Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Carsen Edwards, Ethan Happ lead early Player of the Year race

By Bryan Mauro

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 08: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Ed Morrow #30 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half at the Fiserv Forum on December 08, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 08: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Ed Morrow #30 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half at the Fiserv Forum on December 08, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – DECEMBER 1: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Crisler Center on December 1, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Purdue 76-57. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – DECEMBER 1: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Crisler Center on December 1, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Purdue 76-57. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

5. Jordan Poole – Michigan

The Wolverines are currently playing like a National Title contender. When looking at their box scores and watching them play numerous players stand out, including standout Canadian forward Ignas Bradzeikas. Michigan has so many weapons and one of the best coaches in basketball that it would only make sense for their star players to be on the conference player of the year watch list.

The best player on the Wolverines roster does not belong to Bradzeikas or even Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews. The Wolverines are looking for a different player to lead their team. Sophomore Jordan Poole is in the middle of a breakout season in the Big Ten. Poole become a well-known player outside of the conference a season ago with his heroics in the NCAA tournament. The sophomore guard can do everything, and he is a prototypical John Beilein player.

Michigan basketball has always had players who are fantastic shooters. Poole carries that torch in Ann Arbor. He is one of the better shooters in the league, but that is not all he can do. The player of the year in the conference goes to the player who is most valuable to his team, the guy the team could not win without. Aside from his scoring prowess, Poole sets the tone on defense and is a fantastic rebounder. The guard is going to be a force when Big Ten play picks up, he is going to require the undivided attention of his opponents. Hopefully when your team plays the Wolverines, you have other guys who can score, because with Poole guarding them, it will be a long day for your favorite player.

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