NCAA Basketball: National Player of the Year Rankings after Week 1
By Connor Hope
25. Jaylen Adams, St. Bonaventure
Has Not Played (Injury)
One of the star players who has not played yet, Jaylen Adams will be a huge piece for St. Bonaventure. After a disappointing loss to Niagara without Adams, the Bonnies will be waiting patiently for him to return. Adams is a player who could easily average 20+ points and 5+ assists this season.
24. Landry Shamet, Wichita State
13.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Wichita State’s Landry Shamet is a player who has been limited by an ankle injury that he sustained in the preseason. Despite only averaging 18.5 minutes per game, Shamet has still played a key role in the Shockers’ 2-0 start to the season. As he gets healthier, we should see Shamet taking on more minutes and beginning to make his case for Player of the Year.
23. Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky
16 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists
More than any other year in recent memory, the Kentucky Wildcats will rely on elite teamwork over the play of individual players. While no player stands out as a clear Player of the Year candidate, the team is still young and Hamidou Diallo has the potential and role to impress. If he can improve his jump shot even slightly, Diallo will be a huge part of a deep Kentucky run.
22. Devonte’ Graham, Kansas
10.5 points, 5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 2.5 steals
This pick is sure to get criticism, but I just don’t see the hype over Devonte’ Graham’s campaign for Player of the Year. While Graham is a fantastic point guard, who can elevate the other players on his team, he isn’t a player that can take over games like those ahead of him. If Kansas walks away with the Big 12 title and competes for a National Championship, he might be able to move up on this list.
21. Jevon Carter, West Virginia
16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7 assists, 5.5 steals
It is no secret that Jevon Carter is the most important player for the West Virginia Mountaineers this season. Perhaps the best on-ball defender in the country, Carter’s talent was on display in his performance against American during which he racked up nine steals. If he can find his shot from deep, Carter will perhaps the most dangerous two-way player in college basketball.