College Basketball Betting – A Look At The Player Of The Year Contenders

Nolan Smith, Those who bet on March Madness will be looking for a team that has a player who can carry their squad in tight games, and a player like that would certainly be a Player of the Year candidate. Here is our list of who we think will come up in the discussion for the Naismith College Player of the Year, which was won by Ohio State junior forward Evan Turner last year.

Jimmer Fredette, BYU

Fredette, a senior guard, leads the nation in scoring and he’s added playmaking to his game in order to boost his chances at the next level. But there is no one in the country who can score like Fredette, and BYU will need him even more after the controversial suspension of forward Brandon Davies. If you were a horse betting player wagering on a race, Fredette would be the leading steed to get to the finish line.

Duke

The senior guard for the defending national champions is 12th in the country in scoring, but he’s increased his rebounding and assists totals, and he’s taken over the ballhandling load after freshman Kyrie Irving went down with a toe injury. His shooting percentage is at his best since his freshman year, and it would be a major upset if he wasn’t named the ACC Player of the Year. Expect Smith to get some votes for the Naismith.

Kemba Walker, Connecticut

Walker cooled off after a torrid start to the season, but still finished the regular season fifth in points scored nationally. The junior guard has failed to score in double digits just once this season, and it could be argued that Walker is the most important player to his team because the Huskies are extremely young behind him. In the Big East, UConn would likely be finished without Walker.

JuJuan Johnson, Purdue

When Robbie Hummel was lost to a knee injury, a lot of people took their 5dimes off the Boilermakers to make any noise in the Big Ten, but Johnson didn’t listen, and the senior forward may be the best big man in the country. Johnson is 17th nationally in scoring, and he’s active on the glass along with being a shotblocking presence in the paint. He’s still a little thin for the next level, but right now, Johnson is one of the top five players in college hoops.

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Johnson’s main competition for best big man comes from his own conference, as Sullinger has been a monster in his freshman season in Columbus. Sullinger has 14 double-doubles this season, and he may have the best post moves of anyone in the country. He has also been surprisingly adept at finding the open man, which is needed in the Ohio State offense with their group of three-point shooters. Much like Ohio State’s odds for the national title, look for Sullinger to near the top of POY favorites in your online sports betting book.