Before starting I want to make it known that I don't think another mid-major player wins the Wooden award. I think the award will ultimately go to Duke's rookie sensation Jahlil Okafor, but I do think Wichita State's Ron Baker can finish in the top 5. Just like every year there are 50 players who still have a chance to win the "Heisman Trophy" of college basketball. Some will be knocked off the list as the year goes on, and they will add some breakout players later in the year. However, there are always favorites to win the award. Of course this year the favorites are Frank Kaminsky of Wisconsin and Jahlili Okafor of Duke, it will be hard for anyone, especially a guard playing in the Missouri Valley Conference to make a case to pass one or even both of them. According to ESPN, Frank Kaminsky is leading the way right now, followed by Okafor and then Baker. It's hard to argue with that as Kaminsky is averaging 18.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.8 BPG to go along with an impressive field goal percentage (62.3%). The freshman from Chicago has put up very good numbers as well, 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.7 BPG while shooting 64.9% from the field. Both players have led their teams to a top 5 ranking and undefeated records. Then there is the sleeper pick from the #9 team in the nation, Ron Baker from Wichita State. The crazy thing is, he may not even be the best guard on his team. Fellow guard Fred VanVleet is considered by many as the Shocker's best player, although Baker has looked the best thus far. Baker's numbers are great so far, 18.3 PPG, 3.7 PPG, 3 APG and shooting almost 50% from the field. Baker has only gotten better since his freshman year. He is drawing 6 fouls per 40 minutes, a very impressive stat, something not many players can do. His numbers make it seem like all he can do is score, yes that is the biggest part of his game but he makes everyone around him better. He is very scrappy on defense, always trying to get the steal, averaging just under 2 SPG. He improved a lot his sophomore year and I expect an even bigger improvement his junior year. Averaging over 18 PPG so far is even more impressive as Darius Carter has take 42% of the Shocker's shots, not leaving many shots for guys like Baker and VanVleet. I think Baker will continue to have a good year but playing in a weaker conference will hurt his chances to win it this year. I know Doug McDermott of Creighton won last year, playing in the MVC as well, also beating out 2 outstanding freshman. McDermott was also one of the best scorers college basketball has ever seen the past 4 years. The only recent guy that compares is Jimmer Fredette. I think Baker will have a better chance next year, if he stays for his senior year, as he will be the main guy if VanVleet leaves. I think this is a bad year for a mid-major player to try and win it. Having a sharp shooting 7 footer who plays in arguably the best conference in the nation and a star freshman who is the best recruit since LeBron James, in my opinion, will be hard to overcome. Baker can't have an off night this year and must continue to be a star. If he can lead Wichita State to another perfect season, or close to one then he will most likely finish in the top 5, possibly even winning the award. I know players say winning a title is more important than any individual award, and I believe them. However, I think he and Fred VanVleet both have a shot at winning it this year, even more next year as that recruiting class doesn't have a player like Okafor. Winning should be the first thing on Baker's mind, but it would still be cool to have back-to-back MVC Wooden Award winners.
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