As the college basketball season continues, we will monitor the race for the Naismith Player of the Year Award, given out each season to the nation’s top player. After a week of play, a few top contenders have shown through.
Denzel Valentine, Michigan State: We’ve talked about it on this site quite a bit in the past few days, but it bears repeating: no one has turned in a bigger performance thus far than Valentine did against Kansas. There are more triple-doubles coming down the road for him, too, so it’s reasonable to assume that as long as the Spartans keep winning, he’ll stay on this list.
Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga: What’s crazy is that people haven’t considered Wiltjer to be dominating in quite the fashion that was expected. I mean, he’s only shooting about sixteen percent from deep, after all. But looking closer, he’s barely averaging 30 minutes per game, and he’s still averaging 23 points per game with seven rebounds on the side. Those are sick numbers for any other player on this list. Things will continue to improve here.
Ben Simmons, LSU: The dazzling freshman has showcased his entire skill set thus far, although against competition that a talent like himself should dominate. Nonetheless, he’s averaging a double-double in points and rebounds, with over five assists per game as well. Simply put, he’s backing up the hype that followed him through high school and over the summer in Baton Rouge.
Tyler Ulis, Kentucky: There’s certainly an argument for Providence’s Kris Dunn to have this spot over Ulis, but the reality of the situation is that Ulis is on a top five team and is their clear floor leader. The advantage will almost always go to the person on the better time, fair or not. Plus, it’s not like Ulis doesn’t deserve to be here.
Melo Trimble, Maryland: Trimble would be well served to up his rebounding and assisting numbers, both well below his freshman year just two games in, but he’s scoring the ball with ease thus far. Most importantly though, he’s getting to the free throw line, a spot on the floor that POY candidates can make a living. As long as the Terps keep up their current trajectory, it’s hard to imagine that their best player wouldn’t be in this conversation for the award.
