Wooden Watch: Feb. 21
The college basketball season is winding down, and the top teams are starting to separate from the rest of the pack, as they are playing for seeding in the NCAA Tournament. With March fast approaching, here’s take a look at some of the top players in the nation who are front-runners for the Wooden Award.
Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky
The West Virginia transfer Tshiebwe has been nothing but spectacular for the Wildcats this year.
Tshiebwe averages 16.4 points and an amazing 15.2 rebounds per game.
He has also been extremely effective on defense, averaging 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. The Kentucky big has been special this year and is firmly in the race for the Wooden Award.
E.J. Liddell, Ohio State
Liddell has been the best player for the Buckeyes for the last two seasons and continues to improve.
The stretch forward is averaging 19.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, both career-best averages for Liddell.
Liddell has also been dominant on the defensive side of the ball, averaging a career-high 2.6 blocks per game.
Liddell’s effort on the defensive side of the floor has helped separate him from the other great players in the country, making him a prime candidate for the Wooden Award this year.
Johnny Davis, Wisconsin
Davis might be the most improved player in college basketball this year, and his play continues to impress the nation.
Davis is averaging 20.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Badgers, who are in the hunt for a Big Ten title this year.
The sophomore sensation has been big in huge games as well, most notably scoring 37 points in Wisconsin’s road win over Purdue earlier this year.
Davis is one of the best players in the nation and is looking to cap off this season with a strong finish heading into March.
Jaden Ivey, Purdue
Jaden Ivey might be the best player in the nation and might be playing for the best team in the nation.
Ivey has been sensational, averaging 17 points per game for the Boilers, while also being one of the most electrifying players in the game with his unbelievable athleticism.
Purdue is making a push for a national title this year, and Ivey will be a huge reason they could be the team-to-beat in March.
Jabari Smith, Auburn
Auburn has been one of the best stories in college basketball this year, leading the SEC and dominating their competition.
It's star freshman Smith is a huge reason, averaging 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Tigers, who are looking to return to the Final Four, where they were in 2019.
Smith is in the conversation for being the number one pick in the NBA Draft and is looking to cap off his one year at Auburn with a national title.
Adam Sheetz is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ads360@psu.edu.