As the calendar turns into February and we get closer to the end of the college basketball season, it starts to be time to look back at some of the great performances this year. We’re not just talking about specific games or moments but the players who’ve really stood out for their teams. Awards season isn’t too far in the future and today we’re considering the best point guards in the nation.
The Bob Cousy Award honors that top point guard and just recently released their midseason watch list for the award. Ten brilliant players were included in this release and we’re going to quickly run through the crew and how their seasons have progressed while trying to figure out whom exactly deserves to win the award in a couple months.
10. Tamin Lipsey (Iowa State)
Year four at Iowa State for Lipsey has been another productive and impressive season for the guard from Ames. He’s averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, leading the Big 12 in steals once again. Lipsey has been All-Defense in this league multiple times and plays a major role in running the offense and solidifying the defense for an Iowa State team sitting in the Top 10 nationally.
9. Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
Bradley has unquestionably been a major part of the success for Arizona this season. During an unbeaten start, he’s putting up 13.9 points and 4.5 assists per game, with very solid shooting numbers, albeit with limited opportunities beyond the arc. Bradley has emerged as a playmaker on both sides of the ball for the top-ranked Wildcats and plays an important role of veteran leadership for that crew.
8. Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)
Tanner’s sophomore season has seen him take a remarkable leap forward and become the key weapon for Vanderbilt. A major playmaker in the SEC, Tanner’s averaging 17.8 points and 5.1 assists per game with very solid rebounding and steals numbers as well. He’s a decent shooter and ball handler, leads the SEC in total steals, and has been the reason why Vanderbilt has gotten off to such a hot start and remains the highest ranked team in the conference.
7. Bennett Stirtz (Iowa)
Last year’s MVC Player of the Year has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down even in the Big Ten. Stirtz followed Ben McCollum to Iowa and remains his top weapon, averaging 19.0 points and 5.0 assists per game this season. Thanks to Stirtz, who’s among the Big Ten leaders in points, assists, and steals, Iowa has been in much better shape this season. He’s at nearly 39% from outside the arc and is unquestionably a veteran leader for these Hawkeyes, a solid team that should see the Big Dance.
6. Labaron Philon (Alabama)
After a brilliant showing as a freshman last season, Philon has stepped into a major role for the Crimson Tide in year two. His numbers have exploded to 21.6 points and 5.0 assists per game, as he’s currently the leading scorer in the SEC. He anchors an Alabama offense among the most explosive in the nation while his own shooting numbers and efficiency have improved. He’s put on a show several times in big wins and should continue to anchor the Crimson Tide moving forward.
5. Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Seeing a preseason Top 10 prospect on lists like this should come as no surprise. Acuff is a brilliant freshman who’s living up to that top billing, putting up 20.3 points and 6.2 assists per game while leading the Razorbacks into great position in the SEC race. He’s made just under 41% of his 3-pointers while leading the conference in assists and field goals made. Arkansas’s postseason potential rests heavily on Acuff’s shoulders.
4. Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Flemings arrived in Houston with major expectations this past offseason as a 5-star recruit, but he certainly hasn’t disappointing Kelvin Sampson and company. An impactful presence, he’s putting up 17.0 points and 5.4 assists per game for a Cougars squad still known for dynamic defense. His leadership as a freshman alongside his playmaking ability certainly makes him one of the best point guards in the nation while leading a Top 10 team making waves in the Big 12.
3. Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State)
Helming a firm Michigan State team, Fears has emerged as a fantastic leader for the Spartans. He’s averaging 14.9 points and 8.8 assists per game and really makes things work for this offense. You’re not getting elite outside shooting or a ton of steals but Fears is second in the nation in assists and is one of the best free throw shooters around. His hands are all over a Michigan State team that keeps winning and remains in the Top 10.
2. Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)
Anderson played a significant role on last year’s Elite Eight team for Texas Tech, though that was largely off the bench. This season, he’s become one of the nation’s standouts, averaging 19.6 points and 7.5 assists in a remarkable Red Raiders offense. He’s the top assists guy in the Big 12 and is a major reason why Texas Tech remains a top contender this season. Anderson has had brilliant performances and can go off at any moment, averaging 44% from long range while affecting the game at multiple levels.
1. Braden Smith (Purdue)
It seems fitting that there’s so much attention on last year’s Bob Cousy Award winner, but Smith’s senior season has been just as successful. The Boilermaker backcourt legend is putting up 15.3 points and 8.9 assists per game while drilling 43% of his 3-pointers. Smith leads the nation in assists and is the major cog in one of the country’s most efficient offenses. Purdue is what they are because of Smith’s leadership and ball handling ability and despite recent struggles it’s hard to find a better candidate.