Busting Brackets
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 21
Next
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – JANUARY 02: Azubuike of the Jayhawks grabs. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – JANUARY 02: Azubuike of the Jayhawks grabs. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

462. . Center. Jayhawks . Udoka Azubuike. 16. player

Udoka Azubuike is returning for another campaign after missing the majority of last season due to injury. He only played in nine games last season but was an All-Big 12 selection in 2017-18. An impressive physical big man at 7-foot-0 and 270 pounds, Azubuike dominates the paint. His offensive game has grown tremendously over the past few years as he is more than just a lob-it-up finisher. Azubuike now boasts a variety of moves around the basket and he is one of the most efficient scorers in the country.

Furthermore, Azubuike is a strong rebounder and does an exceptional job on the defensive end of the floor. His work as a rim-protector is a vital part of Kansas’ defense and he should hold down the fort once again this season. During his last full season (2017-18), Azubuike averaged 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 23.6 minutes per game while shooting a whopping 77.0% from the field. It is reasonable to expect that he posts at least similar numbers during this coming campaign and that will make him a viable contender for this award.

Azubuike was named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, but I am higher on one of his teammates in these NPOY rankings (stay tuned). Either way, Azubuike will be a top-notch contributor in the paint for a potential national title caliber team in the Jayhawks. He is a proven star and it will be interesting to see what he has added to his game in recent months. Simply improving on his career 39.4% shooting from the free-throw line would really help.

Home/NCAA Basketball News