By Larry Rupp
College basketball is one of the most unpredictable sports in America. Crazy upsets and buzzer beaters can be found on a daily basis. That is what makes it so exciting. Every top 25 team features a number of players capable of erupting for 25-plus points in any given matchup.
However, a few names have been separating themselves from the rest of the pack when it comes to who will be named the National Player of the Year. Let’s take a look at some of the Wooden Award leaders, with odds according to VegasInsider.
Preseason Favorite: Drew Timme (+1100)
Gonzaga’s Drew Timme entered the season as the Wooden Award favorite and remains in the conversation with conference play starting across the country. The 6-foot-10 center has been the most consistent scorer on a Bulldogs team that is currently ranked at No. 4 in the AP Poll. In fact, Timme is shooting over 60% from the floor and poured in a career-high 37 points back in a November matchup against the Texas Longhorns.
Of course, Timme showcased his skills during Gonzaga’s run to the National Championship game last year. He has shown no signs of slowing down and has actually improved his blocking abilities. The only thing holding Timme back is the Bulldogs’ depth. Gonzaga doesn’t need the 21-year-old to be on point every single night given its plethora of scorers.
Are you serious @drewtimme2? pic.twitter.com/rWZhC3n3lm
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) December 28, 2021
Leader of the Pack: Johnny Davis (+600)
No one is rising up the odds more than Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis. The sophomore has taken a major step up after averaging 7.0 points and 4.1 rebounds as a freshman. He is racking up over 20 points per game so far this season and has simply taken over the Badger’s offensive attack. Keep in mind this team has found its way into the top 25 after starting the year unranked.
A lot of that success can be attributed to Davis. He can do it all. The dynamic sharpshooter can hit three-pointers, drive in the lane for a contested layup and post up for a mid-range jumper at any time. While he did not make the Wooden Award top 50 list back in November, Davis is quickly becoming a household name in the sport. It’ll be interesting to see if he can keep his hot streak rolling in the Big Ten.
DAVIS 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/HYJ4BsqqB7
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 7, 2022
Sneaky Contender: EJ Liddell (+1400)
Ohio State is ranked as the No. 16 team in the nation, yet EJ Liddell continues to be left out of the National Player of the Year conversation. The junior forward could’ve easily headed to the NBA at the end of last season. Instead, he came back to the Buckeyes for one last shot at a Big Ten title. The way he has been playing on the court so far can only be described as dominant.
Liddell is posting career-high marks across the board in statistical categories including points, rebounds, assists and blocks. More importantly, the 21-year-old has been a force on the defensive side of the ball. Liddell defends the paint on every possession and has the size to contest any shot put up against him. It’s fair to say he’s a name to watch out for over the second half of the year.
LIDDELL DOING LIDDELL THINGS 😳💪@EasyE2432 | @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/kmnmT94GWp
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 7, 2022
Picture Credit: Wikimedia
