We are officially less than one week away from college basketball season kicking off, so I'm going to take this week and do a limited preview of what to expect this year. This will start today with a Top 5. Then tomorrow it will be a Top 4 of a different subject (Guess what it'll be folks.) then Wednesday will feature a Top 3, and Thursday a Top 2. The preview will end Friday when I reveal who I'm selecting as my National Champion for the upcoming season.
The best thing about preseason predictions is that you can literally say whatever the hell you want and pretty much get away with it scot-free. It's a pride thing at this point. That's why I'm placing a Douglas Guarantee on all of these. Because if all these happen then I'm the local Wonderboy, but if they go wrong, then who gives a rip?
So without further ado, here's my Top 5 of National Player of the Year Candidates
**The following list is in alphabetical order**
Miles Bridges (Michigan State SF)
Bridges surprised many (and by surprised I mean totally shocked the entire college basketball landscape and single-handedly altered the National Championship picture) when he decided he was going to come back to East Lansing for his sophomore season. The versatile 6'7 forward averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 rebounds a game while shooting an effective 48.6% from the field (38.9% from 3). Usually, a player like this doesn't return to college, but since Bridges did, he finds himself at the top of the list in the running for NPOY. Bridges was limited by injury during his freshman year as well. If he remains healthy this season, this race could be over by February. Bridges's size and skill will be a lot to overcome for most teams this year. He's going to be impossible to guard because of his ability to drive and shoot effectively. Tom Izzo has a gem.
Jalen Brunson (Villanova PG)
Out of all the player on this list, I think this one will be criticized the most. From an appearance standpoint, Brunson doesn't really look the part for a NPOY. At a built 6'2, people tend to write off his speed and quickness. He isn't the explosive player that we have been so accustomed to seeing over the past years, but Brunson shines in a different way. I believe that he is the smartest player in country, and that helps him make impressive decisions in tough situations. Also, Brunson is the best player on the best team in the Big East. I'm not saying he's the next Josh Hart (the two don't have similar styles), but he will definitely improve upon his 14.7 PPG and 4.1 APG he averaged as a sophomore, and as a result he will be the best point guard not only in the Big East but possibly the entire country.
Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame F)
The lone representative from the ACC, Colson is your classic college basketball tweener. At 6'5 226lb, Colson typically plays the 3 or 4. His ability to shoot from deep (43.3% last season) goves Notre Dame a unique offensive threat that will confuse many teams. What makes Colson so effective aside from being a shooter is that he can score inside proficiently as well. Even at 6'5, Colson managed to shoot 54% on two-point field goals with many of those coming in the paint. Oh yeah, he also grabbed 10 rebounds a game too. Colson really is college basketball's Charles Barkley, except he can also knock it down from beyond the arc. With Notre Dame graduating seniors Steve Vasturia and VJ Beachem, Colson should have the opportunity to post even gaudier numbers this season, making him a NPOY favorite.
Devonte' Graham (Kansas G)
Frank Mason III's running mate last year is poised for a breakout 2017-18 campaign. As last year's NPOY graduated from Kansas and headed to the NBA, it is now Graham's turn to continue the dominance of the Jayhawk backcourt. After playing off the ball last season, Graham slides into the point guard role for Kansas, and he will be paired up with Mississippi State transfer Malik Newman. Graham posted a relatively modest 13.4 PPG and 4.1 APG in 2016-17, but he is the heir to the throne. He is Kansas's best and most experienced player and will be the biggest reason why the Jayhawks win another Big 12 title. I'm projecting an average of 16 PPG and 7 APG this year. His new position will allow him to show off his underrated playmaking and shot-creating ability that we didn't notice was there last year. If Kansas has chance to land back-to-back NPOYs, this is it.
Allonzo Trier (Arizona SG)
Allonzo Trier is back for more, ladies and gentlemen! The explosive guard will lead a LOADED Arizona squad this season in what might be Arizona's best team on paper since their title-winning 2001 team. Trier's season last year was tarnished by a PED suspension that had him miss the first half of the season. When he came back for the final 18 games of the campaign, he was quite impressive, averaging 17.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 2.7 APG. Considering he will get a full year under his belt, there's no reason to suspect any drop-off this year. Some people might think that his NPOY candidacy will be hurt because of Arizona's deep and talented roster, but I don't think (in this case) it will negatively impact his chances that much if he becomes a playmaker and gets up to 4 APG while maintaining his scoring average. And considering Arizona's personnel, that shouldn't be a problem.
Others Considered:
Grayson Allen (Duke SG)
Deandre Ayton (Arizona C)
Marvin Bagley III (Duke PF)
Joel Berry (North Carolina PG)
Trevon Bluiett (Xavier G/F)
Angel Delgado (Seton Hall PF/C)
Michael Porter Jr (Missouri SF)
Landry Shamet (Wichita State PG)
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