Christmas week offers a natural checkpoint in the college basketball season. Nonconference schedules are largely complete, teams have settled into defined rotations, and coaching staffs now have a clear understanding of who they can rely on as league play approaches. With conference races about to begin and the calendar turning toward the new year, this ranking reflects production, availability, consistency, and overall on-court impact to this point of the season.
1. Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer has been one of the most statistically complete players in the country through December. Under Jon Scheyer, Boozer is averaging 23.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while maintaining strong efficiency. Duke has leaned on him as a primary scorer, secondary facilitator, and defensive rebounder, and his usage has remained consistent regardless of opponent.
2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa has emerged as BYU’s most productive offensive option. He is scoring more than 23 points per game while contributing across the box score, including rebounding and assist numbers that stand out for a wing. Head coach Kevin Young has used Dybantsa in a variety of roles, from post touches to transition scoring.
3. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg has been central to Michigan’s strong start under Dusty May. Lendeborg is shooting near 80 percent on two-point attempts, spacing the floor from three, and contributing as a secondary playmaker. His efficiency has allowed Michigan to maintain offensive balance without over-reliance on one scorer.
4. P.J. Haggerty, Kansas State
P.J. Haggerty leads Kansas State in scoring at over 22 points per game. He has handled a high usage rate while also assisting and rebounding at guard-forward levels. Even in games where efficiency fluctuates, his minutes, shot volume, and responsibility remain constant.
5. Labaron Philon, Alabama
Labaron Philon has been Alabama’s most consistent perimeter scorer. Playing for Nate Oats, Philon is averaging 21.9 points per game while shooting above 40 percent from three. His ability to generate offense early in possessions has been a stabilizing factor.
6. JT Toppin, Texas Tech
JT Toppin continues to anchor Texas Tech’s interior play. He scores efficiently in the paint, rebounds at a high rate, and defends multiple frontcourt positions. His short-roll scoring and offensive rebounding numbers place him among the most productive bigs so far.
7. Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
Nick Martinelli is averaging over 21 points per game while playing heavy minutes. Northwestern has relied on his ability to score in isolation, off movement, and in late-clock situations. His shooting efficiency has remained steady across home and road games.
8. Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Josh Hubbard remains the focal point of Mississippi State’s offense. He is scoring above 20 points per game while increasing his assist rate compared to last season. Defenses continue to prioritize limiting his touches, yet his volume has remained stable.
9. Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
Bruce Thornton has been one of the most efficient guards in high-major competition. He is shooting well from three, limiting turnovers, and controlling tempo late in games. Ohio State has leaned on his decision-making in close contests.
10. Cameron Carr, Baylor
Cameron Carr has taken on a larger offensive role for Baylor. He is averaging more than 21 points per game, finishing well above the rim, and converting open perimeter looks. His growth has given Baylor another reliable scoring option alongside its veteran guards.
11. Braden Smith, Purdue
Braden Smith leads the nation in assists and continues to run Purdue’s offense with precision under Matt Painter. Smith is also shooting over 40 percent from three, making him difficult to sag off in ball-screen actions.
12. Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
Trey Kaufman-Renn has been one of the most productive paint scorers in the Big Ten. His touch around the rim and offensive rebounding rate have been central to Purdue’s efficiency in half-court sets.
13. Ryan Conwell, Louisville
Ryan Conwell leads the ACC in made three-pointers and is averaging more than 21 points per game. Louisville has used him both as a movement shooter and as a secondary creator off closeouts.
14. Nate Bittle, Oregon
Nate Bittle provides Oregon with lineup flexibility. He scores on the block, stretches defenses as a shooter, protects the rim, and facilitates from the high post. His all-around stat profile reflects his role in multiple lineup combinations.
15. Alex Karaban, UConn
Alex Karaban continues to be a stabilizing presence for UConn under Dan Hurley. He is shooting above 44 percent from three while defending multiple positions and rarely leaving the floor in competitive games.
16. Josh Jefferson, Iowa State
Josh Jefferson leads all frontcourt players nationally in assists. Iowa State has used him as a connector in half-court offense while still relying on his rebounding and defensive versatility.
17. Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
Milan Momcilovic owns one of the highest effective field goal percentages in the country. His shooting efficiency has created spacing that benefits the Cyclones’ guards and ball-screen actions. His Cylones are unbeaten heading into the New Year.
18. Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
Keyshawn Hall has become Auburn’s primary mismatch option. He scores in the post, attacks switches, and contributes on the glass. His offensive rating reflects consistent efficiency rather than volume alone.
19. Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Henri Veesaar is averaging close to 17 points and nine rebounds while anchoring North Carolina’s interior defense. His improvement as a scorer has complemented his rebounding and rim protection.
20. Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Graham Ike remains one of the most productive low-post scorers in the country. His footwork and ability to score through contact continue to generate consistent offense for Gonzaga.
21. Darius Acuff, Arkansas
Darius Acuff has posted efficient scoring and playmaking numbers against high-major opponents. Arkansas has relied on him late in possessions, where his decision-making has stood out. John Calipari loves his talented guard.
22. Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson has maintained production despite limited availability early in the season. His scoring instincts and perimeter shooting give Kansas another offensive option as conference play approaches. The knock on Peterson has been his constant injury concerns.
23. Chad Baker-Mazara, USC
Chad Baker-Mazara leads USC in scoring at over 21 points per game. He contributes as a rebounder and defender while handling primary scoring responsibilities. The Trojans got a great additon from Auburn this season.
24. Jaxon Kohler, Michigan State
Jaxon Kohler has expanded his offensive game, posting multiple double-doubles and adding perimeter range. Michigan State has benefited from his physicality and improved shooting. Tom Izzo will count on Kohler for the final months of the season.
25. Patrick Ngongba, Duke
Patrick Ngongba rounds out the list with steady two-way production. He protects the rim, finishes efficiently, and has grown more comfortable within Duke’s offensive structure. He will be a huge impact player for the Blue Devils in March.
With Christmas break ending and conference schedules set to take over, the next month will reshape this list quickly. January always brings tougher scouting, shorter rotations, and heavier minutes. But at this point in the season, these 25 players have produced the most consistent and measurable impact as college basketball heads into the new year.