College Basketball Player of the Year Rankings: Okafor, Kaminsky out in front
Just about two-thirds of the regular season is in the books with teams nearing the midpoint of their conference schedules, which has Player of the Year debates across the country ramping up.
Here's this week's look at the top 10 candidates in order.
1. Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
Okafor has lived up to his billing as the nation's top freshman. He's made a Duke team that lost Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood better, with his presence on the court making those around him better. The best big man to hit the college ranks in some time is hitting on nearly two-thirds of his shots from the field (.664).
2. Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin
Many expected Kaminsky to take a step backward after a terrific junior campaign, but instead his game has taken strides in the right direction. The 7-foot forward is taking more 3-pointers and knocking them down at a higher percentage. Kaminsky has been consistently solid for the Badgers night in and night out.
3. Jerian Grant, G, Notre Dame
The top individual performance of the season could go down as Grant's effort against Duke. He racked up 23 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks, shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 2-of-4 from three.
4. Delon Wright, G, Utah
Wright has been the catalyst of a surprising Utah team that's been a fixture in the middle of the AP poll and is already making a name for itself as the sexy pick to get through to the Final Four.
5. D'Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State
While some pundits expected Russell's play to taper off as the Buckeyes' level of competition increased, he instead responded with his best month yet. Russell is averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals.
6. Willie Cauley-Stein, F, Kentucky
Cauley-Stein is the anchor of the nation's best defense, leading the team in rebounding, and providing a veteran presence for the team's talented young standouts.
7. Georges Niang, F, Iowa State
While Niang's game would benefit from a little more consistency, he's been the best player on a Cyclones team that's a lock for the tournament and making noise in the Big 12.
8. Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville
Many were hoping to see Harrell take a big step forward in his development, particularly after he lit up Minnesota to start the season. While that hasn't happened, he's still capable of making plays like this:
9. Justin Anderson, G, Virginia
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Cavaliers needed a big performance from Anderson in Chapel Hill to get back on track. He delivered, stuffing the stat sheet with 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
10. Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona
Johnson has only gotten better as the season has progressed. If he can get the turnovers and personal fouls under control he has a chance to really break out down the stretch.