Kansas’ Mason, Nova’s Hart leading player of the year races

Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) shoots in front of Oklahoma State guard Brandon Averette (0) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, March 4, 2017. Kansas won 90-85. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) shoots in front of Oklahoma State guard Brandon Averette (0) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, March 4, 2017. Kansas won 90-85. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

By Associated Press March 5, 2017 4 min read

The race for the major player of the year awards in college basketball was a split decision in 2016. Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield won the Naismith and Wooden awards, while Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine was The Associated Press player of the year.

This season could see a similar divvying.

While there are two likely front-runners, several other players could force their way into the conversation when the AP announces its pick at the Final Four, the Naismith Award is given out on March 16 and the Wooden Award is handed out on April 7.

A rundown of the top candidates:

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