Fansided

National Player of the Year rankings: Can RJ Barrett overtake Zion Williamson?

By Jacob Lane

LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 12: Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils warm up before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on February 12, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Duke came from behind to win 71-69. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 12: Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils warm up before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on February 12, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Duke came from behind to win 71-69. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 02: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 02: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Grant Williams – Tennessee

This week:

  • Ole Miss: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks (W)
  • No. 4 Kentucky: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists (W)

Season Stats: 19.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.4 bpg

Grant Williams is the first newcomer to the list, taking the fifth spot away from PJ Washington after big wins over Ole Miss and Kentucky.

Williams was looked at to be the favorite for the award heading into the season and showed that throughout the majority of non-conference play for Tennessee. Him not being included last week had more to do with the other guys strong play then it did a lack of solid play from Williams.

Against Ole Miss, a team who looks to be headed to the NCAA tournament, Williams was dominant. He finished the game as the statistical leader in points, rebounds, and assists for Tennessee, while going 7-of-13 from the floor and 7-of=8 from the free throw line.

In a revenge game against No. 4 Kentucky, who beat the Vols pretty handily less than a month ago, Williams showed up in a major way. Not only did he score 24 points and grab 7 boards in a lopsided victory, but he essentially shut down PJ Washington, limiting him to just 13 points on six shots.

The Vols control their destiny for a one seed in the NCAA Tournament, barring another loss to LSU or Kentucky in the SEC Tournament. First, they’ll have to finish the season strong against two likely tournament teams, Mississippi State and Auburn.