The College Basketball season has seen plenty of stories and drama all across the country. There are clear favorites for National Player of the Year, and there are plenty of improved players. With March approaching, each of the following players could be in a position to lead their teams to the National Championship. From small schools to power conferences, these are college basketball’s Most Improved players.
Obi Toppin could lead Dayton to new heights
Toppin might be the one name that arguably doesn’t belong among the other Most Improved players because he was already playing at such a high level. Still, he belongs in this conversation as he had put his name among the top contenders for the best player in the country. His freshman season saw him average 14.4 points per game along with nearly six rebounds per game. Each category has increased this season, as Obi has become quite a strong all-around player. His numbers included 19 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, along with with one block and at least one steal per game. Toppin can really stuff the stat book and he belongs in the conversation as one of the most improved players in the country.
Luka Garza is a monster
The Iowa Hawkeyes, have turned into a legitimate contender in the Big Ten Conference. Not only are they play strong team ball, but they are also one of the most explosive teams at both ends of the floor. That is primarily due to the level at which the Big Ten’s leading scorer Luka Garza is playing. He has steadily improved every season at Iowa, and after averaging 13 points and four rebounds last season, his numbers have skyrocketed to 23 points per game and over 10 rebounds. Cassius Winston is the defending Big Ten player of the year and seemed to be the favorite to win National Player of the Year and also the Big Ten’s player of the year, but hold on, Luka Garza should be atop the conversation as his numbers continue to stand out.
As Daniel Oturu goes, so too does Minnesota
The Golden Gophers are coming off a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and they had the pieces to improve on that this season. They remain in the hunt, but at this point, it looks to be only as long as Daniel Oturu can get involved. Oturu is among some of the best post players in the country, as the Big Ten has around five to six different guys who can go get double figures in both points and rebounds. Oturu is playing at an All-Big Ten level and might be the best rebounding player the conference has. He must continue to produce his average of 19.7 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Gophers to return to the NCAA’s this season. Minnesota has some key games ahead (check out our free expert predictions) and the Gophers will need as many wins as possible.
What about Nick Richards?
The Kentucky Wildcats have had plenty of bumps in the road this season. Not to mention the recent transfer of Khalil Whitney. It has taken quite a while but Nick Richards looks to have finally developed into the player the UK faithful were hoping he could be. His numbers have skyrocketed from last season, as Richards averaged less than five points per game and three rebounds last season. He looks like a completely different player with 14.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season. He belongs in the conversation of Most Improved players in college basketball. Can Richards keep it up?
