Earlier this week, the top 20 players on this year’s Wooden Award Watchlist were revealed. However, there is an argument to be made that just two players are important. One is Johni Broome, who leads No. 1 Auburn in scoring (18.1 ppg, 10.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2.7 blocks per game). The other is freshman standout forward Cooper Flagg, who leads top-5 Duke in scoring (19.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and 4.0 assists).
That being said, there are still many weeks left in the regular season, giving someone plenty of chance to make a late run for the Wooden Award. Here are the three most likely prospects to compete for the top individual award.
Braden Smith – Purdue Boilermakers
2024-25 season stats: 16.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 8.7 apg
Despite losing Zach Edey, a two-time Wooden Award winner, Purdue is ranked in the top ten and is in contention for the Big Ten regular-season championship. It’s all because to Smith, who is already one of the nation’s top passers but has also improved his offensive performance, scoring 24 or more points in four of the previous five games. If the Boilermakers win the Big Ten Championship, he should be in the running.
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 2024-25 season numbers for Creighton Bluejays include 19 points per game, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks.
When searching for a dark horse possibility, turn to Creighton’s outstanding big man, Kalkbrenner. He’s already one of the finest two-way players in the NCAA, putting up career-high offensive statistics, including 49 points to start the season and 35 points and 12 rebounds in a recent win against Providence. If the Bluejays win St. John’s this weekend, they would tie for first place in the Big East standings, which will strengthen his case to be named the top frontcourt player in college basketball.
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- SEC dominates early top 16 bracket announcement for 2025 NCAA Tournament.
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