2022 Most Outstanding Player Odds: Ochai Agbaji Takes College Basketball’s Biggest Individual Crown After Kansas’ Historic Comeback Victory

2022 Most Outstanding Player Odds: Ochai Agbaji Takes College Basketball’s Biggest Individual Crown After Kansas’ Historic Comeback Victory article feature image
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Jamie Squire/Getty Images. Pictured: Ochai Agbaji.

Ochai Agbaji won college basketball's most prestigious postseason award after Kansas beat the University of North Carolina 72-69 to win their third title this millennium.

The 16-point deficit in the first half for Kansas was the biggest comeback ever recorded in a national championship game.

Agbaji put up 12 points and three rebounds in a winning effort, but many fans were surprised that David McCormack, the big man out of the Bronx, didn't take the award.

McCormack scored 15 points with 10 rebounds, including a clutch shot down the stretch that pushed Kansas' lead to three with less than a minute remaining.

The Jayhawks faltered slightly down the stretch and gave the Tar Heels an opportunity to tie the ball game after sophomore guard Dajuan Harris Jr. ran out of bounds with four seconds to go.

UNC put a shot up that could have brought this game to overtime but it clanked off the side of the rim.

Agbaji had the third-highest handle and individual ticket mark behind Duke's Paolo Banchero and teammate Remy Martin to win college basketball's Most Outstanding Player.

Banchero had the public's most money and individual tickets, but that proved moot after the Blue Devils went down to the Tar Heels on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Martin had a tough Elite Eight, Final Four and national championship game after starting out March Madness on an electric note. While the transfer from Arizona State put up 14 points and three rebounds on Monday night, it wasn't enough to move the needle after a disappointing two games against Saint Peter's and Duke.

McCormack had been 125-1 to win the Most Outstanding Player before the tournament began but was one of the favorites heading into the national championship game.

Although he didn't end up taking the award, McCormack made a commanding case after putting up 25, 15 and 15 points in the Elite Eight, Final Four and championship game, respectively.

It was his shot late in the second half on Monday that sealed the deal for the Jayhawks.

For UNC, Caleb Love was the favorite to win the Most Outstanding Player and was also off the board prior to the tournament. Love had been +400 before Monday's game but went 5-for-24 — including 1-for-8 from three — in a losing effort.

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Nick Sterling
Apr 25, 2024 UTC