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2019 Naismith Trophy: Ranking the 10 semifinalists – Zion Williamson’s to lose?

By Mike Phillips

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 02: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots the ball 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 shoots the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Cassius Winston, Michigan State

The favorite for the Big Ten Player of the Year, Winston has put the Spartans on his back following the losses of Joshua Langford and Nick Ward. While Winston is clearly the most valuable Spartan, he doesn’t have the raw stats to take home the Naismith.

4. Ja Morant, Murray State

Morant has been a dynamic playmaker for Murray State all long, leading the nation in assists with 10.3 a game and averaging 24.1 points per game for good measure. While there’s no doubt Morant will be a top-5 pick in the NBA Draft, the fact he is dominating the Ohio Valley Conference probably works against him.

3. Markus Howard, Marquette

Howard is the highest scorer on the list of semifinalists, averaging 25.5 ppg to help Marquette climb to the top of the Big East standings. The unquestioned leader of the Golden Eagles’ offense, Howard has scored at least 30 points in a game nine times this year, including a season-high 52 in at Creighton on Jan. 9.

2. Grant Williams, Tennessee

Along with Admiral Schofield, Grant Williams has been the engine driving Tennessee’s excellent season. Williams has produced on the court (19.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and provided veteran leadership to Tennessee, making him a strong contender for the Naismith.

1. Zion Williamson, Duke

The other freshman on the list, Zion Williamson is the clear front-runner for the Naismith. Williamson is the best player on the nation’s best team, and Duke’s struggles without him show how valuable Williamson is to the Blue Devils. Strong statistics (21.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and multiple highlight reel moments have made the Naismith Williamson’s to lose, but if he looks rusty upon returning from a knee injury it could open the door for some of the other candidates on the list.

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