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College Basketball: Top 5 candidates for Player of the Year

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) slam dunks against the Kennesaw State Owls during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) slam dunks against the Kennesaw State Owls during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ben Simmons, LSU

The hype surrounding Simmons throughout the season is almost too much to live up to and continues to grow, but he’s largely been as good as advertised. While Simmons may be a distant second in the race for the Player of the Year award, he still deserves plenty of recognition for a terrific year in what is almost certainly his one and only season in college basketball.

The 6-10, 225-pound freshman was billed as a point-forward who could do a little bit of everything, even as a freshman. He’s proven that label true, as Simmons is averaging 19.4 points per contest according to CBB Reference  and is a threat to record a triple-double every time he’s on the court.

To round out his game, Simmons is also recording over 12 rebounds, five assists, 1.9 steals and one block per game. If there was any doubt that Simmons wasn’t the best NBA prospect in college basketball this year, he’s erased it.

That’s not to say there aren’t any weaknesses in Simmons’ game. Simmons is tough to stop when he gets to the rim but is struggling with his jump shot, and could put up even bigger numbers if his midrange game develops.

Simmons has also been a little too passive enough at times, particularly in a close game against Oklahoma where he didn’t touch the ball in the last few minutes. Part of that is certainly on head coach Johnny Jones, but it’s been a bit of a disappointment for LSU all season long. To give Simmons credit, he came out in LSU’s next game against the Auburn Tigers and was very assertive, pouring in 21 points.

Had LSU lived up to its preseason ranking and Simmons shot a little better, it could be a different discussion in the Player of the Year race right now. While Simmons is a distant second, he is still having an excellent season and could be an instant impact player at the next level.

Next: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma