Busting Brackets
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Who are the Five National Player of the Year Candidates Now?

By Matt Johnson

Mar 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of game balls and court for the North Carolina Tar Heels practice before the semifinal of the west regional at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of game balls and court for the North Carolina Tar Heels practice before the semifinal of the west regional at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) dribbles the ball against the Rhode Island Rams during the first half at HP Field house at Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) dribbles the ball against the Rhode Island Rams during the first half at HP Field house at Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Perry Ellis, Kansas

Ellis has been a steadying force for a deep and talented Jayhawks team.

Averaging 16 points on 49.7 percent shooting, the 6-foot-8 senior is a big reason Kansas is ranked No. 1 in the latest AP Poll.

Along with grabbing 6.9 rebounds per game, the versatile performer is also knocking down 54.5 percent of his attempts from three-point range, creating matchup problems for the opposition on a nightly basis.

Ellis has also stepped up in some of the Jayhawks’ biggest games. Against Michigan State, he scored 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Against UCLA, he scored 24 points on 9-of-12 marksmanship.

In a road win over San Diego State, Ellis scored 20 points while hitting 8-of-15 shots. And versus Oklahoma last Monday, he scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Next: Takeaways From Gonzaga's Win Over Portland

Based on those performances alone, the Wichita, Kan. native has placed himself in elite company when it comes to performing on the big stage.

If the Jayhawks remain No. 1 and Ellis continues to perform at a high level, he could see some big-time national attention coming his way.

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