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NCAA Basketball: Ranking 2019-20 National Player of the Year candidates

By Lukas Harkins

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – JANUARY 09: Wesson of the Buckeyes gets up. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – JANUARY 09: Wesson of the Buckeyes gets up. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

. Center. Buckeyes . Kaleb Wesson. 18. player. 490

One of the nation’s most underrated stars, Kaleb Wesson is the heart of Ohio State’s roster. At 6-foot-9 and 270 pounds, he brings a physical frame to the table and gets it done both inside and out. The rising junior has started all but four games in his Buckeyes’ career and is a focal point of their offense. Head coach Chris Holtmann has quickly turned the Ohio State back into one of the best programs in the country and the team is widely projected to be in the preseason top-15.

Considering Wesson is the best player on the roster, he is worthy of a spot in these rankings. If he is able to carry the Buckeyes to exceed expectations and emerge as a legitimate national title threat, then his candidacy will start to grow. Over the course of last season, Wesson posted averages of 14.6 points (.500/.347/.734), 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He is a very skilled big man and made significant strides as a shooter last season. He should be even better as a perimeter threat this season.

Ohio State is adding one of the nation’s best recruiting classes in the country for this season and therefore the roster will be much more talented than this past campaign. As a result of the Buckeyes featuring more offensive talents, defenses will no longer be able to gameplan solely for Wesson inside. This will allow him more space to work in the paint and that could result in a bigger season.

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