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 /

4 of 11

Iowa forward Kris Murray NCAA Basketball 221111 Nc At Iowa Mbb 030 Jpg /

8. Kris Murray – Iowa Hawkeyes

2022-23 stats: 21.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.7 apg

In his last year in NCAA Basketball, Kris’ older brother Keegan averaged 23.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg. So far, the younger Murray has proven to be just as good, especially as a pure scorer. The junior forward has five games out of 12 with at least 29 points, including a 31-point and 20-rebound effort versus Georgia Tech, as well as a career-high 32 against Iowa State.

The only “bad” game Murray had this season was eight points and seven rebounds against Duke in a loss. And he missed several after that due to an injury, in which the Hawkeyes went 2-2, including a stunning upset defeat to Eastern Illinois. From a “valuable” standpoint, few players mean as much to their respective teams as Murray does.

The issue for him is that the team isn’t as good as the others on this list. Iowa started out Big Ten play 0-3 but has won two straight, against both Indiana and Rutgers. Still, they’re a long way away from being ranked, and there’s a possibility that this team won’t make the NCAA Tournament, which will automatically tank his odds.

But Murray is on pace to have 10 games of at least 29 points this season and his numbers are easily All-American worthy. But between where his team places in the Big Ten standings and how Iowa looks overall, it could have a negative impact on his odds.

Home/NCAA Basketball News