Who is our best player?

inthescoop · Post by **inthescoop** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 4:41 pm

2/3 into the season, the team is still missing an identity, and a leader. The question is, who is the best player on this year's UMass roster?

My vote: Leonardo Bettiol. He has shown the most consistency and is able to step up during a big game when he is needed. Despite leading the team in points and rebounds, I believe he does not get the recognition that he's deserved this season. Although he may not be the best scorer or rebounder on our team, but he gets it done.

InnervisionsUMASS · Post by **InnervisionsUMASS** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 4:58 pm

Leo is currently the best. Earlier this year I thought Banks was going to run away with that title but it's been Leo thus far.

Post by **MikeUMA** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 6:02 pm

It's Leo. He's been our leading scorer 9 times (out of the 20 so far), and leading rebounder in 7. He owns this squad's single game bests in points (32) and boards (15). Leads the team in both of those categories in per-game figures, and is 3rd on the team in FT%, which as we all know is a team weakness.

He's also produced more of late. Last for games: averaging 21.5 points and 8 boards, both above his total season average.

Sports-Reference also shows him as our top guy in Player Efficiency Rating.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sc ... /2026.html

I also like how he knows his role and doesn't take 3s. He's only attempted 3 this whole season. (In contrast, DHS and Jayden should take less, IMO.)

Floyd · Post by **Floyd** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 7:47 pm

I like Leo. He's got a nice low post game, good hands, and rebounds well. He's put up the best consistent #'s, but I would say both he and Banks are equally important to the team. Without each one, the other would get more pressure. When they're both clicking we can be a tough team to defend especially if another guy is having a good game.
I still dont think we've seen this team have that
" breakout" game yet. Hopefully it comes soon

bobolink · Post by **bobolink** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 8:59 pm

Gotta go with Leo, although analytics say Jayden, who has wonderful defensive numbers (and is the only player grading well on defense). Leo has by far the best balance with very good offense and pretty good defense. Unclear how 1 guy playing good D can impact poor team defense.
DHS has been very disappointing on offense. K'Jei has rocketed past Danny in the last few weeks; he continues to struggle defensively, although his offense leads the team by quite a bit.

inthescoop · Post by **inthescoop** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 10:05 pm

Does anyone know where Leo ranks on the team in regard to NIL $$?

Juice Stand · Post by **Juice Stand** » Fri Jan 23, 2026 6:37 am

It's clearly Leo. DHS should be able to challenge him for that spot, but something has been off with him almost all season. It's like he's got the yips. He's lost his touch around the basket, and his confidence at the line is shaken. It's a shame because if those two are on, and Banks/Parker are doing their thing, we're very capable of being at the top of the league. Like Floyd said, it just hasn't clicked yet.

SignMan · Post by **SignMan** » Fri Jan 23, 2026 12:14 pm

IMO: Innervisions is the best...
every day, in every way, since finishing his 7 yr UM Program...

UMassHoops.com