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NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Kansas among teams with 2022-23 NPOY favorites

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 7, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama forward Brandon Miller (24) goes for a dunk against Kentucky at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama defeated Kentucky 78-52.Ncaa Basketball Alabama Crimson Tide Vs Kentucky Wildcats
Jan 7, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama forward Brandon Miller (24) goes for a dunk against Kentucky at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama defeated Kentucky 78-52.Ncaa Basketball Alabama Crimson Tide Vs Kentucky Wildcats /
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NCAA Basketball Clemson sophomore forward PJ Hall (24) hugs forward Hunter Tyson Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK /

The National Player of the Year debate doesn’t feel like much this 2022-23 NCAA Basketball season, since there seems to be a clear top tier. But there are some players whose play has started to warrant some consideration.

After a number of major performances in the past week, the stats for the top players in the country are now as gaudy as ever. Here’s a look at which players are firmly in the running for National Player of the Year.

*Stats are through Jan 23rd

Honorable Mention: Antoine Davis – Detroit Mercy Titans

2022-23 stats: 26.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.4 apg

With Jordan Walker of UAB seeing his scoring slip, Davis, now the all-time Horizon League leader in points scored, is No. 1 in NCAA Basketball in scoring. He’s scored 27+ points in each of the past five games, including a season-high 41 points in 33 minutes in a win over Robert Morris, which also included 11/18 from three-point range.

HM: Kris Murray – Iowa Hawkeyes

2022-23 stats: 21.3 ppg and 8.9 rpg

Between missing a few games and Iowa not being in the national picture at the moment, Murray’s stock has slid a bit. But when he’s on the court, he’s been just as good as his brother, Keegan. He’s up to 23.7 ppg in Big Ten play, including a recent 27-point performance in an overtime win over Michigan.

HM: Hunter Tyson – Clemson Tigers

2022-23 stats: 15.7 ppg and 10.1 rpg

The Tigers are in first place in the ACC and are in the NCAA Tournament thanks to a breakout season from the 5th-year senior. Tyson has 10 double-doubles on the year, including the most recent 19-point, 14-rebound performance at Wake Forest. He’s been one of the most improved players in the country and warrants a little bit of national acknowledgment.

HM: Souley Boum – Xavier Musketeers

2022-23 stats: 16.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.1 apg

As much credit as Coach Sean Miller gets for turning Xavier into a top-10 team, so should the former UTEP guard that leads the team in scoring and passing. Boum had 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a win over Villanova and 26 points and eight assists in a win over Creighton. With UConn and Adama Sanogo (who was in the previous NPOY rankings) falling down, it could be the senior guard that takes advantage.

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