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 /

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NCAA Basketball Adama Sanogo #21 of the Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

5. Adama Sanogo – UConn Huskies

2022-23 stats: 17.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.2 apg

The junior big man is definitely having a “breakout” season. Sanogo is actually averaging fewer rebounds but has gone from 50% from the field to 59% so far this season. He’s been in double figures in all but two games, including seven of at least 20 points through 17 outings.

Some of his best performances include a season-high 27 points and 14 rebounds in a road win at Butler, along with 26 points and nine rebounds versus Ryan Kalkbrenner and Creighton this past weekend. Sanogo did have two subpar games in the PK86 Invitational Tournament but against top-10 Alabama, went for 25 points on 9/16 shooting.

UConn was the biggest early-season surprise, winning its first 13 games by double-digits and reaching as high as No. 2 in the polls. Recent road losses to Xavier and Providence will have them down in the next rankings but it’s clear that this is a legit team to watch come March.

Sanogo isn’t much of a shot-blocker but his defense has certainly been great inside and with a strong supporting cast, should be in contention to win the Big East regular season title. After flying under the radar when it comes to the best centers in NCAA Basketball, Sanogo has played better than most of his interior bigs, while on a better team.

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