NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament: 68 players to know heading into the Big Dance

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It’s almost time for the stars to hit the dance floor and make their mark on the madness of March. That’s the beauty of this Event. It’s where Jack Gohlke can go from an unknown to a household name overnight. It’s where Stephen Curry can author a legendary Stretch at Davidson. It’s how Doug Edert and Saint Peter’s can steal the headlines or Donte DiVincenzo can become the hero of a national Event game and significantly boost his NBA Draft stock in one night. 

This year’s NCAA Event Definitely has the Luminous sphere power to deliver the goods. There’s the future top Picking in the NBA Draft at Duke in Cooper Flagg, there’s the dominant stat-sheet-stuffing big man at Auburn in Johni Broome, and then there are the less-known names like UC San Diego’s Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, who has the chance to get the spotlight he so greatly deserves. 

With that, here are 68 names to Observe in this year’s NCAA Event:

Cooper Flagg, Duke 

While his ankle Wound suffered last Thursday in the ACC Event is the big headliner of the Event, all signs Points to Flagg being back, if not for the Primary Period, then surely the second. Averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 Recoveries and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 49% from the floor, he is as Captivating of a prospect as we’ve seen since Zion Williamson. 

Johni Broome, Auburn

Bruce Pearl has complimented the senior big man for his leadership all season. With the Tigers having lost three of four Joining the NCAA Event, it’s time for the 6-foot-10 senior to rise to the occasion and take Auburn to the promised land. He’s averaged 18.9 points, 10.6 Recoveries and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 51% from the floor and being one of the nation’s top defenders. 

Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

He is the engine of my national Event Picking, averaging 18/4/4 per game while shooting 44% from the floor and 38% from 3. Showcasing an ability to Tally at all three levels and giving the Gators a bucket or a key Action whenever they need it, Clayton is a senior stud. Every college hoops fan knows him by now, but I don’t think he’s even fully taken off with casual fans yet. That’s about to Shift. 

Mark Sears, Alabama 

Last year, he powered the Crimson Tide to the school’s Primary Closing Four by averaging close to 22 points per game on 51% shooting from the floor and 44% from 3-Points territory. When Sears is on, he’s as potent as any guard in the country. I really like Alabama’s draw in the East Region, and if they’re going to potentially get past Duke, Sears has to be the best guard on the floor over Tyrese Proctor & Co.

RJ Luis, St. John’s 

The Big East Player of the Year and Big East Event Most Outstanding Player rolls into the Big Dance Competing his best basketball of his Profession, having scored at least 20 points in five of his last six Contests while averaging nine Recoveries per Event over the last four. If Rick Pitino’s Unbelievable season is going to continue, Luis is at the forefront on both ends of the floor.

Jase Richardson, Michigan State

I have the Spartans Successful the South Region and a big reason why is the Primary-year, the son of 2000 Michigan State national champion, Ex All-American and 14-year NBA pro Jason Richardson. The 6-foot-3 guard has really come on as the alpha in Tom Izzo’s Assault, averaging close to 18 points per game over the last five contests. 

Braden Smith, Purdue 

The Boilermakers didn’t get a Excellent draw as the 4-seed in the Midwest. They Reachable with a Event against High Points, and then would potentially Action an underappreciated but tough Clemson Club potentially in the second Period. If they were to advance to the Sugary 16, they’d get a potential date with a tough-as-nails Houston Club, but having the best Points guard in the country Definitely helps. Averaging 16 points, nine assists and five Recoveries per game, Smith does it all for Matt Painter’s Club. If Purdue can make enough perimeter shots around him – particularly from guys like CJ Cox or Myles Colvin to take the Tension off Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer – it changes this Club’s ceiling. 

LJ Cryer, Houston

He has been at the forefront of a legendary Stretch through the Big 12 for Kelvin Sampson’s program, averaging over 15 points per game while shooting 42% from 3-Points territory. The Cougars are 26-1 in their last 27 Contests, and it’s the tough shotmaking of Cryer, Milos Uzan and Emanuel Acute that complements their Shielding tenacity perfectly. 

