NCAA basketball: Ranking the 30 Naismith award finalists

No. 4: Trevon Bluiett – Senior forward, Xavier

2017-18 stats: 19.6 ppg 5.7 rpg 2.7 apg

Best season performance: 37 points and seven rebounds in the win over Seton Hall

One of the best players in the country, Bluiett has been overshadowed by both conference mate Villanova, and even sometimes the more-known J.P. Macura. But the senior has continued the great play from the NCAA tournament run a year ago.

He’s played well in every game but one, while using his 3-4 tweener size to exploit matchups every time. The Elite Eight run last year was a surprise led by Bluiett, but this season it’s the expectations.

No. 3: Trae Young – Freshman guard, Oklahoma

2017-18 stats: 29.1 ppg 4.0 rpg 9.3 apg

Best season performance: 26 points and 22 assists in a win over Northwestern State

Let me state that I am a huge Trae Young fan. He’s been great for college basketball, and has singlehandedly turned the Sooners around to be a legit threat come March. He’s the favorite to win the award, and honestly he should be. He’s on pace to be the first-ever player to lead the country in both scoring and rebounding.

That’s where the term “winning” comes in. Oklahoma has struggled badly of late, Young included. Where should that take into account when placing him amongst others? That’s where I struggle, because it can’t just be about putting up stats, especially where the player can decide the shot output. He’s been tremendous, and I’ll have no complaints if he wins. But I just think two players have had even better seasons.