NCAA Basketball: Carey, Winston lead National Player of the Year race
By Brian Rauf
Previous: . Malachi Flynn. 8. player. 508. .
Stats: 16.1 ppg, 4.9 apg, 1.7 spg
Malachi Flynn has been the driving force behind San Diego State’s 16-0 start and is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves for his role with the Aztecs.
He leads the nation’s No. 7 team in points, assists, and steals, showing how much they rely on him. The Washington State transfer ranks in the top 300 nationally in percentage of shots taken, yet is also in the top 100 in assist rate. When combined, those stats tell you Flynn is either shooting or assisting on 57.3 percent of all of San Diego State’s possessions when he’s on the court – which is 31 minutes per game.
Despite having that heavy load, Flynn is efficient and smart with the ball. He has a team-best 10.6 turnover rate (108th nationally) and has a true shooting percentage of 57.2 percent, largely thanks to his 41 percent shooting from three-point range.
However, Flynn’s best asset for San Diego State may be his clutch shots. He hit a buzzer-beating three to avoid an upset to San Jose State:
And he also dropped 28 points in the second half against Iowa to lead San Diego State’s comeback.
Flynn isn’t singlehandedly carrying the Aztecs, but the only reason they’re a top 25 team – let along one of the two remaining unbeatens – is because of his play. He’ll continue rising on this list the longer San Diego State remains undefeated.