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NCAA Basketball: Threats to Zion emerge in National Player of the Year race

By Brian Rauf

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a dunk against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 14, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a dunk against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 14, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket against Rashard Odomes #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half of the game on January 8, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket against Rashard Odomes #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half of the game on January 8, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

9) Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech

Stats: 18.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.8 apg
LW: 8

Speaking of players who are trending in the wrong direction, Culver’s momentum has largely stalled since Texas Tech’s game against Duke a month ago. It even took a hit when they lost to Iowa State at home on Wednesday night.

Culver has proven himself to be perhaps the Big 12’s best player and a probable lottery pick but has not been playing his best basketball of late. He has scored fewer than 15 points in two of Tech’s last four games and has not scored 25 points since that loss to the Blue Devils.

Of course, the Red Raiders have also taken a step up in competition with the start of conference play, and that has played a role in Culver’s (relative) struggles as well.

The sophomore has already seen his national profile rise as much as anyone from the start of the season to now. But, if he wants to get back into the forefront of the National Player of the Year race, he’ll have to do well on Texas Tech’s next two biggest stages (1/22 at Kansas State, 2/2 at Kansas).

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