College Basketball Awards

There is only one more month left until the postseason. Is anyone else excited? About a month and a half ago I came out with my early season awards, and now I revisit, since we’re about two thirds of the way done. Many of these may change as the final chapters unfold, but here are my thoughts on college basketball at this point:

Best Team: Indiana

Indiana began the season ranked first but fell a little bit with losses to Butler and Wisconsin. But after beating #1 Michigan on Saturday, they proved to me again that when they play well, there isn’t a team in the country that can beat them.

Also considered: Florida, Michigan, Kansas

Best Resume: Indiana

With Saturday’s win, they have now beaten Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Georgetown. They have only two losses, and they were to tournament teams (Butler has been a top 10 team). They are undefeated on the road and if the season ended today, they would be the Big Ten Champions (nation’s best conference).

Also considered: Michigan, Duke, Florida, Kansas, Arizona

Surprise Team: Miami (FL)

After some early season troubles, Miami is plowing through the ACC and is currently undefeated in the conference. And don’t say they haven’t played the best teams yet, because they have beaten them all. They have beat UNC, FSU, Maryland, NC State, and Duke. Some of those were on the road, and the Duke game was a 30 point blowout!

Also considered: Oregon, Ole Miss, Wichita State, Pittsburgh

Most Disappointing Team: Kentucky

I never considered Kentucky a Final Four threat. But most, including my colleague did. They are actually coming off a good week, but they are far from ranked and haven’t beaten any quality teams this year so far (unless you count Ole Miss). They can answer the bell though by taking out Florida at some point this year.

Also considered: Florida State, Texas, West Virginia, Tennessee

Player of the Year: Trey Burke

The advantage Burke has over every other player on this list is that he has the ball in his hands more than the other ones do. That’s the only “knock” I have against his case. He gives Michigan a chance to win a national title and is nearly unguardable. He averages over 18 points a game, over 7 assists, over 3 rebounds, and nearly 1.5 steals.

NOTE: If you notice I don’t have Doug McDermott on this list. I knocked him because he plays significantly worse competition and his team has no shot at winning a national title.

Also considered: Cody Zeller, Mason Plumlee, Victor Oladipo, Michael Carter-Williams, Russ Smith, Ben McLemore, Jeff Withey, Kelly Olynyk

Freshman of the Year: Ben McLemore

McLemore was the missing piece a year ago vs. Kentucky in the national championship game. But they have him this year, which means they could be right back in the title hunt. He is averaging over 16 points and 5 rebounds and is the heart and soul of the Kansas offensive attack. Unlike the others on this list, Ben gives Kansas a shot at a national title.

Also considered: Marcus Smart, Anthony Bennett, Shabazz Muhammed, Nerlons Noel

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Oladipo

It came down to two guys: Oladipo and Withey. I went with Victor because his impact is felt on every possession and he is more versatile. Plus, in college basketball offense is all about guards, so his job covering them is much harder than Withey (center). Against Michigan on Saturday (#1 offense in NCAA), he allowed only 4 points total to whomever he was guarding (usually one of the best players) in the entire game. He guarded nearly every one of their starters at some point too.

Also considered: Jeff Withey

Most Improved Player: Victor Oladipo

Unlike his last award, this one is a no-brainer. If he doesn’t win then voters should be shot and they shouldn’t be allowed to vote any longer. His progress is not just helping IU’s immediate future, but he’s helping his own cause on NBA draft boards.

Also considered: Nobody

Most Disappointing Player: Mike Moser

For a guy that most said could be a First Team All-American, Moser surely has been quiet. Part of that is due to a minor injury, but part of it is that he can’t outplay his own teammates for time (specifically Anthony Bennett). He’s averaging only 7.9 points per game along with 6.5 rebounds.

Also considered: Adonis Thomas, Jared Berggren

Coach of the Year: Jim Larranaga

Miami is 8-0 in the ACC so far. Is there anything else you need to know? He’s not only done a great job from last year to this year, but he’s changed this team even from the start of this season. I’m still in awe over their blowout win against Duke.

Also considered: Tom Crean, John Beilein, Tom Izzo, Billy Donovan

Do you agree or disagree with my choices? Voice your opinion in our comment section below. Later!

By: Andrew Miller