Summit League Basketball: Player of the Year Rankings

2. Matt Mooney – South Dakota

Matt Mooney comes in ahead of Bryson Scott for two reasons. One, he has led his team to one of the best seasons in the Summit League. Second, he has been more consistent and is a better all-around player. Mooney averages nearly 18 points per game, but he also averages three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He still shoots an efficient clip from the field (45 percent) despite taking almost 15 shot attempts per game.

He is a better defender than Scott, and he plays on probably the most cohesive defensive unit in the league. With him being the leader of that defense, it starts and ends with Mooney on both ends for the Coyotes. Thanks to him, South Dakota is in prime striking distance of South Dakota State. If they were to score the automatic bid, it would be their first in program history.

And by the way, Mooney is only a junior too.