NCAA basketball: Ranking the 30 Naismith award finalists

No. 6: Luke Maye – Junior forward, North Carolina

2017-18 stats: 18.3 ppg 10.4 rpg 2.4 apg

Best season performance: 33 points and 17 rebounds in the win at NC State

Ever since he hit that game-winning shot against Kentucky to send his Tar Heels to the Final Four, Maye has become the best player on the roster. His performances have had a direct impact on where North Carolina wins or loses, and has become the only consistent frontcourt option for Roy Williams this season.

He’s had several games of 25+ points and 15+ rebounds, including a few career-high performances. His defense has gone unnoticed, but has been more than solid as well. Maye is already both a hero and a champion, with another shot to do so in a month.

No. 5: Marvin Bagley III – Freshman center, Duke

2017-18 stats: 21.2 ppg 11.4 rpg 1.7 apg

Best season performance: 32 points and 21 rebounds in a win over Florida State

There’s a legitimate case to switch the two ACC players, especially considering that the Tar Heels did get the better of the Blue Devils early on. But between the two, Bagley has been the more important player. For a Duke team that at best has six players in their rotation, the starters are heavily reliant to score each night out.

Then add to it the struggles of senior guard Grayson Allen, and it’s been the star freshman that’s kept everything together for this team. He also leads his conference in both scoring and rebounding, but the ACC is much tougher overall than both the Summit and the WCC. His 20-20 games are also easily the tops in the country. Bagley has been the best big man in the country this season.