2) Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
Stats: 20.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.1 spg, 2.1 bpg
LW: 5
There are some holes in Zion’s game. He’s only shooting 15.4 percent from three and only really does his damage in the lane.
But, man…he’s so damn good.
Williamson’s high-flying dunks have made him the story of the college basketball season and his on-court play has done nothing to take the spotlight off of him. He’s shooting an insane 66.4 percent from the floor, has five games with at least 20 points, and has recorded three double-doubles. Zion is also making a major impact defensively, leading the Blue Devils in both steals and blocks.
He’s a force unlike any we’ve ever seen on a college basketball court and will be at the front of this race all season long.
1) Rum Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
Stats: 22.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg
LW: 4
I already gushed about Hachimura in the opening, but it’s worth re-iterating – Hachimura has risen to every test this college basketball season has thrown at him.
He outplayed Zion and led the Zags past Duke. He played a big role in Gonzaga’s comeback win over Creighton. And, of course, he hit that shot against Washington.
In total, has scored at least 17 points in every game the Bulldogs have played this season and has top 20 on six occasions.
No other player has had the kind of impact or has had as many big moments as Hachimura. Right now, he’s clearly the man to beat.