Busting Brackets
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Summit League Basketball: Top 10 players in conference for 2019-20 season

By Austin Hamm

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: Tyson Ward #24 of the North Dakota State Bison reacts against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: Tyson Ward #24 of the North Dakota State Bison reacts against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – DECEMBER 18: Stanley Umude #0 of the South Dakota Coyotes looks to shoot against Dedric Lawson #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse on December 18, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – DECEMBER 18: Stanley Umude #0 of the South Dakota Coyotes looks to shoot against Dedric Lawson #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse on December 18, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

4. Kobe Webster, Western Illinois, Jr., G (17.0 ppg/4.4 rpg/3.1 apg)

Webster has been a dynamo since day one for the Leathernecks, starting every single game since he got to Macomb. From his freshman to sophomore years, Webster upped his scoring slightly, from 15.9 to 17.0. That may not represent a huge leap, but how he did it does. He hit 36% from three as a frosh but cashed in 41% of those in year 2. He’s attempted just over two free throws a game in his career, but hits 74% from the line.

Reaching the line more consistently is a way he could easily up his scoring. Some improvements in his facilitating and defense would make Webster a more complete player, and he could be in line for a real breakout year. If that comes to fruition, keep an eye on Western Illinois, especially in the conference tournament.

3. Stanley Umude, South Dakota, Jr., F (14.4 ppg/5.5 rpg/1.4 apg)

Umude was the preseason pick for player of the year in the Summit League, and he certainly could have that type of an impact. A do-it-all wrecking ball, Umude led the Coyotes in scoring last year while also having the best defensive rating of any of their rotation players. A good but not great shooter, Umude should handle the ball a bit more on offense with the graduation of all-leaguer Trey Burch-Manning.

The top player on the best regular-season team often has a significant edge for the POY award, and if a USD team that was young a year ago can take a step forward, Umude has a legitimate chance to be that guy.