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CJ McCollum Shines Against Robert Morris

Lehigh's point guard and likely NBA lottery pick made a great demonstration of why he has that status last night against a lesser light in Robert Morris.

Kevin Jairaj USPRESSWIRE

I suppose when you are as talented as CJ McCollum is, things should come fairly easily and effortlessly to you. That doesn't make it any less astounding when he does it in person.

There were very few flashy, highlight reel plays, but when all was said and done, McCollum finished the game with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a couple of steals. This included, but was not limited to, a steal of a lazy pass at the top of the key which he took the distance for an easy layup.

This also included the highlight of the night (for me): with about four minutes left and Lehigh cruising, CJ took a pass as he charged toward the restricted area, then immediately made a no-look bounce pass between his legs and directly behind him to a cutting Holden Greiner for another easy layup.

After that, you can add in the fact that he very calmly and quietly shut down RMU's Velton Jones. Sure, Jones' final line looks like something substantial: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists. However, Lehigh spent most of the second half cruising at "20-30 point lead" altitude, and that's when Jones got most of his numbers.

It will be interesting to see what McCollum does, both tonight (against Pitt) and going forward against much stiffer competition, but this was a great start.