Toward the end of the season, these two names quickly became synonymous with the title of best college basketball player in the country. However, it was Denzel Valentine taking home the hardward as the Associated Press announced the Michigan State Spartan and senior as their Player of the Year. The decision led to some outrage from several fanbases impressed with the play of Buddy Hield.
However, the best argument against the Big 10 Player of the Year leaned heavily on a first round exit from the NCAA Tournament after lofty expectations and a Final Four appearance the previous year.