4) R.J. Barrett, SF, Duke
Stats: 23.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 4.0 apg
LW: 2
Barrett saw his hype dim following Duke’s loss to Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational as he was criticized for his inefficiencies and poor decision-making. That led some scouts to wonder if he was nothing more than a ball-stopping volume scorer, but that’s not the case.
The 6-7 wing has scored at least 18 points in every game this season and has four games with at least five assists under his belt, a number that should quell any notion of him being a selfish player. However, the most underrated aspect of his game might be his rebounding. Barrett reeled in 15 boards against Hartford and nearly had double-doubles against both Auburn and Indiana.
I still think Barrett is the best player in the country but, in order for a majority of voters to feel the same way, he has to have another monster game – and overshadow Zion Williamson – in a win over a quality team. That next chance will come on Dec. 20 against Texas Tech.
3) Ethan Happ, PF, Wisconsin
Stats: 17.7 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 5.0 apg
LW: 3
Wisconsin has been one of the season’s biggest surprises and Happ deserves almost all of the credit for that rise with his all-around play, which is reflected in his stat line.
Happ is finally getting some help in the form of D’Mitrik Trice but the Badgers are still running everything through their senior big man. He has responded by showcasing vision and high-level passing we haven’t seen from him in his career, often initiating the offense in the high post or by bringing the ball up the court himself.
We know Happ can score in the post and we know he can rebound. But coming through at key moments and elevating the play of his entire team is why he’s a legitimate National Player of the Year frontrunner.