G Braden Smith (Purdue)
Stats: 15.1 PPG, 9.0 APG, 4.7 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 44.2 FG%, 41.4 3PT%
The nation’s best point guard is Purdue’s Braden Smith. The junior has stepped into a bigger role following Zach Edey’s departure. He’s done it all for the Boilermakers this season. He ranks third in the nation in assists but has maintained a solid turnover rate. During Purdue’s recent six-game winning streak, Smith has recorded 62 assists to just 16 turnovers.
G Kam Jones (Marquette)
Stats: 19.6 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 49.6 FG%, 31.9 3PT%
Kam Jones has been excellent for a Marquette team that is unbeaten thus far in Big East play (6-0). With Tyler Kolek leaving for the NBA, Jones has carved out an even bigger role offensively. He’s always been a talented scorer, but his assists numbers have blossomed with more playmaking responsibilities. He’d be the unquestioned frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year if it weren’t for…
F Eric Dixon (Villanova)
Stats: 24.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 49.5 FG%, 47.5 3PT%
The nation’s top leading scorer, Villanova’s Eric Dixon. The Wildcats are enduring another disappointing year that may end with a third consecutive NIT appearance. They’ve already dropped three games in the Big East, but not much can be said about Dixon’s play. He’s able to score from anywhere on the floor and has been extremely efficient. The 6-foot-8 big is knocking down 3.4 threes per game — most in the Big East. If Villanova keeps losing, there’s a chance Dixon is penalized in the voting process. However, halfway through the year, we have to give the sweet-scoring big man his credit.
F Johni Broome (Auburn)
Stats: 17.9 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 54.7 FG%
Despite missing Auburn’s last game with an ankle injury, Broome is a lock for the Midseason All-American team and is one of the odds-on favorites to take home National Player of the Year. Broome reportedly won’t need surgery and should return at some point. He’s been a monster for the best team in the country. His stats are impressive across the board despite having to exit two games early due to injury. Broome posted a double-double against the teams currently ranked 2nd and 3rd in the AP Top 25 — No. 2 Iowa State (21 points, 10 rebounds) and No. 3 Duke (20 points, 12 rebounds).
F Cooper Flagg (Duke)
Stats: 18.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.2 BPG, 1.5 SPG, 47.8 FG%, 34.9 3PT%
The freshman has lived up to the hype — and then some. Cooper Flagg has Duke ready to make a run to the National Championship. His all-around skill set sets him apart and makes him a clear frontrunner to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Flagg’s scoring has turned up a notch in ACC play. He poured in a season-high 42 in a win over Notre Dame. He’ll only get better as the season wears on.
Honorable Mentions: Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida); Mark Sears (Alabama); Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois); PJ Haggerty (Memphis); Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
