NCAA Basketball: National Player of the Year Rankings after Week 1
By Connor Hope
15. Bennie Boatwright, USC
20.5 points, 7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3 blocks
While Bennie Boatwright may not be the “most talented” player on the USC Trojans roster, he is certainly the heart of that team. While there has been some debate over whether Chimezie Metu of Boatwright would be the Trojans top forward, it is clear that Boatwright has taken that title early on. Boatwright is still searching for his stroke from deep, and if he can find it he will be one of the deadlier scorers in the NCAA.
14. Kelan Martin, Butler
17.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists
The first of four Big East players on this list, Butler forward Kelan Martin has looked pretty impressive in his first three games. Despite a less than stellar game on the road against Maryland, Martin has shown some improvement from his great season last year. The greatest area of improvement for Martin has been in his work on the boards.
13. Yante Maten, Georgia
21.5 points, 13 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 blocks
Georgia’s senior forward Yante Maten has been as good as most SEC fans would expect. Despite being just 6’8”, Maten is averaging 13 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in his first two games while also leading Georgia with 21.5 points. As a huge bonus, Maten has made all 15 free-throws he has taken this season.
12. Deandre Ayton, Arizona
19 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2.5 blocks
One half of Arizona’s impressive frontcourt, freshman Deandre Ayton has had two really good double-doubles to start the year. His work on the rim, both rebounding and blocking shots, has been among of the best in the country. He would probably be higher on this list if it wasn’t for his teammate, who has been the top star for the Wildcats.
11. Collin Sexton, Alabama
22 points, 1 rebound, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
The early season news that guard Collin Sexton was still waiting for his eligibility worried many Alabama fans. However, after receiving the “all clear,” Sexton had a great performance in the Crimson Tide’s win over Lipscomb. He took smart shots and shared the ball, but he also struggled from the free-throw line, shooting 5-for-12 from the stripe.