Nick Boyd is a player who thrives on proving people wrong. His post-game press conference after Wisconsin's win over Iowa was a testament to that.
Despite nearly achieving a triple-double, a reporter's question about "holding his own" against top Big Ten point guards didn't sit well with him. Boyd's response?
Pure disbelief. In his eyes, he's not just competing-he's excelling.
This week, when Mike DeCourcy and Raphael Davis released their top three Big Ten point guards, Boyd's name was conspicuously absent. It's the kind of snub that only fuels his fire. You can almost picture those rankings pinned up in his locker, serving as motivation for the next game.
Raphael Davis didn't even limit himself to three players, naming Keaton Wagler, Jeremy Fears Jr., Braden Smith, and Bruce Thornton. DeCourcy went with Braden Smith, Keaton Wagler, and Bennett Stirtz. For Boyd, being left off these lists is just another challenge to overcome.
So, why should Boyd be on that list? For starters, he's tied with Bennett Stirtz for the highest points per game among point guards at 20.6, despite playing significantly fewer minutes.
Boyd averages 31.1 minutes compared to Stirtz's 36.9. While Jeremy Fears and Braden Smith lead in assists, Boyd is right behind Wagler, outpacing Stirtz.
Boyd has also scored 20 or more points in 17 games this season, leading all the players mentioned. Stirtz follows with 16, Thornton with 13, Wagler with 8, Smith with 7, and Fears with 5. These stats aren't just numbers-they're proof that Boyd is doing far more than just "holding his own."
This isn't about topping a list; it's about recognition. Boyd's performance speaks volumes, and it's clear that he's much more than an afterthought in the Big Ten. His determination and skill make him a player to watch, whether he's on the list or not.