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College Basketball Week 11: 5 biggest takeaways

By Chris Stone

Jan 21, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) reacts after scoring against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) reacts after scoring against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 21, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) shoots a lay up as Texas Longhorns forward Shaquille Cleare (32) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) shoots a lay up as Texas Longhorns forward Shaquille Cleare (32) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The National Player of the Year race is heating up

For much of the season, Villanova’s Josh Hart has been the runaway favorite to be the National Player of the Year. However, in the last week, several outlets have moved Kansas guard Frank Mason to the top of their rankings as the 5-foot-11 senior has helped guide the Jayhawks to an undefeated record since the opening night of the season.

Mason has a compelling case. He’s been the most important player for a Kansas team that is positioned to win the Big 12 once again and is a potential no. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. During conference play, he’s averaged a smooth 23.1 points, 5.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds per 40 minutes while shooting 60.0 percent from behind the 3-point line.

The move away from Hart, though, doesn’t seem to follow a dip in the Villanova guard’s performance despite the team picking up an early January loss to Butler. The 6-foot-5 guard has also been excellent in conference play, averaging 21.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per 40 minutes. Hart has not only been the Wildcats’ best defensive player, but he’s grown into a well-rounded offensive weapon as well.

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For my money, I’d still lean Hart given the season long body of work, but Mason will have an opportunity to make a big statement over Kansas’ next three games. The Jayhawks head to West Virginia on Tuesday, to Kentucky on Saturday and then host Baylor the following Wednesday.