2. Kam Jones, Marquette Golden Eagles
2024-25 season stats 19.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.4 APG
Marquette may have lost Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro but show zero signs of slowing down thanks to senior sensation Kam Jones, who can arguably make a case as the top POY candidate in the young season.
What makes Jones so exceptional -- and much improved from last year -- is his ability to impact the game beyond scoring. Sure, Jones may have had 28 points in its win over Maryland and 32 points in its opening-day win over Stony Brook, however, he posted 17 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds in its dominant win over Purdue -- the first triple-double for Marquette since Dwayne Wade in 2003. Impressive, right? Marquette has solidified itself as a top-five team in the country behind Kam Jones, among the top POY candidates in NCAA basketball.
1. Johni Broome, Auburn Tigers
2024-25 season stats: 20.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 3.3 APG
No team -- and no player -- in college basketball has gotten off to a better start than Johni Broome and the Auburn Tigers. (Presumed) Q1 wins over Houston, Iowa State, North Carolina, and Memphis? Check. Having the best player in NCAA basketball? Check. Broome has ravaged through Auburn’s gauntlet of a schedule, averaging over 20 PPG and nearly 13 boards while shooting nearly 60% from the field.
In its win over UNC, Broome collected 19 boards. In its three-game stint in Maui, he averaged 15 boards along with 21.7 points. And his team is 7-0. Broome clearly takes the cake as the top POY candidate with Feast Week officially at a close.