1) Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
Stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.1 spg, 1.9 bpg
LW: 2
There’s no doubt that Zion Williamson has been the story of the first half of the season.
He has impressed everyone with just how athletic and quick he is for someone his size. Williamson’s skill level is high but still developing, yet his special physical tools allow him to do things very few other humans have ever been able to do.
Barrett may be inefficient for the Blue Devils but Williamson has been incredibly efficient. Even though there have only been eight games in which he has taken more than nine shots, he has scored at least 13 points in every game, including six 20-point performances. His effective field goal percentage ranks in the top 40 nationally.
However, Zion’s ability to affect the game in ways other than scoring is what really stands out. He’s an elite rebounder, ranking 27th nationally in offensive rebounding rate. He also ranks among the nation’s leaders on the defensive end (95th in block percentage, 46th in steal percentage).
Plus, his highlights are FUN.
Williamson’s all-around play and general brilliance make him an easy choice as the midseason favorite in the National Player of the Year race, but the race is far from over.