ESPN College GameDay crew debate National Player of the Year candidates alongside Zach Edey

There wasn’t much debate over National Player of the Year last season, and that winner, Zach Edey, is on pace to take home the award once again. However, there are still a few other contenders in the mix.

On the first episode of College GameDay for the basketball season, analysts Seth Greenberg, Jay Bilas, Jay Williams and Andrea Carter debated the merits of this year’s NPOY candidates, highlighting who specifically they believe can give Edey a run for his money.

You can find the crew’s full comments on each of the other players they view as contenders. Leading off with a couple of Kansas players…

Kevin McCullar

Jay Bilas: “I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about it. I think Edey is going to win it again. But if I were voting now, I would vote for Kevin McCullar of Kansas No. 2 to Zach Edey. McCullar, in my judgment, has been the best two-way player in America. He is a great defender, he averages just under 20 points a game, seven rebounds, almost five assists and just under two steals per game.

“They don’t beat UCONN without him knocking down three threes late in that ballgame, something he has not been known for. The jump that Jalen Wilson made from his junior to senior year — I think the jump Kevin McCullar has made his senior year is even bigger.”

Jay Williams: “I would still give it to Zach Edey right now, but McCullar leading the team in points, assists, steals, minutes per game. I think the job he does defensively on the opposing team’s best player and the job he’s done offensively, like, he also makes critical plays.

“One of the things I love about him: he’s not afraid to put his nose in it defensively. He’ll stick his nose in there and he’ll do the dirty work. I think that needs to be rewarded.”

Andrea Carter: “He plays with so much physicality as a guard. It is so fun to watch his hustle and his heart.”

Hunter Dickinson

Carter: “When Hunter Dickinson is at his best, let’s not kid, he had 27 points and 21 rebounds against Kentucky. He put up a 30-piece on 65% (shooting) against TCU. He’s averaging a double-double, he has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes. I think he brings a lot to this game. When he’s at his best, I think he can make a run at Zach Edey.”

Seth Greenberg: “I’ll tell you the other thing he brings, he brings a little attitude. He’s got a little edge to him.”

Kyle Filipowski, LJ Cryer

Greenberg: “By the way, you (motioning to Jay Williams) and Bilas, out of The Brotherhood. I mean, you had an opportunity to pick Kyle Filipowski. He’s a seven-footer averaging 17 a game, eight rebounds, three assists, shooting 50% from the three over the last seven games. Sky was falling when they lost those two in a row. All he did was take those young guys, put his arms around them, and make them all a little bit better.

“He can back you down in the paint, play through contact. He can pick. You can put him in the pick-and-pop, short rolls, he’s a passer, he can catch it on the block or he can pop it. His complete game, and more importantly, his leadership, plus, they play on national TV every game.”

Carter: “Speaking of attitude, Kyle Filipowski is not afraid to give you a little elbow up and down the court. He’s not afraid to check somebody or let somebody know that he doesn’t like what you’re doing.”

Rece Davis: “You want to talk about complete players, too, I wanna give a little shoutout to LJ Cryer. When he’s on the floor for Houston, they’re +322 points — leads the nation.”

Carter: “Yeah, he’s cold.”