Jahlil Okafor vs. Frank Kaminsky a Key Early Battle in Player of the Year Race

Wednesday's contest between No. 4 Duke and No. 2 Wisconsin is about more than just Jahlil Okafor vs. Frank Kaminsky.

It's about two of the most talented teams in America. It's about a rare potential preview of the Final Four in early December. It's about a pair of well-oiled machines on the offensive side of the ball. It's about Duke's youth vs. Wisconsin's veterans.

But while the list of storylines could run off the page, there's little question the most enticing is at the center position. "Jahlil Okafor vs. Frank Kaminsky" reads the lede for the Associated Press' game preview, telling you just about everything you need to know about the allure of the battle.

It's just not possible to examine the game without mentioning the two:

The contrast is perhaps what makes it so captivating.

Okafor, through seven games, has already established himself as the most dominant low-post presence in the country. Attempting 69.3 percent of his shots at the rim, he has an unusual blend of footwork, patience and polish while in the painted area.

"He doesn't rush. He takes his time. He makes the right decision," said Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Close, via the AP. "He's impressive at any age, but being a freshman stands out."

Kaminsky, at 21 years of age and with 105 more games of collegiate experience than Okafor, has more of a "new-school" game. While he's capable of scoring out of the post, he is much more comfortable facing up and knocking down jumpers.

Okafor talked about the seven-footer's unique skill set, via ESPN.com's C.L. Brown:

"

He’s just a different type of post man, he averages the most 3-point field goals on his team, he’s also made the most. He’s just a phenomenal player. Like I said, he’s proven and has had an amazing career. It’s definitely going to be a hard test for me. I’m looking forward to it.

"

The difference in where each player gets his offense is noticeable from the opening possessions, but the statistics, via per Hoop-Math.com, help put into perspective the asymmetry of college basketball's two most feared big men:

Player	% FGA At Rim	FG/FGA At Rim	% FGA 3Pt	FG/FGA 3Pt
Jahlil Okafor	69.3	45/61	0.0	0/0
Frank Kaminsky	48.8	25/39	33.8	11/27

For all their differences, the pair of preseason All-Americans from Illinois are equally effective.

Okafor is averaging 17.7 points with a true-shooting percentage of 62.7, per Sports-Reference.com. Kaminsky is at 16.6 and 63.1, respectively.

Again, Wednesday's game boils down to much more than this particular individual matchup. Can Wisconsin, a team averaging five possessions per 40 minutes less than Duke, control the pace and keep the Blue Devils out of transition? How will slashing forwards Justise Winslow and Sam Dekker fair against each other? We know burgeoning sophomore Nigel Hayes is an offensive star in the making, but can he keep the energetic Amile Jefferson—third in the country in offensive rebounding percentage—off the glass?

The answers to those questions and several others will ultimately determine the winner in Madison.

But the victor between Okafor and Kaminsky will determine the early front-runner in the National Player of the Year race.