The Naismith Trophy finalists have been released. Who’s the favorite?
The Naismith Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding basketball player in a given season. It is voted on by Atlanta Tipoff Club’s national voting academy. This year, they’ve chosen four National Player of the Year finalists: Kansas’s Frank Mason, Purdue’s Caleb Swanigan, UCLA’s Lonzo Ball and Villanova’s Josh Hart. The winner will be announced Apr. 2.
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Here’s our attempt to rank the finalists, including our pick to win the award:
4. Lonzo Ball, UCLA
Lonzo Ball’s case to be the National Player of the Year is perhaps best explained through the prism of the Bruins’ turnaround this season. In 2015-16, UCLA finished 15-17, missed out on the NCAA Tournament and had the No. 51 ranked offense in the country based on adjusted efficiency. With three of the same starters from last season’s team, in 2016-17, the Bruins are 31-4, playing in the Sweet Sixteen and running out the No. 2 ranked offense. Much of that change can be attributed to Ball’s influence.
The freshman point guard brings a certain unselfishness to the basketball court. For a one-and-done talent, his 18.0 percent usage rate is on the low end, but Ball leads the country in assists per game (7.6). He is constantly surveying the court looking for opportunities to make the best play possible.
Ball’s scoring talent also can’t be overlooked. His 67.4 effective field goal percentage ranks seventh in the nation and not just because of his outstanding 3-point shooting (42.0 percent). The 19-year old is an intelligent player inside the arc who avoids taking mid-range jumpers, is excellent cutting to the basket and finishes well at the rim.
Ball may ultimately miss out on being named National Player of the Year, but his role in UCLA’s turnaround shouldn’t be understated.