NCAA Basketball: Ranking top 20 players for 2023-24 Julius Erving Award
3. Harrison Ingram – UNC Tar Heels
2022-23 season stats (at Stanford): 10.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 3.7 apg
The former five-star prospect and Pac-12 Rookie of the Year has been good at everything but being efficient from the field. But his all-around game is what North Carolina needs, replacing defensive standout Leaky Black at the three-spot. Ingram can have an impact without needing the ball in his hands and if he helps the Tar Heels bounce back, he’ll get plenty of credit.
2. Anton Watson – Gonzaga Bulldogs
2022-23 season stats: 11.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg
The 6’8 forward posted career-high numbers in every category and is known for being one of the top frontcourt defenders in the country. Watson has the chance of having his largest role yet in the Gonzaga offense, now without Drew Timme by his side inside. The team projects to be in the top-10 range so all the pieces all there for Watson to be a contender, as if at least one Bulldog.
1. Baylor Scheierman – Creighton Bluejays
2022-23 season stats: 12.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 3.3 apg
The former Summit League Player of the Year wing had a very successful first season with the Bluejays, even though his efficiency from the floor took an expected hit. Scheierman also had four games of at least 20 points, including 21 against Princeton in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Next. Top 25 team backcourts for 2023-24 season. dark
With two double-digit scorers gone from Creighton, Scheierman has the chance to have an even bigger offensive role as a 5th-year senior. And with the team having Final Four aspirations once again, look for him to have a great shot at being a star, both in the Big East and nationally.