Top College Basketball Players of the Year: Week 3 Power Rankings

The college basketball season sets the stage for a fluid National Player of the Year race. As the season progresses and teams have played between five and seven games, the emerging storylines start to take shape.

Stay tuned for our updated rankings every other Monday, crafted by Jamie Shaw, a member of the Naismith Men’s College Basketball Board of Selectors, to gain a clearer perspective as more games are played.

After the recent Feast Week festivities, let’s dive into the Week 3 Power Rankings for the men’s college basketball National Player of the Year.

1. C Zach Edey, Purdue

The Buzz: Zach Edey propelled Purdue to a perfect 6-0 record during the Maui Invitational, securing significant wins against No. 11 Gonzaga, No. 7 Tennessee, and No. 4 Marquette. Edey’s outstanding performance included averages of 25.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks while shooting 57.7 percent from the field. The reigning National Player of the Year is playing at an unmatched level, establishing himself as the best player on the top team in the country.

2. C Hunter Dickinson, Kansas

The Buzz: Hunter Dickinson’s transition to Kansas has been nothing short of remarkable. Averaging 21.2 points and 12.7 rebounds, he has seamlessly integrated himself into the team, delivering impressive performances such as his 27-point and 21-rebound game against Kentucky.

3. G Tyler Kolek, Marquette

The Buzz: Tyler Kolek, the reigning Big East Player of the Year, has showcased his exceptional control of the game. Despite not boasting eye-popping stats, Kolek’s precise plays and on-court leadership have been fundamental to Marquette’s 5-1 start.

4. C Kyle Filipwoski, Duke

The Buzz: Kyle Filipwoski, with consistent standout performances, has been a potent force for Duke, propelling them to a 5-1 record and a place in the top ten. Averaging 18.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, Filipwoski has been a key contributor to Duke’s success.

5. G Wade Taylor, Texas A&M

The Buzz: Wade Taylor’s remarkable scoring prowess has been pivotal to Texas A&M’s impressive 6-1 start, with several explosive performances, including a 35-point game against top-20-ranked Florida Atlantic.

6. F Dalton Knecht, Tennessee

The Buzz: Dalton Knecht, a standout graduate transfer, has been a consistent scoring threat for Tennessee. Despite losing two games in Maui, Knecht’s scoring touch remains steady, positioning him as a vital asset for the team.

7. G LJ Cryer, Houston

The Buzz: LJ Cryer, a portal addition for Houston, is steadily finding his rhythm, leading the team in scoring and contributing significantly to Houston’s unblemished 7-0 record.

8. G Wooga Poplar, Miami

The Buzz: Wooga Poplar has been a force to be reckoned with, leading Miami with aplomb, showcasing impressive scoring and rebounding contributions, and boasting an exceptional 59.4 percent three-point shooting accuracy.

9. F Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State

The Buzz: Jaedon LeDee has delivered a scintillating start to the season, averaging significant numbers in both scoring and rebounding, establishing himself as a key player for San Diego State’s 5-1 record.

10. G Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor

The Buzz: Freshman Ja’Kobe Walter has made an immediate impact for Baylor, leading the team in scoring multiple times and showcasing his talent with impressive performances, including a 28-point game against Auburn on opening night.