NCAA Basketball: Best player from each of the 50 states for 2022-23
By Joey Loose
Hawaii – Noel Coleman (Hawaii)
A breakout season earned Coleman Second Team All-Big West honors, and his emergence was important for a Hawaii team that dealt with injuries and inconsistent play at times last year. Coleman averaged 14.8 points and 3.1 rebounds a game while also making 44% of his 3-pointers. That production was important for the Rainbow Warriors, who may be one of the best shooters in the Big West this season.
Idaho – Marcus Shaver Jr. (Boise State)
A very experienced college basketball player, Shaver begins his sixth season at the college level and his fourth with the Broncos. He averaged 13.3 points a game last year (his fourth season averaging double-digit points), and is back for year six after flirting with the NBA Draft. He’s a major cog for these Broncos and will lead and run this offense, especially after some big departures from last season. Expect another fantastic season from Shaver, who’ll look to improve on last year’s 35% clip from 3.
Illinois – Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois)
A former All-Big 12 player, Shannon arrives at Illinois after three years at Texas Tech, and should be one of the most impactful transfers in the nation. He’ll bring physicality in the frontcourt and might be the top-scoring option for the Illini. His defensive presence will also be vital, having played in that dominant Red Raiders defensive system these past few seasons. Illinois is replacing a lot of talent with new faces, and Shannon is not only the best piece but perhaps the most important new weapon.
Indiana – Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana)
Jackson-Davis is considered one of the best college basketball players for this upcoming season. The talented senior forward has earned Big Ten honors three times and averaged 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds last year, helping lead the Hoosiers back to the Big Dance for the first time in five years. Jackson-Davis brings it in the interior and is someone who’s going to score and produce chaos each and every night he’s out there.
Iowa – Kris Murray (Iowa)
After what brother Keegan did last season, many expect Kris Murray to make a similar major step forward this upcoming season. As a sophomore, Murray averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in limited opportunities. He’s going to be the focal piece in this offense and will be more involved in the Hawkeyes’ plans, but can we really expect him to put up the same kind of numbers his brother did last year?