Fantasy College Hoops: Player of the Month (Jan)

January's Player of the Month award goes to Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell. The Buckeyes needed to replace a trio of starters and nearly 60% of their scoring from a team that struggled to put the ball in the hoop (69ppg) last season, and that's putting it nicely (NCAA rank #207). This year the Buckeyes own a Top 15 offense, averaging 80ppg. The reason? Freshman phenom D'Angelo Russell.

It is difficult to predict how highly-touted freshmen will perform at the collegiate level. Lack of immediate playing time, the rigors of a tough conference schedule and performing against teams with prepared scouting reports and hostile environments can contribute to "hitting the wall" as a freshman. Luckily for the Buckeyes, none of this has applied to Russell thus far. Currently, he leads the team in scoring (19.4ppg), rebounding (5.6rpg) and ranks second on the team in assists (5.2apg) to Shannon Scott (6.6apg), the beneficiary from Russell's offensive prowess.

(click image to enlarge)

Armed with one of the smoothest jumpshots in the country, the 6'5 lefty combo guard is the straw that stirs the drink for the Buckeyes. Over his last 8 games, Russell averaged 36+ fantasy points per contest. He closed the month of January as one of the hottest players in the country, posting a pair of versatile double-doubles in wins over #23 Indiana and #16 Maryland.

Given his high ranking (RSCI #16), there wasn't a lot of fanfare during Russell's recruitment. The Louisville, KY product committed to Thad Matta and Ohio State shortly after his high school junior season. And while he came in with an elite scoring reputation, it's been the other areas of his game that have NBA scouts drooling. His ball-handling, decision-making and shot selection are extremely polished and he looks physically ready to play in an NBA backcourt. As of today, Russell has risen all the way to #2 overall in the 2015 mock draft. So despite hinting that he will return for his sophomore campaign, this will likely be Russell's lone season in Columbus.

Congratulations D-Russ! You are January's Player of the Month presented by The Ace of Sports!