Coen Carr: A-
There's an argument to be made that Coen Carr has been the best player on the team this season outside of Jaden Akins or Jase Richardson. He's been vastly improved on both ends of the floor and that's why he's averaging over 20 minutes per game. Carr is averaging 8.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 58 percent from the floor. Oh, and his free throw shooting has improved drastically and he's even made a couple of threes.
Xavier Booker: C
Xavier Booker began the season as the team's starting four, but he struggled and promptly earned a spot on the bench. He's averaging 15 minutes per game to go along with 6.3 points and 2.9 rebounds and he's shooting about 44 percent from the floor. His 3-point shooting has been lacking and his effort is sometimes leaving a lot to be desired but he has an incredibly high ceiling and he might be the more naturally talented guy on the team. It's time for him to realize that.
Carson Cooper: C-
It's hard to truly judge Carson Cooper and give him a legit grade on under 15 minutes per game but he's been a lot better lately. Is a C- too harsh for a guy who's averaging just 13.9 minutes? Potentially, but I think his minutes were waning earlier in the season because he was struggling offensively and was getting lost on defense which was something we weren't used to with him. I've been hard on Cooper, but he's playing much better lately.
Jase Richardson: A
I think Jase Richardson has been the best player on the team this season, given the preseason expectations. While I think Jaden Akins is the go-to guy and the leader, Richardson is right there at No. 2, averaging 9.6 points per game and shooting an impressive 59 percent from the floor and 43 percent from deep. It feels like Richardson is playing like a fifth-year senior because he's so reliable and consistent. He hasn't hit that "freshman wall" yet and we're all hoping that doesn't happen.