25. Kevin Knox – Kentucky
Last Week: Not Ranked
14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Since most of Kentucky’s players are freshman, it is difficult to gauge which players will separate themselves as Player of the Year candidates. Right now it appears that Hamidou Diallo and Kevin Knox have begun to separate themselves, with Knox getting the edge in this week’s poll.
24. Devonte’ Graham – Kansas
Last Week: 23
11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 2.5 steals
Kansas’ Devonte’ Graham may be one of the best pass first point guards in all of college basketball. Graham makes every other Jayhawk on the court better, which will help his team compete in the long run. That said, Graham lacks a certain star quality that is usually found in Player of the Year candidates. His low shooting percentage certainly doesn’t help him take over games and score at a high rate.
23. Jevon Carter – West Virginia
Last Week: 22
15.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4.5 steals
West Virginia’s Jevon Carter has been one of those players that has been solid in pretty much every facet of the game, but has still failed separate himself as a Player of the Year candidate. Will his 4.5 steals per game is incredible, offensive numbers tend to earn Player of the Year awards, and Carter’s are merely above average. If Carter can maintain these numbers, and other players’ numbers reach a more sustainable level, he will certainly move up the rankings.
22. Kelan Martin – Butler
Last Week: 14
15 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2 assists
One player who fell a few spots is Butler’s Kelan Martin. After impressive games against Kennesaw State and Princeton, Martin failed to have a high impact against Maryland or Furman. Martin relies heavily on his three point shot, and when it isn’t falling the Bulldogs’ forward will struggle to score at a high rate.
21. Angel Delgado – Seton Hall
Last Week: 10
12.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Like Graham, Seton Hall’s Angel Delgado is a player that will do all the little things but may not have high enough of a scoring impact to move much higher on this list. Delgado is currently fourth on the Pirates in shot attempts, and is relied on more for his rebounding than his point production. Despite his low shot attempt total, Delgado is an excellent player, whose field goal percentage could help lift him into All-American contention.