NCAA Basketball: Top 10 rankings for 2022-23 National Player of the Year

Nov 15, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Jalen Wilson (10) reacts to making a shot during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Jayhawks defeat the Blue Devils 69 to 64. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 11

NCAA Basketball Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Drew Timme – Gonzaga Bulldogs

2022-23 stats: 21.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.5 apg

When top prospect Chet Holmgren departed to the NBA, Drew Timme went from him to Anton Watson as his frontcourt partner. And no disrespect to Watson, who is one of the best “glue guys” in NCAA Basketball and a valuable versatile player. But he’s not a big offensive threat, which allows the senior center to take even more of an offensive load.

And that’s what has happened so far this season, averaging career-highs in all three categories on 62% shooting from the field. Timme has been in double figures in every game except the nine-point outing in a loss to Baylor. But in the wins, he’s come up big-time.

In the biggest win of the season for Gonzaga, a 100-90 victory over Alabama, Timme went for 29 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. The All-American big man had 22 and 7 versus Kentucky, 35 and 10 against Pepperdine, as well as 16 points, six rebounds, and seven assists against Xavier.

What hurts Timme is that he’s playing in the WCC and for him to have a chance at winning National Player of the Year, he’ll have to have stats much better than those that play in the Big Ten or Big 12. He’ll have more opportunities to put up 30+ point games in this league but the Bulldogs also can’t lose another game and at some point, get to No. 1 in the country.

Home/NCAA Basketball News