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NCAA Basketball: Top 10 candidates for 2024-25 Player of the Year

Jan 24, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA;  Auburn Tigers center Johni Broome (4) and forward Chad Baker-Mazara (10) defend as Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) attempts to drive into the lane at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Jan 24, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers center Johni Broome (4) and forward Chad Baker-Mazara (10) defend as Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) attempts to drive into the lane at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images / Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
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10. Hunter Sallis

Three years ago Sallis was a 5-star guard who chose Gonzaga over a long list of other productive programs. After all, he was joining a Bulldogs program that had just appeared in the national title game. However, he didn’t quite realize his true potential in his time out west, assuming a bench role in each of his first two seasons of collegiate ball, backing up other guards like Andrew Nembhard and Julian Strawther.

All of that changed last season, as Sallis entered the Transfer Portal and found a new home at Wake Forest. Sallis instantly became a massive weapon in the ACC, averaging 18.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, numbers that blew away his earlier production with the Bulldogs. He made 40% of his 3-pointers, earned First Team All-ACC honors, led that conference in minutes played per game, and was a total package on a Demon Deacons squad that showed real progress amidst a 21-win season.

Sallis returns for a second year with Wake Forest in a season where expectations are certainly raised. There’s significant talent around him, especially with some talented frontcourt athletes for the Demon Deacons. If Sallis can match or exceed that level of production, then he can certainly take Wake Forest to some impressive wins and continue to stand out at the national level. There may be some more prolific or well-known ACC players, but Sallis is the real deal with the rock.