NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 1 in 2023-24 season

Honorable Mentions

Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic)

A big part of Florida Atlantic’s Final Four run in 2023, Davis was back for his senior season last year and played even better for the Owls. Davis averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while making 41% of his 3-pointers. He took another big step forward as a complete offensive player and shined in the Owls’ first year in their new league, earning AAC Co-Player of the Year honors. We’ll see what next year at Arkansas brings for him.

Chase Hunter (Clemson)

Clemson made history with an Elite Eight run this season and Hunter’s contributions certainly played a role in that postseason run. He put up 12.9 points and 3.2 assists per game as a critical backcourt piece for the Tigers, topping 20 points in two of Clemson’s three Tourney wins. Frankly it was an epic ending to a five-year playing career for Clemson, with Hunter really establishing himself down the stretch.

Kam Jones (Marquette)

Stunning throughout his time with the Golden Eagles, Jones had his best performance as a junior at Marquette. He averaged 17.2 points per game during another successful season for Marquette, becoming one of the best offensive players in the Big East. Not only did Jones shoot 40% from downtown and have several great shooting nights, he also lead Marquette to the Sweet Sixteen, averaging 22 points in those three postseason games.

Xaivian Lee (Princeton)

Few follow the Ivy League, but Lee is bona fide talent who really emerged this season. After minimal contributions last season, his sophomore season was a major jump forward, averaging 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was the leading scorer for a Tigers team that won the regular season crown in the Ivy League, earned First Team All-Ivy honors and set himself up well for his future.

Tolu Smith (Mississippi State)

Even though injuries delayed his season until late December, Smith made up for lost time in his fourth season and fifth year at Mississippi State. He’d average 15.0 points and 8.1 rebounds for another incredible season for the Bulldogs, albeit in a year where they’d miss out on the Big Dance. Regardless, Smith earned First Team All-SEC honors again and remained one of the best scorers and rebounders in one of basketball’s toughest leagues.