Analyst William Whelan looks at the three most improved players in college basketball below, a list headline by Duke sophomore Grayson Allen, who has put himself squarely in the driver’s seat for ACC Player of the Year.
Grayson Allen, Duke: We all remember when Allen took over the Final Four and almost became the first one and done to be, well, pretty below average for most of the campaign, only to break out and leave college after, like, two dominant games. Alas, he returned to Duke and has put his team on his back to the tune of 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, all while shooting 50.4-percent from the field and 45.5-percent from beyond the arc. He’s been incredible thus far, shutting up the notions I previously had about his ability to lead the Blue Devils to the promise land. He’s going to be a contender for Naismith Player of the Year if this continues.
George King, Colorado: As a true freshman, King averaged 5.5 minutes per game, with none of his other numbers looking any better at all. Head coach Tad Boyle convinced him to redshirt a year ago, which has paid off–King averages 15.9 points and 4.3 rebound a game for the surging Buffaloes while shooting 48.8-percent from deep.
Kendrick Nunn, Illinois: Nunn has as much pressure on him as anyone in the country, mainly due to the fact that he’s watched his supporting cast go down with injury after injury, including himself, as he missed the first five games of the season for the Illini. SInce then, though, he’s putting up career highs in almost every category. So far, he’s at 19.8 points and 4.2 assists per game, the main reason why Illini fans have hope that the team can turn things around from their current 6-5 start.
