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NCAA Basketball: Rui Hachimura the favorite in National Player of the Year race

By Brian Rauf

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 21: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs holds up the tournament MVP trophy after the 2018 Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 21: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs holds up the tournament MVP trophy after the 2018 Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 23: Dedric Lawson #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts during the second half of the game against Tennessee Volunteers at the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament at Barclays Center on November 23, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 23: Dedric Lawson #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts during the second half of the game against Tennessee Volunteers at the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament at Barclays Center on November 23, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

8) Dedric Lawson, PF, Kansas

Stats: 19.0 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 3.1 apg
LW: NR

Lawson is starting to find his rhythm for Kansas and showcases his profound all-around game on a nightly basis. He leads the undefeated Jayhawks in points, rebounds, and assists thanks to four double-doubles in seven games.

His numbers and contributions are undeniable, but it’s his impact in big moments that keep him in the No. 8 spot. Kansas has largely turned to Lagerald Vick whenever they need someone to carry them.

That may change this month, however, as KU center Udoka Azubuike is expected to miss the rest of the month with a sprained ankle. Lawson will have to step his game up even more and, if he does, he’ll move up this list.

7) De’Andre Hunter, SF/PF, Virginia

Stats: 16.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg
LW: 9

Hunter doesn’t have the numbers of the other players on this list because of Virginia’s style of play but his impact is just as big as any.

The Cavaliers are shedding their reputation for being an unreliable offensive team this year (averaging 74.8 points per game) and Hunter’s emergence on that end of the floor is the biggest reason why. He’s athletic enough to beat his defender off the dribble but has also shown that he’s capable of making three’s (47.6 percent) and scoring in the post.

That versatility, combined with his strength and quickness, makes him one of the toughest covers in the country. Throw in the fact that he’s Virginia’s best defender as well and it’s easy to see why he’s a projected top-10 pick.

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