NCAA Basketball: 2017-2018 Player of the Year Power Rankings “This is March” Edition
By Connor Hope
1. Jalen Brunson – Villanova
19.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.8 apg
There shouldn’t be any doubt now that Jalen Brunson has the steadiest play of any player in the nation. Not only has Brunson scored in double digits every game this season, he also has a respectable 2.86 assist-to-turnover ratio and elevates the play of the entire Villanova roster.
It has become evident that Villanova relies heavily on Brunson’s steady hand to keep the nation’s best offense going. Averaging 19.1 points and 4.8 assists, Brunson is involved in almost every single offensive play while on the floor.
If there is any knock on the leader of the Wildcats, it is his defense. While Brunson more than makes up for it on the offensive end, his size does him no favors on the opposite end of the floor. That said, his weakness on defense does not take away from how important he is to Villanova’s success.
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If the season were to end today, Jalen Brunson would most likely be the heavy favorite to win the player of the year awards. For now, however, he and the Wildcats will have their minds focused on winning the Big East Tournament and competing for a National Championship.