This season, college basketball seems packed with great talent, though there’s yet to emerge another generational player such as Zion Williamson. However, there are some lethal scorers and about four of the top five-point guards in the country returning from the sophomore season. Here are the top-ranking college basketball players dominating the sweet 16 betting and the NCAA this season.
Cassius Winston, Michigan State
Winston is popular as the preseason player of the year not only because of his talent but also because he is the best leader on the leading team. His talent always seems to be undersold a little, but his achievements are evident.
Winston piloted Michigan State into the final four, averaging 1.0 steals, 7.5 assists and 18.8 points per game. He did all that with a Spartan team which was multiple pieces down with injuries and replacing two NBA draft picks. That was an all-America effort for him, and his return to Michigan made the Spartans the top pick for winning the national title in the 2019/2020 season.
Myles Powel, Seton Hall
A bucket, Myles Powel averaged an amazing 27.7 points per game earlier in March, making over four 3-pointers per game and shooting 39.7% from behind the arc. Powel also had a better assist rate than Seton Hall’s toughest opponents, generating steals on the defense. As such, he’s a player that stands up against the strongest defenses, competing effectively with only a few players at hitting defended shots.
James Wiseman, Memphis
As a top-ranking player, Wiseman will have a huge impact on the Tigers. He could battle Cole Anthony and Anthony Edwards for the top spot in the draft, but it might be tough to prove him among these college basketball’s best. His offensive game is highly promising, but he is still developing his skills with his strength figures and athleticism helping to protect the rim.
Lamar Stevens, Penn State
With Mike Watkins next to Stevens, the Nittany Lions can play bully-ball this season. Watkins is a high-ranking board man, while Stevens is a star after recording eight rebounds per game and 20 points last year. However, Stevens will have to improve the outside shot if he wants to book a spot at the next level. That could also open up his game and contribute to an increase in his efficiency.
Tre Jones, Duke
As one of the top three-point guards in 2018, Jones didn’t get to his level of skills as a freshman but chose to distribute to his seasoned teammates. Nevertheless, Jones is among the best on-ball defenders with a great distribution game. As such, he might score more like the most experienced player in this year’s starting lineup which features four freshmen.
Cole Anthony, North Carolina
While looking at the most productive freshmen in the country, Anthony seems like a safe bet. He could take Coby White’s spot, and he has all it takes to build a better reputation than White. He is terrifically productive, and his skill set allows him to continue his college career using his athleticism and handle to put the defenders on skates.
2023: Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
2022: Johnny Davis, Wisconsin
2021: Luka Garza, Iowa
2020: Payton Pritchard, Oregon
2019: Ja Morant, Murray State
2018: Jalen Brunson, Villanova
2017: Caleb Swanigan, Purdue
2016: Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
2015: Cameron Payne, Murray State
2014: Doug McDermott, Creighton
2013: Shane Larkin, Miami
2012: Doug McDermott, Creighton
2011: Kemba Walker, Connecticut
2010: Sherron Collins, Kansas