3. Marial Shayok – Iowa State
2018-19 stats: 20.1 ppg 5.6 rpg 2.2 apg
After three seasons splitting time between starting and coming off the bench at Virginia, the 6’6 forward went to Iowa State in his final season for a better role, as well as a place where he could display his offensive capabilities away from a system that can sometimes depress it.
Shayok had to immediately come in and make an impact, with injuries and suspensions to forwards Zoran Talley Jr., Solomon Young and Cam Lard to begin the season. He and fellow transfer Michael Jacobson had to step in and play big minutes in the frontcourt.
Jacobson (15.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg) has played well in his own right but Shayok has been on another level, leading the Big 12 in scoring at over 20 ppg. He’s doing it at great efficiency, shooting 53% from the field, 35% from deep and 85% from the charity stripe.
Coming into this season, the former UVA transfer had just one 20+ point game throughout his college career. Already Shayok has six in just 12 games, including a pair of 26-point performances.
As Iowa State gets fully healthy heading into conference play, Shayok has established himself as the top offensive option on the team. He can play and guard multiple positions on the court and has always been a solid defender. His name has never been considered as a true Big 12 Player of the Year candidate but Shayok has played his way into that conversation – especially if the Cyclones can manage a top-4 finish.
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