NCAA basketball: Ranking the 30 Naismith award finalists

No. 30: – Kevin Knox – Freshman forward, Kentucky

2017-18 stats: 15.2 ppg 5.5 rpg 1.5 apg

Best performance this season: 34 points and seven rebounds in win at West Virginia

The one school always seemed destined these days to have at least one representative in this list, considering the number of high-level recruits they bring. Knox is this year’s leader for the Wildcats in both scoring and rebounding, and has been the lone consistent player of John Calipari’s offense.

There’s going to be some people who don’t even believe Kentucky deserves even one guy on the list, with the team vastly under-performing to expectations and currently under .500 in SEC play. But Knox should be here, at times being the sole responsibility of pushing this team over the end line for the wins they do have.

No. 29: Kyle Guy – Sophomore guard, Virginia

2017-18 stats: 15.2 ppg 2.4 rpg 1.5 apg

Best season performance: 29 points in win at VCU

It’s been shocking that the Cavaliers have been in such a dominant position in the ACC all season, and that’s because of the former McDonald’s High School All-American taking a huge leap in his second year in college.

Guy has doubled his scoring output from a year ago, and dropped 11 points in all but three games this season. For a Virginia team that can struggle to score at times, his continuous ability to put the ball in the basket will make them a threat come March.