ESPN's Myron Medcalf has released his preseason predictions for the men's college basketball player of the year in every conference, offering a look at the front-runners across the sport. This year's preview comes with a major caveat: the NCAA's new "Fifth Gate" rule, which grants a fifth year of eligibility to most athletes while excluding the 2022 class, has triggered legal challenges and uncertainty. Dozens of teams could gain or lose key players depending on how those cases are resolved.
To avoid confusion, Medcalf has largely left those uncertain players out of the conversation. Missouri's Mark Mitchell Jr., St. John's Keyshawn Hall, Miami's Malik Reneau and LSU's Donovan Dent are all capable of conference player of the year consideration, but they have been excluded until more is known. The preview is effectively written in pencil.
Even so, the season is loaded with talent. Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes is expected to make noise, while returning veterans such as Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. and Florida's Thomas Haugh are chasing national player of the year honors and championships. Transfers Flory Bidunga of Louisville and John Blackwell of Duke are also positioned to compete for all-conference recognition.
In the America East, Vermont's Gus Yalden leads the predictions. The 6-foot-9 center averaged 18.9 points last season and made 46% of his 3-point attempts during a stretch in February. In the American Conference, North Texas guard Je'Shawn Stevenson earns the top spot after anchoring a squad that finished in the top 50 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing