Top 10 Naismith Candidates Entering the 2014-15 College Basketball Season

As Duke’s latest hyped import from Chicago, the talented freshman center is expected to have a huge impact on the Blue Devil program in 2014-15. Considered the top recruit in the country by most scouting services, Okafor’s skilled low-post game should lead to big-time individual numbers and plenty of wins for Duke this season.

As usual, coach John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats are loaded with talent heading into 2014-15. Considered odds-on favorites to claim the national title this season, the Wildcats figure to benefit greatly from Harrison’s varied skill set. After a breakout performance in the NCAA Tournament a year ago, the sophomore guard could emerge as Kentucky’s best all-around player as the season rolls along.

Versatile and skilled, Niang figures to become the primary offensive option for coach Fred Hoiberg and the Cyclones in 2014-15. Capable of scoring in bunches, the 6-foot-7 forward should improve on his 16.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game averages from a season ago while lifting a talented Iowa State team into the national spotlight.

With Kansas looking to replace both Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins from last season’s team, Ellis should step to the forefront as the Jayhawks’ latest star. Efficient and aggressive, Ellis averaged 13.6 points per game in 2013-14. Expect significant increases in those numbers this season as the 6-foot-8 forward emerges as Kansas’ top offensive option.

A big-time physical presence in the paint, Harrell might be the nation’s best power forward. Athletic and strong, Harrell averaged 14 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for coach Rick Pitino and the Cardinals in 2013-14. With Russ Smith having moved on, Harrell should get more shots and produce even better numbers during the 2014-15 campaign.

VanVleet is one of the more complete point guards in the country. He was a major reason why Wichita State won its first 35 games of last season and is again considered the favorites to win the Missouri Valley Conference crown in 2014-15. As the Missouri Valley’s reigning Player of the Year, VanVleet will make a major push for All-America honors in his junior campaign for coach Gregg Marshall and the Shockers.

Kaminsky seemingly came out of nowhere to lead the Badgers to the Final Four last season. Now a senior, the seven-foot post looks to pick up where he left off in 2013-14. Highly skilled with the ability to connect from the perimeter, Kaminsky should improve upon his 13.9 scoring average for a championship-caliber Wisconsin team.

Capable of producing monstrous numbers on the wing, Haws returns to the mix for coach Dave Rose and the Cougars. After averaging 23.2 points per game as a junior, the 6-foot-5 guard could put up even better numbers for a BYU team looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

Few players around the country are expected to have a better season than Wisconsin’s 6-foot-7 Dekker. A complete player who has stepped forward to become one of coach Bo Ryan’s most reliable contributors, Dekker impressed NBA scouts with his camp performances during the summer and appears primed to dramatically increase his 12.4 point and 6.1 rebound averages from last season.

Already considered the best point guard in the country by most analysts, Paige could become the nation’s top overall player in 2014-15. Coming off a breakout sophomore season in which the 6-foot-1 dynamo averaged 17.5 points and 4.5 assists per contest, Paige returns for a Tar Heels squad primed for a big year in ACC competition.