From many, there will be one. And while there’s still no guarantee contending athletes will win their own state at this point in the season, a number of elite performers are making a case for Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year consideration. Here’s the scoop on the latest top candidate.

Aaron Gordon
Senior guard/forward, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)

Greatness Present: A 2012 McDonald’s All-American, a 2013 Jordan Brand Classic Team selection and a 2013 Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year finalist, Gordon is averaging 22.5 points, 15.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound Gordon scored 29 points in a 78-49 rout over Sacred Heart Cathedral (San Francisco, Calif.) on Feb. 9 to help Archbishop Mitty clinch the West Catholic Athletic League regular season championship. He also scored 11 points in a 69-50 win to lead his team to victory in the WCAL tournament final on Feb. 16.

Greatness Past: The reigning Mr. Basketball winner in California, Gordon led Archbishop Mitty to the 2012 CIF Division II championship as a junior in 2012. He was also a member of the 2011 USA U16 National Team that won the FIBA Americas Championship gold medal and qualified the U.S. for the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship.

Greatness Future: Undecided (reportedly considering Washington, Arizona, Kentucky and Oregon)

Make no mistake: The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year races aren’t over, and the National POY race is now heating up. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Check back for daily updates on the top contenders making their case.