PJ HaggertyDavid Jensen/Getty Images
Another year, another likely All-American honor for Hunter Dickinson. The fifth-year center is averaging 16.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks while shooting 52.7 percent from the floor. Kansas has dropped a few games lately, but Dickinson will remain a prime All-American threat as long as the Jayhawks avoid a late-season meltdown.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Also a fifth-year player, Ryan Kalkbrenner once again has a thriving all-around game. He’s shooting 67.3 percent and blocking 2.8 shots per game—both of which lead the Big East—in addition to his 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per outing. Kalkbrenner’s presence is a key reason for Creighton’s surge from a sluggish start to the campaign.
PJ Haggerty is a critical piece of the nation’s best three-point shooting team. Within his 21.6 points per game, he’s knocked down 43.2 percent of his long-range attempts. Haggerty has collected 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and an AAC-leading 2.1 steals per game, as well. Memphis missed the NCAA tournament last season but is trending toward a top-eight seed, largely thanks to the Tulsa transfer.
Tennessee, meanwhile, is excelling with a steady hand in the backcourt. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler has provided 12.9 points and an SEC-high 7.5 assists per game, also nabbing 2.1 steals. Zeigler is a hot-and-cold shooter, but his value as the metronome of UT’s system is evident.
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Fresh off a victory over Auburn in which Walter Clayton Jr. tallied 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds, Florida is inching closer to a potential No. 1 seed in March Madness. Clayton has been the catalyst for the Gators, averaging 17.5 points and 4.0 assists with a 36.6 three-point clip.
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