2024-25 National Player of the Year Race Heating Up
The race for the John R. Wooden Award is intensifying as key players like Johni Broome of Auburn return from injury, while Cooper Flagg of Duke continues to impress with standout performances. Flagg, fresh off scoring 42 points recently, is vying to become just the fourth freshman to win the award, joining legends like Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson. Meanwhile, other candidates, including Braden Smith, Kam Jones, and PJ Haggerty, are emerging as potential dark horses in a competition that has largely favored big men. Team success remains crucial for consideration, as the Wooden Award often goes to players from teams projected to be No. 4 seeds or higher in the NCAA tournament. The current rankings showcase the top ten candidates, with several honorable mentions who are excelling despite their teams' struggles. As the season progresses, matchups against top-ranked teams will serve as pivotal moments for these athletes, particularly for those like Curtis Jones from Iowa State, who are looking to solidify their status among the elite players in college basketball.
