NCAA Basketball: Best player from each of the 50 states for 2022-23

Virginia – Darius McGhee (Liberty)

One of the game’s most prolific offensive weapons, McGhee led the A-Sun in many offensive categories and metrics, winning his second consecutive Player of the Year award. He’s back for a final campaign after averaging 24.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Flames last year. McGhee is Liberty’s offense, and another fantastic year for him on the offensive end will equate another dynamic season from the Flames.

Washington – Drew Timme (Gonzaga)

Twice an All-American and last year’s WCC Player of the Year, Timme is already a household name and is back for a fourth season with the Bulldogs. Timme averaged 18.4 points and 6.8 rebounds and has been a monumental force for Gonzaga. He’s tough, he’s talented, he’s experienced and he’s a force that few players can compare; his return has Gonzaga as one of the title favorites this season.

West Virginia – Tre Mitchell (West Virginia)

Formerly the A-10 Rookie of the Year and a skilled piece at Texas, Mitchell will star at West Virginia this season, his third school in four collegiate seasons. He averaged greater than 18 points a game at UMass but played a less significant role with the Longhorns last year. This versatile frontcourt piece has the potential to bounce back this season, and Bob Huggins is banking on him producing those same kinds of numbers he had with the Minutemen a few seasons ago.

Wisconsin – Tyler Wahl (Wisconsin)

Wahl is one of the Badgers looking to make a major impact this year with Johnny Davis and a few other pieces gone from last year’s team. As a junior, he averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds and will be a major factor to Wisconsin’s success this year. This talented forward is not only the top returning scorer but he’s shown the versatility and skill to become a top-level defender; we’ll see how he progresses this year as more of the focal point on offense.

Wyoming – Hunter Maldonado (Wyoming)

Earning First Team All-MWC honors last season, Maldonado returns for a sixth and final year with the Cowboys with higher expectations. He’s been around campus for the bad and now the good, averaging 18.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in a resurgent season for Wyoming last year. Maldonado is back for one final dance and can do everything he’s asked; leading the offense, defending all over the court, and spearheading the success of this program.