We’ve reached the midway point of the ASUN conference schedule, as we begin to turn the corner towards the stretch run. With 5 teams within one game of first place in the league standings, there are several players who have compelling cases to be named the league’s Player of the Year following the season.

It is most likely that whoever wins the ASUN POY will come from the team that wins the regular season title. Here are a handful of names that have the award within their grasps, presented in no particular order.

DARIUS MCGHEE, LIBERTY

Early in ASUN play, McGhee was the odds on favorite to win the ASUN Player of the Year award. The junior guard still has a very good shot at it if Liberty wins the regular season title, but he also has some growing competition in his backcourt mate. McGhee is currently 8th in the conference at 13.9 points per game. He leads the league in three point field goals made, and is in the top 25 in rebounds per game, minutes per game, assists, steals, blocks, three point field goal percentage, and field goal percentage.

CHRIS PARKER, LIBERTY

Since conference play began, Chris Parker has kicked his game into another gear. He’s scored in double figures in 7 of the 8 ASUN games. His 10.7 points per game average on the season ranks 22nd in the league, but that number is at 13.0 in conference, which ranks 14th. Parker leads the league with 76 assists, and he ranks in the top 20 in steals, minutes per game, field goal percentage, and three point percentage.

AHSAN ASADULLAH, LIPSCOMB

Asadullah was the preseason Player of the Year selection, but his performance to this point has been underwhelming based on expectations. The Lipscomb big man is averaging 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, he ranks 14th in points, 2nd in rebounds, and 4th in assists among ASUN players. His numbers certainly warrant consideration for being POY, but he likely needs the Bisons to finish atop the regular season standings.

CARTER HENDRICKSEN, NORTH FLORIDA

The leader for the Ospreys, Hendricksen is currently 4th in the conference with 15.2 points per game. He also leads the conference with 33.1 minutes per game. He ranks in the top 25 in three point field goal percentage, three pointers made, and rebounds per game.

PEDRO BRADSHAW, BELLARMINE

The Bellarmine Knights have come into the league from Division II and taken it by storm, currently sitting in a three-way tie for first place at 6-2 in ASUN games. Much of that is due to the play of Bradshaw. His 14.3 points per game ranks 7th in the conference and he also ranks 5th in rebounds at 7.1 per game. He’s in the top 15 in field goal percentage, assists, and steals.

MERVIN JAMES, NORTH ALABAMA

UNA is currently in a three way tie for first place, led by forward Mervin James who is third in the conference in scoring at 15.4 per game. He’s also 3rd in the league with his 7.5 rebounds per game. James also ranks in the top 15 in field goal percentage and free throw percentage.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Blake Preston, Liberty
Dontarius James, Jacksonville
Romeao Ferguson, Lipscomb
Jose Placer, North Florida
Dylan Penn, Bellarmine
Rob Perry, Stetson