NCAA Basketball: Zion, Howard leads 2019 college hoops All Star game

NCAA Basketball: Zion, Markus Howard leads 2019 college hoops All Star game

By Josh Svetz | Feb 7, 2019

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers handles the ball in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

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AUBURN, ALABAMA – DECEMBER 22: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers attacks the basket against Austin Wiley #50 of the Auburn Tigers at Auburn Arena on December 22, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Guards/Starters

Ja Morant – Murray State

The high-flying, mid-major maestro has captured the attention of NBA draft gurus and college basketball fans alike with his insane dunks and incredible vision.

However, Ja Morant‘s highlight reel doesn’t come without substance. The sophomore averages 24.1 ppg, 5.6 rebounds and 2 steals. Of course, his greatest strength comes from his ability to set teammates up for greatness, leading the NCAA in assists per game (apg) at 10.3. To provide some context, the next highest assist total is 7.8.

Morant also has the Racers in prime NCAA Tournament position currently tied with Belmont for the Ohio Valley Conference lead at a 17-4 record.

Cassius Winston – Michigan State

With Joshua Langford out for the rest of the season, Michigan State has become Cassius Winston‘s team.

The junior scoring 18.9 ppg and 7.3 apg has put up great numbers without losing efficiency, shooting 48% from the field and 44% from behind the arc. Since Winston took on the leading role, the Spartans have been excellent, going 8-3 in Big Ten play. Even in the three games they lost, Winston put on a show scoring 23, 26 and 21 points respectively.

Despite adversity, Winston has risen to the challenge and the Spartans sit in prime position to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament based off his efforts.

Carsen Edwards – Purdue

The battle for Big Ten player of the year seems like a two-way race between Cassius Winston and Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ.

However, don’t count out Purdue’s Carsen Edwards. The junior averages 24.5 ppg with 3.5 apg and 3.3 rebounds, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. When the Boilermakers need a player to step up, Edwards answers the call. Edwards has scored 30 or more points in 5 games this season, most notably 36 in an overtime game against Wisconsin and recently 38 in an overtime game against Penn State.

While Edwards may seem like the third leg in the race, his impact is irreplaceable and he has the Boilermakers primed for March.

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