There's been just one player in men's college basketball history who's won the Wooden Award in consecutive seasons: Virginia's Ralph Sampson in 1982 and 1983.
Purdue big man Zach Edey is the overwhelming favorite to become the second.
Edey was a known commodity entering his junior campaign, but he wasn't considered a dominant, immovable force who doubled as a tree trunk. He ended up averaging 22.3 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, an increase of eight points and five boards from his sophomore season. As a result, Purdue won the Big Ten regular season and tournament title.
Edey is impossible to guard in single coverage. Limiting him requires multiple defenders preventing him from catching the ball and swarming him when he does earn a touch.
The 7-foot-4, 300-pound big man seems like he's destined to be named college basketball's top player again. He doesn't rely on skill as much as sheer strength and height, which makes it easier to dominate the sport. Oddsmakers seem to agree as Edey's +160 to win with the next closest contender at +750.
National Player of the Year Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Zach Edey | +160 |
| Kyle Filipowski | +750 |
| Hunter Dickinson | +875 |
| Armando Bacot | +1600 |
| Donovan Clingan | +2500 |
| Tyler Kolek | +2500 |
| Caleb Love | +3000 |
| Isaiah Collier | +3000 |
| Max Abmas | +3000 |
| Oumar Ballo | +3000 |
| RJ Davis | +4000 |
| Tyson Walker | +4000 |
| Aidan Mahaney | +5000 |
| Jahmir Young | +5000 |
| Johnell Davis | +5000 |
| Justin Moore | +5000 |
Despite everything pointing in Edey's direction, there's no value in betting on someone to win the Wooden Award with those short odds. The unpredictability of college basketball makes the sport so enjoyable. So much can go wrong for a player or a team, so it's wise to look down the oddsboard and identify other worthy candidates.
Kansas big Hunter Dickinson immediately jumps out in a new situation on one of the best teams in the country. The Michigan transfer is a two-time All-Big Ten first-team selection and was a consensus All-American second-team honoree in 2021.
There's no question Dickinson has the talent as a dominant post presence who can also shoot from the outside, pass, and set screens.
Just like Edey is unstoppable in single coverage, so is Dickinson. Big Ten teams showered him with multiple defensive looks, including double and triple teams.
Dickinson thrives catching the ball on the low block or the mid-post where he can use his strength and finesse to score at the rim, get fouled, or find an open teammate.
Dickinson developed an outside shot after his freshman year. He shot virtually no threes his first season but attempted close to two per game in the last couple of campaigns and shot 42% from three last season.
Kansas coach Bill Self, one of the country's most offensively creative coaches, hasn't had an inside-out big to work with in years. He's known for his unique sets to get big man touches on the block, which should only lead to more opportunities for Dickinson.
Michigan's questionable talent surrounding Dickinson the last couple of years led to some disappointing seasons for the Wolverines. That hurt his chances of emerging as a Player of the Year candidate even though he put up somewhat similar averages to Edey.
However, Kansas won't fall under the radar this season. The Jayhawks have a loaded squad and are the favorite to win the national title. Dajuan Harris Jr. is an experienced starting point guard and a worthy pick-and-roll partner with Dickinson. Add a talented freshman and a sharpshooting transfer around Dickinson and Kansas should coast through the Big 12.
Big men have taken over college basketball - the top five favorites are all forwards or centers. But Dickinson will be the biggest and brightest of them all at his new home in Lawrence on his way to the National Player of the Year.
Pick: Hunter Dickinson +875 (bet $10 to win $87)
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.
