Naismith Watch: Hart's lead shrinking as season reaches midway point NCAA.com

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The leader hasn’t changed in eight weekly editions of the Naismith Watch, but as we reach the season’s halfway point, the race remains extremely competitive. Teams are entering the meaty part of their conference schedules. Each player listed here is public enemy number 1 (or 1A) on an opponent’s scouting report. The assistant coaches responsible for assembling those game plans aren’t getting much sleep. Josh Hart, Villanova (19.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg) While the form is unorthodox, the results are excellent: Ball has made 41 of his 95 3-pointers including five in the first half of the Bruins’ 14-point win over Stanford on Sunday night. His versatility also places him in elite company in the Conference of Champions, joining these players from the last 24 seasons who averaged 14 points, six assists and five rebounds. (Sports-reference.com) De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky Luke Kennard, Duke (20.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.5 apg) Jock Landale, Saint Mary’s (19.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg) Denzel Ingram, UNCW (15.2 ppg, 5.8 apg) (We’re using this spot each week to highlight a slightly under-the-radar performer). Listed generously at 6-feet, the Seahawks’ senior point guard has played a significant part in the team’s school-record 15-2 start. He helped UNCW to the Colonial Athletic Association championship last season, earning a reputation as a big-shot taker -- and maker. He solidified his place in program history earlier this season, nailing this tough baseline jumper to beat the buzzer and St. Bonaventure. Ingram has a 2.7 assist-turnover ratio on the season. In the Seahawks’ four CAA games, has drilled a league-best 5.3 3-pointers per game, connecting on 44.7 percent. Want to hear the scary part? He’s the third-leading scorer in an attack ranked 18th in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency (116.9 pts. per 100 possessions), per KenPom.com.

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