PG: Jalen Brunson, Villanova (2015-18)
Brunson spent three seasons at Villanova but is one of the most decorated college basketball players ever. He started all but one game during his tenure with the Wildcats, winning two national championships along the way.
The 6-3, 200-pounder played a vital role as a freshman and sophomore, yet his junior campaign seals his place as the starting point guard on this team. Brunson averaged 18.9 points and 4.7 assists per game to pace a Villanova team that spent a majority of that season ranked No. 1 in the country. His stellar production, combined with his ability to control the game, leadership, and Villanova’s winning percentage, earned him National Player of the Year honors.
Brunson was the first Villanova player to win National Player of the Year, which Jay Wright told ZagsBlog he deserved.
"“If you’re talking about what college basketball is all about, a guy comes in, he graduates in three years, he leads his team, he plays on a national championship team and he’s leading his team to be one of the best teams, I just don’t think a kid can do anymore. And I think if we’re really talking about college basketball, he’s the best.”"
Along with his NPOY award and two national titles, Brunson was a two-time All-Big East selection and was named the conference’s player of the year in 2018. Villanova also won two Big East regular season and two Big East Tournament championships.