NCAA Basketball: Top 25 Player of the Year candidates for 2023-24 season

9. Antonio Reeves - Kentucky Wildcats

2023-24 season stats: 19.0 ppg and 4.2 rpg

The 5th-year senior has scored 20+ points in six of 13 games, including 30 points on the road at Louisville and 27 against his old team, Illinois State. Reeves remains an elite three-pointer shooter at 44% and is a key piece on a top-10 Kentucky squad. The only reason why he isn’t up higher is that the Wildcats have other quality pieces who deserve credit, including freshmen, Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.

8. LJ Cryer - Houston Cougars

2023-24 season stats: 17.1 ppg and 2.0 apg

The transfer from Baylor is averaging roughly similar stats as a year ago, including shooting 41% from three-point range. Cryer has five games of at least 20 points, including 20 at home against West Virginia in Big 12 play. On the only undefeated team left in NCAA Basketball, Cryer warrants a spot on the list.

7. Tyler Kolek - Marquette Golden Eagles

2023-24 season stats: 14.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 6.3 apg

The reigning Big East Player of the Year winner remains one of the best passers in NCAA Basketball, while also having a career scoring year, part of the 50-40-90 elite shooting splits. Kolek already has four games with at least 20 points, including a 28-point effort in a win over Texas.