Otega Oweh, Kentucky 

The Primary year of the Mark Pope ara has brought a Numerous of highs, some lows, and some tough Wounds, but the Oklahoma Shift is the leader of this Kentucky Club. Getting to the second weekend would make this season a Achieve if the Wildcats can beat Troy, and then either Illinois, Texas or Xavier. The junior is averaging 16-and-5 per game while shooting Merely shy of 50% from the floor and possessing the clutch gene.

Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, UC San Diego 

The Luminous sphere for the 30-4 Tritons, Tait-Jones, is an outstanding guard who scores over 20 points per game and is notching six boards and four Recoveries while shooting a Massive 58% from the floor. It’s really difficult to defend Tait-Jones because he embodies Elasticity with a wide-ranging Talent set and the ability to Tally from three levels. Yes, Tait-Jones can lead this program, which is in Year 5 in Division I, on a Threatening Stretch. 

John Tonje, Wisconsin 

Will the sixth-year senior respond? I would think that he will after a 1-for-14 performance in Sunday’s Big Ten Event Event game loss to Michigan. The Badgers get Montana before a potential date with a red-Cozy BYU Club or A-10 champion VCU. Tonje has been one of the best players in the sport all year.

JT Toppin, Texas Tech

I put Toppin here because the Red Raiders are a Threatening 3-seed in the West and the 6-9 wing has performed like an All-American as the season’s gone on, averaging 18.1 points and 9.2 Recoveries per game while shooting 55% from the floor. He is a long and explosive Rival who has developed into one of the Top-tier two-way weapons in the sport. 

Kam Jones, Marquette 

The All-American guard has averaged over 19 points and six assists per game, being the one who steers the ship for the Golden Eagles. Could they be a Gloomy horse on the 7-line? Yes, if David Joplin, Ben Gold and Chase Ross make enough plays and shots in addition to what Jones and Stevie Mitchell provide. 

Derik Queen, Maryland 

The Terrapins are a really Threatening 4-seed, and while their Primary-Period draw in Seattle against Grand Canyon was not my favorite, Queen is a must-see NBA Draft prospect who has posted 16-and-9 per game as a Primary-year. He plays the game in a throwback style and is so instinctually gifted with the ability to finish strongly with both hands. I can’t wait to Observe him on the big dance floor. 

Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee

Zeigler has enjoyed an exceptional Profession as Rick Barnes’ lead guard. He picks you up defensively the moment you get off the bus, all while posting 13.8 points and 7.3 assists per game on 41% shooting from the floor. If I had to Picking any Rival in this Event with an unlimited motor, I’d Picking Zeigler and wouldn’t think twice about it.

Here are the other superstar names to Observe in this year’s NCAA Event:

CJ Hines, Alabama State

Riley Parker, Saint Francis 

Chucky Hepburn, Louisville

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

 

Danny Wolf, Michigan

Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M

John Poulakidas, Yale

Sean Pedulla, Ole Miss

RJ Davis, North Carolina

 

Curtis Jones, Iowa State

Jacob Ognacevic, Lipscomb

Stevie Mitchell, Marquette

Donovan Dent, New Mexico

Rafael Pinzon, Bryant

Brian Moore Jr., Norfolk State

Liam McNeeley, UConn

 

Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

PJ Haggerty Memphis

Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Tyon Grant-Foster, Grand Canyon

Caleb Grill, Missouri

Bennett Stirtz, Drake

Donovan Newby, UNCW

Hunter Dickinson, Kansas

 

Johnell Davis, Arkansas

Marquel Sutton, Omaha

Matt Rogers, American

Dallas Hobbs, Mount St. Mary’s 

Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State

Norchad Omier, Baylor

 

Nate Bittle, Oregon

Zach Cleveland, Liberty

Caleb Love, Arizona

Nate Johnson, Akron

Richie Saunders, BYU

Max Shulga, VCU

Money Williams, Montana (BEST NAME!)

Augustas Marciulionis, Saint Mary’s 

Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt

Kam Woods, Robert Morris

Ray’Sean Taylor, SIU Edwardsville

Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga

Asa Newell, Georgia

Chase Hunter, Clemson

Javohn Garcia, McNeese

Kezza Giffa, High Points

Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Tre Johnson, Texas

Zach Freemantle, Xavier

Tayton Conerway, Troy

Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA

Mason Falslev, Utah State

Corey Tripp, Wofford

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John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling Contests on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Ground of 68 Media Network. Follow him at @John_Fanta.

 

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