20. Josh Perkins – Gonzaga
15.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists
It may be puzzling to see Josh Perkins on this list over his teammates Johnathan Williams and Rui Hachimura, but Perkins is the most crucial player in Gonzaga’s rotation. Quietly establishing himself as one of the best 3-point shooters in the country, Perkins also helps the Bulldogs control the tempo of games unlike any other player on the roster. If Perkins can work on his decision making a bit, this Gonzaga team is poised for yet another good tournament run.
19. Chimezie Metu – USC
16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.8 blocks
It seems that each week a different Trojan appears on this list, but that is just the nature of USC’s depth. Metu was USC’s top performer in the loss to Texas A&M and the fact that he did it against the amazing frontcourt of Robert Williams and Tyler Davis was certainly impressive.
18. Deandre Ayton – Arizona
20.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists
No team has been more disappointing this season than the Arizona Wildcats, who came in last in the Battle 4 Atlantis. With all the hype surrounding their recruiting class, Arizona opened the season as the No. 3 team in the country, but only forward Deandre Ayton has lived up to his high expectations. While people will call them empty stats after three straight losses, Ayton’s double-double average is still impressive.
17. Ethan Happ – Wisconsin
17.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists
Ethan Happ has been a bright spot on an otherwise struggling Wisconsin Badgers team. Happ has the ability to score inside as well as find open shooters, which many big men are not able to do. While the Badgers have lost four games against Top-25 teams, Happ continues to perform at a high level, but desperately needs his teammates to improve.
16. Allonzo Trier – Arizona
23.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists
As is the case with Deandre Ayton, Arizona’s Allonzo Trier has performed well on an underwhelming Arizona team. Prior to the Battle 4 Atlantis, Trier was the nation’s leading scorer, but has since fallen off a bit. Trier has scored just 23 combined points in the last two games, and Arizona will need other players to step up and help Ayton and Trier with the scoring duties.