The Envelope Please… A Look at the 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball POY Nominees

Written by Josh Katz

Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU

-The Jimmer should be an inspiration to us all. Hailing from Glen Falls, NY, the 6’2’’ guard is offensive juggernaut, leading his BYU Mormons to a 3 seed in this years NCAA tournament. Jimmer has dazzled this season, averaging 28.5 points and 4.2 dimes per contest, shoots 40% from downtown and is a no-brainer for Mountain West player of the year. As if his numbers weren’t impressive enough, he dropped a stunning 52-points against New Mexico in the Mountain West Tournament last week, which is nearly unheard of for a college basketball player. While it is a mystery of how Jimmer’s skills will translate to the NBA game, there is no doubt that he is a favorite to take POY honors back to upstate New York.

Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut

-Kemba Walker took over Madison Square Garden last week, from game-winning shots to clutch plays as the Huskies won themselves a Big East Crown. Kemba Walker did it all this season for UConn, averaging 23.5 points, 5.3 boards and 4.3 dimes per contest, while shooting a sparkling 43% from the field. The New York City native felt right at home as he propelled his team to Big East glory this week, but it is important to ask this question: Is there any one player more important to their team than Kemba Walker? He makes everyone around him better with his ability to dish, and has become extremely difficult to guard one-on-one because of his quickness. If the Huskies advance deep into March, it’ll be because of Kemba Walker.

Nolan Smith, G, Duke

-Nolan Smith should win ACC POY in a landslide this season, but it is his basketball IQ that has him in the running for NCAA POY. Nolan Smith has solid numbers this season, averaging 21.3 points, 5.2 assists and 4.2 boards per game, while shooting about 35% from three-point range. Nolan Smith started off this season playing second fiddle to super-stud Kyrie Irving, who went down with a season-ending injury early on. But Smith has done nothing but maximize his opportunity, leading Duke to an ACC tournament title, and paving the way for a number one seed, something that this Duke team needed desperately. Much like the Kemba Walker-Uconn relationship, Duke will go as far as Nolan Smith allows them to this March.

Jared Sullinger, F, Ohio State

-Jared Sullinger has been touted as a bonafide NBA stud if he chooses to enter the draft next season, (assuming there is an NBA season) and his double-double per game average do nothing but solidify that claim. Sullinger is a beast in the paint, averaging 17.2 points and 10. 1 rebounds per game. The Buckeyes are the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s tournament, largely because of the play of Sullinger. The Ohio native reminds me of Greg Oden, but doesn’t seem to have the big bust potential within. Ohio State is a deep team, but relies heavily on the interior dominance of Sullinger to propel them. Look for a big tournament from the big man.