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Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

NCAAB futures: Player of the Year not a done deal

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 11/4/23

There is a glut of good big men in the college game right now (which is not a bad thing). Zach Edey is the biggest of them all and last year's Player of the Year returned to Purdue looking for some redemption from their shocking NCAA Tournament exit last spring.

Edey is also the odds-on favorite to win NPOY again this season, currently priced at +175. I am not suggesting to bet against him because that payoff is actually not too bad but here are some other players who are in great positions to win the award and pump up your bankroll a lot more.

2023-24 Player of the Year Futures

Hunter Dickinson, Kansas +900

Dickinson was the biggest transfer portal prize this past offseason ... literally. He is at Kansas now where his production may increase, while helping the team most think is the best in the nation right now. The only downside appears to be what if things are too easy and it looks like the Jayhawks don't really need him. The Player of the Year is not an MVP award though. As long as he gets his minutes that production will be there.

This is a great payoff for the third listed player in the market.

Tyson Walker, Michigan State +4000

The other team that most pundits are super high on this season is Michigan State. Guard Tyson Walker is the engine of the team and guards generally have a built-in advantage for these awards because they have their hands on the ball so much. Walker has a great chance to take on Edey face-to-face too. If he and Michigan State win those matchups it might be hard to give it to the champ. The primary concern is that the MSU system doesn't generally produce great numbers.

The Spartans first game of the season is against Duke. That is a great chance to make a statement so it might be wise to buy in early if you like him.

Aidan Mahaney, St. Mary's +6500

Another storyline this season is the anticipated demise of Gonzaga out West. I am not sure I am quite there but I do agree that St. Mary's has a very strong team this season and will definitely challenge the Zags in the West Coast Conference. If they have the season many are expecting, Mahaney will be a big part of it. He might be the best player in any conference playing out West this season. Unfortunately, beyond Gonzaga he does not have the luxury of a lot of high-profile games, but in mid November the Gaels play San Diego State, the national runner-ups last season. If SMC are very good and his numbers grow he will be in the mix.

With Mahaney, you could probably wait a little bit. He is unlikely to burst out of the gates and see his value drop.

Boogie Ellis, USC +8000

I am really high on USC this season in a lighter-than-normal Pac-12. The league could get a little more attention too due to its "sunsetting nature" and USC in particular with the likes of guards Isaiah Collier (perhaps the best freshman in the nation) and Bronny James (perhaps the most recognizable freshman ever). However, when you watch USC games you are going to notice that most of the time neither is leading the team in scoring like Ellis did last season. He can push his scoring to 20 ppg+ on a team that will be in the national conversation more than we are used to.

Check out Yardbarker's betting hub for more previews, predictions, news and analysis.

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