NCAA Basketball: Player of the Year power rankings (Edition eight)

Jan 7, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) drives to the basket as Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Shadell Millinghaus (4) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 85-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 14, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) dribbles the ball as Utah Utes guard Devon Daniels (3) defends during the first half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Lonzo Ball, UCLA

UCLA Bruins point guard Lonzo Ball might be the most entertaining player to watch in the nation, but that’s not why he remains at third in the Player of the Year power rankings. It’s his crazy stat lines, his impact on the Bruins’ program as a whole and his ridiculous passes that continue to capture the nation’s attention.

On the season, Ball is averaging 14.6 points, 8.0 assists (one of the top marks in the country) and 5.5 rebounds per game. He is shooting 53 percent from the field overall and 43 percent from downtown (even though his shooting motion is a bit odd).

UCLA is also one of the top teams in the nation after finishing 15-17 last season. The Bruins weren’t supposed to be an elite team this season (their roster really isn’t all that much different than last year), but Ball has been the difference maker for the Bruins.

If Dillon Brooks didn’t hit that shot at the buzzer to beat UCLA in Eugene, the Bruins would still be unbeaten. They also went to Colorado and Utah last week and pulled off a feat that just four Pac-12 teams have achieved: beat both Mountain schools in high altitude.

UCLA has also played poorly in games against Ohio State, Utah and Stanford, but have still maintained their composure, winning all three of those outings.

That bodes well for Ball’s Player of the Year profile.

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