College Basketball Stars Shine Bright Before the Season Kicks Off

The college basketball season is just around the corner, and the excitement is building. This year, there are some new award categories to highlight the best players in the game. But first, let's talk about the players who are expected to make a big impact this season.

Top Players to Watch

Braden Smith

• Position: Senior Point Guard
• School: Purdue
• Preseason Award: Player of the Year
• Career Stats:
• Points: Over 1,300
• Assists: 700
• Rebounds: 500
• Shooting: 38.1% from three-point range last season
• Notable Achievement: On pace to break Bobby Hurley's record for the most assists in a career

Joseph Tugler

• Position: Junior Power Forward
• School: Houston
• Preseason Award: Defensive Player of the Year
• Defensive Stats:
• Block Rate: Ranked 7th last season
• Defensive Rating: 87.0
• Notable Achievement: Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year

Yaxel Lendeborg

• Position: Graduate Student Power Forward
• School: Michigan
• Preseason Award: Transfer of the Year
• Last Season Stats (at UAB):
• Points: 17.7
• Rebounds: 14.4
• Assists: 4.2
• Blocks: 1.8
• Steals: 1.7

About the Awards

• Voters: College basketball writers and broadcasters
• Note: Preseason awards are predictions; actual winners will be determined at the end of the season ```