NCAA Basketball: Potential value bets for 2021-22 National Player of the Year
By Ian Mumm
Hunter Dickinson (Michigan) +2000
Competition among frontcourt stars in the Big Ten is fierce, but the battles they endure help to set them up for national recognition season after season. Last year’s winner Luka Garza (Iowa) became the second big man from the conference to take home the title in the last seven seasons following Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky in 2014-15’. Entering the 2021-22’ season there’s no shortage of frontcourt stars gracing the conference: Kofi Cockburn (Illinois), Trevion Williams and Zach Edey (Purdue), Qudus Wahab (Maryland) among others.
Yet, the rapid emergence of Hunter Dickinson last season for Michigan only adds another piece to the equation. Dickinson used quick footwork and craft in traffic to pile on points and production for head coach Juwan Howard. He is set to anchor the paint for the Wolverines again this season, only with higher expectations.
Dickinson’s efficiency scoring and rebounding the ball ensured he didn’t command too big a piece of Michigan’s offensive pie. It allowed the team to flourish without creating snags in scoring momentum. However, with another offseason under his belt and growing confidence, you can bet his desire to produce even more for Michigan has risen to meet expectations.
Already named to the All-American team as a freshman, Dickinson has the eyes of national committees. A marginal increase in his offensive production will help thrust him into the thick of the conversation for player of the year. With strong numbers in the rebounding department and stout defensive production inside, Dickinson has avenues to create favor in more ways than putting the ball in the basket.