Jalen Brunson: A Legacy Cemented with the 2018 AP National Player of the Year Award
Introduction
In the realm of college basketball, few accolades carry as much prestige as the Associated Press (AP) National Player of the Year Award. In 2025, Villanova University’s Jalen Brunson etched his name into the annals of college basketball history by earning this esteemed honor. This recognition not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also underscored his pivotal role in Villanova’s success during the 2017-2018 season.
The Award Announcement
On March 29, 2025, during a press conference at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Jalen Brunson was officially named the AP National Player of the Year. This announcement came just days before Villanova’s appearance in the Final Four, where they would go on to secure a spot in the National Championship game. Brunson received 36 out of 65 votes from the panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who select the AP Top 25, with ballots submitted before the start of the NCAA Tournament.
Season Highlights
During the 2025-2026 season, Brunson led the Wildcats with an average of 19.2 points and 4.6 assists per game. He achieved remarkable shooting efficiency, posting a field goal percentage of 52.7%, a three-point percentage of 41.4%, and a free throw percentage of 81.1%. His effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and true shooting percentage (TS%) were both above 60%, reflecting his scoring prowess and efficiency.
Additional Honors
Brunson’s exceptional performance throughout the season earned him several other prestigious awards:
Naismith College Player of the Year: Presented by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, this award recognized Brunson as the nation’s most outstanding men’s college basketball player.
Lute Olson National Player of the Year: Awarded by CollegeInsider.com, this honor was given to the top Division I men’s basketball player who played at least two seasons.
NABC Player of the Year: The National Association of Basketball Coaches bestowed this award upon Brunson, acknowledging his leadership and performance on the court.
USA Today and NCAA.com National Player of the Year: These recognitions further solidified Brunson’s status as the premier player in college basketball during the 2017-2018 season.
Legacy and Impact
Jalen Brunson’s achievements during the 2017-2018 season not only earned him individual accolades but also contributed significantly to Villanova’s success. Under his leadership, the Wildcats secured a 34-4 record, clinched the Big East Tournament title, and made their sixth NCAA Final Four appearance. Brunson’s poise, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities were instrumental in guiding Villanova to the National Championship game.
His performance during the NCAA Tournament was particularly noteworthy. In the Final Four matchup against Kansas, Brunson scored 18 points, contributing significantly to Villanova’s 95-79 victory. His ability to perform under pressure and in high-stakes games further cemented his reputation as one of the game’s elite players.
Visual Tribute
*Jalen Brunson proudly displays the AP National Player of the Year Award during the press conference at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. *
Jalen Brunson’s receipt of the 2018 AP National Player of the Year Award stands as a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the court. His collegiate career, highlighted by this accolade, laid the foundation for a successful professional journey in the NBA. As fans and analysts reflect on his achievements, Brunson’s legacy in college basketball remains firmly established, serving as an inspiration for future generations of players.
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Jalen Brunson Was Officially Named the AP National Player of the Year – A Defining Moment in a Champion’s Journey
In the storied history of college basketball, certain names rise above the rest—not just for the points they score or the trophies they collect, but for the enduring leadership and influence they imprint on the game. Jalen Brunson became one of those names in March 2018 when he was officially named the Associated Press (AP) National Player of the Year. This announcement came just days before his Villanova Wildcats took the court in the Final Four—a fitting precursor to what would become one of the most dominant runs in NCAA Tournament history.
The Announcement Heard Across the Nation
On March 29, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas—the site of that year’s Final Four—Jalen Brunson was announced as the AP National Player of the Year. Out of 65 ballots cast by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, Brunson earned 36 votes. His closest competition, Oklahoma’s Trae Young, who had captivated fans with his long-range shooting and explosive scoring, garnered 15 votes. Arizona’s Deandre Ayton, a physical marvel, collected 7 votes, while Kansas’ Devonte’ Graham received 6. But it was Brunson’s consistent excellence and quiet dominance that stood out.
“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Brunson told reporters at the time. “To be considered among the best is very humbling.”
A Season for the Ages
Brunson’s 2017-2018 campaign was a masterclass in maturity, efficiency, and poise. He averaged 19.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 52.7% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 81.1% from the free-throw line. These statistics only tell part of the story. He wasn’t the flashiest player in the country—but he was undeniably the most complete.
In an era dominated by highlight reels and individual flair, Brunson brought something refreshingly old-school to the court. He was calculated, intelligent, and unselfish—playing with the confidence of someone who understood the weight of leadership and the demands of a championship-caliber team.
