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Oden is scoring at a 62% rate, which makes his lower 15.4 ppg at least as impressive; plus, he's capturing 9.5 rebs per contest. Durant's FG% is the lowest of the three, 48.9%, which takes away from his otherwise sexy 25.4 ppg, but he does shoot a lot of 3-ptrs.
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Shooting percentages tend to be higher for centers because they take easier shots. That doesn't necessarily make them better scorers. One has to also consider the degree of challenge to the field goal attempt, and whether it was a high or low percentage play based on the specific circumstances.
As a Celtics fan, I've been watching some Ohio State games to get a better read on Greg Oden as a potential Boston draft pick, and I can't say I'm convinced that he's the best player this year. Take the OSU-Wisconsin game, for example. Oden seemed to be a non-factor in the entire second half. He did a nice job on the defensive end, altering shots and setting some effective picks. He also showed some adroit ball-handling skills in the way he reached for balls down at his ankles, but that was pretty much it. His shot seemed flat, he hardly scored any points, he looked way too tired during the closing minutes, and his offensive rebounding was virtually non-existent in clutch situations. He consistently got out-hustled by smaller players on the offensive glass. At times, he seemed too soft. On the other hand, he did have one of those 'in your face' jaw-dropping power dunks.
I guess I'm not sure what to think about Oden. I can't really offer a complete evaluation about someone I've only watched a couple times. Nor am I convinced that anyone can fairly evaulate him when he himself admits that he's still a work in progress. It's also important to note that he plays in a terrible system for his development. Ohio State doesn't draw up plays for him. The Buckeyes play a lot like the Jim O'Brien Celtics teams of the early 2000s. Lots of outside shots, with Oden just standing around under the basket. It's unfair to judge his offense when he doesn't get an opportunity to showcase anything on that end of the floor. I do think it's fair to say, however, that he should develop into a top notch player given normal development time, better conditioning, and a system that plays more to his strengths as a bigman. Whether he rises to the occassion remains to be seen, and that's why I have to give him an incomplete. He's too raw offensively and the wrist injury pesents yet another question mark.
I'll go with Durant for Player of the Year, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tucker or even Acie Law IV take it. Upper classmen tend to have an advantage in winning these awards.