NCAA Basketball: National Player of the Year Rankings after Week 1
By Connor Hope
10. Angel Delgado, Seton Hall
15.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Seton Hall’s Angel Delgado is having a pretty solid start to this season, even while playing fewer average minutes than he has in the past. With his minutes only expected to increase as the competition gets tougher, it isn’t hard to imagine Delgado averaging close to 20 points and 15 rebounds. His four turnovers against Indiana were an issue, but he is still much improved from last season in terms of ball security.
9. Michael Porter Jr., Missouri
Played two minutes in opener (Injury)
It is very hard to place Michael Porter Jr. at this point in the season since he only played two minutes before an injury knocked him out of the season opener. He is currently day-to-day with his hip injury, but Missouri fans hope he can come back soon. Missing him for games against Wagner and Utah isn’t the end of the world, but they will need him for the AdvoCare Invitational in a week.
8. Jalen Brunson, Villanova
15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4 assists
Villanova guard Jalen Brunson seems to still be getting used to his new role on the Wildcats’ team. After struggling a bit in the game against Columbia, Brunson had a very solid outing in Villanova’s 113-77 victory over Nicholls. The first big game to look out for will be in early December when Brunson and the Wildcats take on the talented backcourt of Gonzaga.
7. Marvin Bagley III, Duke
17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists
Duke freshman Marvin Bagley has been the most impressive freshman so far this season, providing the Blue Devils with a massive presence in the paint. It was disappointing, however, when Bagley went down with a poked eye early against the Michigan State Spartans. He has managed to avoid the silly fouls a lot of freshmen forwards get early on and has shot over 64% from the field.
6. Ethan Happ, Wisconsin
16 points, 11 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Wisconsin forward Ethan Happ is a player that will need to have a fantastic season if his team wishes to remain in the top-25 conversation. Despite losing some key players from last year’s team, the Badgers have given Happ plenty of support, which should keep some defensive pressure off of him. Happ has gotten off to a rough start from the free throw line and will need to clean that up as the season progresses.