Kansas Player of the Year candidates
Kansas Player of the Year candidates
Prep Hoops takes a look at players who could be named Player of the Year this season.
Israel Barnes, 6’4, SG/SF, 2018, Wichita Southeast
The Weber State recruit has been one of Kansas’ top players for several years. Big question for Barnes is how far can he lead his team into the 5A state playoffs. He has good size and athleticism. is a standout defender and brings terrific leadership qualities to the court.
Zach Harvey, 6’4, SG, 2019, Topeka Hayden
These kind of awards usually go to seniors, but Harvey enters the 2017-18 season as one of the state’s premier players and it helps to be on a team that is primed for a state championship run. He averaged 25 points per game a year ago and holds an impressive list of offers, including Kansas, UCLA, Orgeon and others.
Joe Pleasant, 6’6, F, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest
A versatile, inside-outside player who has committed to play at Abilene Christian, the 6’6 forward is the most accomplished returning player for one of the state’s top teams. Pleasant is a good rebounder, a versatile scorer who can shoot from the outside and post up on the block.
Ben Pyle, 6’6, SF, 2018, McPherson
Pyle is a talented wing player who can do a lot of things, he is a terrific rebounder, a good ball handler and can shoot from the outside. A versatile all-around offensive player, Pyle can score in a variety of ways. McPherson figures to be a state championship contender with Pyle, 2018 point guard Mason Alexander, 2019 guard Jake Alexander and others leading the way.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, 6’8, 2019, Bishop Miege
Robinson-Earl is among the state’s premier players and will likely be the best player on arguably the state’s best team this season. Robinson-Earl is a terrific two-way player and an elite rebounder. He defends, can score on the block and can play in the high post where he and 2019 PF Josh Earley will be a tough 1-2 punch to contain.