Big Ten: Zach Edey (Purdue)
Current Averages: 23.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists
This one is a slam dunk there is zero chance the reigning player of the year in both the Big Ten and Nationally is not going to win the Big Ten Player of the Year again. No one dominates in the paint like Edey does. He is 7’4” and 300 pounds and when he catches the ball in the low block it is going to be a bucket. He already has multiple 30-point games this season in conference play. He also has multiple 20-rebound games. Edey shoots well over 60% from the floor, gets fouled a ton, and is an elite rebounder. He has turned Purdue into one of the best teams in the country. He is more than just tall, as he can run the floor, and has good feet on the defensive end. Edey will likely win the National Player of the Year award this year, which will give him a repeat of both awards.
Big West: Elijah Pepper (UC Davis)
Current Averages: 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists
The Big West is a hard conference to figure out because there are not many guys in that league who put up crazy numbers. There are guys in that league who stuff stat sheets and who are extremely important to their teams but none of them more than Pepper. He is a deadly shooter from deep and shoots at a high efficiency overall for the volume of shots he takes. He is a good rebounder for his size and can beat people by himself if he gets going. There isn’t a more dangerous player in the league than Pepper and the Aggies are currently in a tie for first place in the Big West, in large part because of how well the guard has been playing this season.
CAA: Trazerian White (UNC Wilmington)
Current Averages: 20.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists
The more I thought about it White was the guy who had to get the nod for the Player of the Year in the CAA. The guard is one of the best offensive players in the country and when the games are biggest, he shines brightest. He is currently shooting about 50% from the floor and just under 40% from deep. White has flat out dominated the CAA this year and is on pace for his best statistical year and the Seahawks have built themselves into a real threat in the CAA on the backs on White. There is some still competition for this award in the league, but White has dominated in the league this year and is stepping up big when its time to win. White has been the best player for the Seahawks for a long time and he is finally going to get recognized for it this year.