title. 

Fisher nears milestone

Junior guard Corey Fisher has been one of the most consistent Wildcats since his arrival on the Main Line and, as a result, he is approaching some major statistical milestones, most notably the 1,000-point plateau. 

Entering the game against Notre Dame, Fisher had tallied 966 career points. While Reynolds continues to strive for 2,000 points and the all-time record, Fisher's accomplishment has gone relatively unnoticed. But as he continues leading the Wildcats toward the postseason, it's time to take notice.