Nominations from Kansas, Kentucky ... and Creighton

Reuters, AP Images

Every week, our panel of sports fans discusses a topic of the moment. For today's conversation, Hampton Stevens (writer, ESPN and The Atlantic), Jake Simpson (writer, The Atlantic), and Patrick Hruby (writer, ESPN and The Atlantic) talk about the highlights of the NCAA hoops season so far.

Hey, guys,

Football season is over. Spring training is yet to begin. The NHL playoffs are too far away to think about. What in the heck can a sports fan do? Wait weeks for the Daytona 500 on February 26? Watch the Premier League?

Child, please. It's hoops time. College hoops.

As we enter the conference season stretch run, making ready for the madness of March, it's time to start thinking about hardware for player of the year.

No shock, this Jayhawk fan likes Thomas Robinson. KU's massive post presence has a backstory as heartbreaking as his play is exciting. Averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds per game, Robinson looks like the obvious leader for the Naismith award.

Then again, I'm biased.

Okay. Fine. Make the case against him. Argue for Kentucky's young big man, Anthony Davis. He leads the top-ranked Wildcats in scoring, and plays ferocious defense. Or maybe you like super-soph Doug McDermott at Creighton, averaging 23.4 points per contest. Then again, maybe your theoretical POY vote goes to The Jared Sullinger, dropping 17.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for The Ohio State University. Who could blame you?

Me. Because it should be T-Rob. Jake, would you take a break from basking in your Giants' fabulous Super Bowl win for a second, and try to prove me wrong?

–Hampton