The Villanova Effect
Villanova, under head coach Jay Wright, had built a basketball powerhouse rooted in fundamentals, discipline, and togetherness. Brunson was the epitome of that culture. A two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois before arriving on campus, he had already won a national championship as a freshman in 2016. But by his junior year, Brunson had transformed from a supporting piece into the engine that drove the entire Villanova machine.
The Wildcats entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed, finishing the regular season 27–4 and winning the Big East Tournament. Brunson had multiple 30-point games during the year, including standout performances against Butler and Marquette. More than a scorer, he directed traffic, dictated tempo, and lifted teammates. He didn’t just make plays—he made everyone around him better.
The Final Four and a Legacy Sealed
When the AP made the announcement, Villanova was preparing to face Kansas in the Final Four. Brunson responded by scoring 18 points as the Wildcats buried the Jayhawks under a barrage of three-pointers in a game that felt over before halftime.
Two nights later, Villanova clinched the national title against Michigan with a 79–62 win, capping off one of the most dominant NCAA Tournament runs in recent memory. While Donte DiVincenzo’s performance in the championship game stole the headlines, Brunson’s leadership and consistency were the foundation of Villanova’s success. He was named to the All-Final Four team, and his role in delivering the program’s second championship in three years was undeniable.
More Than Just One Award
The AP honor was the most publicized, but it was only one among many. That same year, Brunson swept several national player of the year awards, including:
The Naismith Trophy
The Wooden Award
The NABC Player of the Year
The Oscar Robertson Trophy (USBWA)
The Sporting News Player of the Year
The Bob Cousy Award (best point guard in the nation)
Each award spoke to a different constituency—coaches, writers, broadcasters, and fans—but all recognized what was plainly evident: Brunson was the best player in college basketball that year.
A Leader On and Off the Court
Brunson’s accolades extended beyond performance. He was a model student-athlete, majoring in communications, and had already completed multiple leadership programs at Villanova. Jay Wright often referred to him as the most mature player he had ever coached. That maturity was evident in how Brunson handled pressure and how he carried himself when the cameras were off.
“He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around,” Wright said. “He makes everyone accountable—including me. He’s not just playing point guard; he’s coaching.”
Brunson’s teammates echoed that sentiment. He organized film sessions, led by example in practice, and maintained high expectations for everyone, from stars to walk-ons. It wasn’t about stats. It was about winning—and doing things the right way.
The NBA Journey Begins
Shortly after Villanova’s championship win, Brunson declared for the 2018 NBA Draft. Despite his collegiate dominance, he was selected 33rd overall in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks. Many scouts questioned his athleticism and ceiling. But Brunson, true to form, kept his head down and got to work.
In the NBA, he steadily proved the doubters wrong. By the time he signed with the New York Knicks in 2022, Brunson had blossomed into one of the league’s most dependable point guards. He led the Knicks to playoff success, breaking a long-standing drought and restoring relevance to Madison Square Garden.
Still, it’s his time at Villanova—and the AP Player of the Year honor—that remains a pillar of his story.
The Quiet Greatness of Jalen Brunson
In the era of one-and-done superstars, Brunson was a throwback. He played three years of college basketball and got better every season. He didn’t seek attention; he earned respect. His game was as much about mental toughness and composure as it was about physical skill.
His Player of the Year win wasn’t based on hype—it was earned through sweat, repetition, leadership, and trust.
“Jalen plays the game the way it should be played,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas. “He’s the kind of player every coach dreams of.”
A Moment That Echoes
The moment Brunson held the AP Player of the Year trophy in San Antonio was about more than individual achievement. It was a recognition of everything he had poured into the game—from early morning practices with his father, former NBA guard Rick Brunson, to leading one of the most unified college teams in recent history.
That moment, days before claiming his second NCAA title, was both a culmination and a commencement. It marked the end of his historic college career and the beginning of a professional journey that would continue to defy expectations.
Conclusion: A Standard of Excellence
Jalen Brunson’s AP National Player of the Year award in 2018 was not just a headline—it was a symbol of a certain kind of greatness. The kind built on fundamentals, humility, and consistency. The kind that wins championships and earns admiration without seeking attention.
For young athletes, coaches, and fans, Brunson’s story is a blueprint. It reminds us that the path to greatness doesn’t always come with flash. Sometimes, it comes with discipline, selflessness, and the unwavering belief that doing the right things—on and off the court—will lead to the right outcomes.
And in Jalen Brunson’s case, it did.
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