March Insanity’ top-50 gamers in 2024 males’s NCAA event, ranked

March 19, 2024

167

March Insanity feels just like the end result of a lifelong journey for thus most of the athletes who’ve devoted their lives to the sport of basketball. Followers don’t don’t see the lengthy hours within the health club spent honing their expertise and their our bodies, however when the NCAA event comes round, immediately the entire nation is invested within the end result of those video games.

The 2024 males’s NCAA event is right here, and with it comes the chance of a lifetime for school basketball gamers to change into legends for his or her faculties and their hometowns. Faculty hoops has modified in some ways over the previous couple of years with the switch portal and NIL turning the game the other way up, however the magic of March Insanity by no means goes away.

SB Nation has been rating the 50 finest gamers within the males’s NCAA event for years. Learn our earlier lists from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023 right here. These are the highest gamers within the 2024 males’s event, ranked by us.

50. Nice Osobor, F, Utah State

The Mountain West’s Participant of the 12 months, Osobor is a dominant ahead who practically averages a double-double (18.0 factors, 9.2 rebounds). He’s fast for his 6’8 250-pound body and will get a whole lot of buckets on pick-and-rolls, however is robust sufficient to bully lanky defenders within the submit. He likes to bait defenders into fouls; solely three gamers within the nation have shot extra free throws than him this season. If Utah State will get Osobor concerned early, they may swing the sport from the free throw line. — Adam Ward

49. Augustas Marčiulionis, G, St. Mary’s

Son of Šarūnas, Augustas was named the WCC Participant of the 12 months within the Gaels run to the convention championship, solely the second time within the final 11 years {that a} crew not named Gonzaga claimed the title. His defensive chops are well-known, however he’s developed right into a incredible and versatile scorer over the season. If the Gaels are to make it into the second weekend for the primary time in practically 15 years, Augustas would be the major cause why. — AW

48. Jalen Blackmon, G, Stetson

The Stetson Hatters are within the Huge Dance for the primary time in class historical past, and guard Jalen Blackmon is a big cause why. Blackmon averaged 21.5 factors per recreation this season, tenth-best within the nation. The Hatters offense runs by way of him, as Blackmon has taken 32.6 % of Stetson’s pictures this yr, the thirtieth highest fee within the nation. He saved his finest for final, scoring a career-high 43 factors within the ASUN Championship Recreation in opposition to Austin Peay, however he would possibly have to double that if the Hatters are going to upset UConn. — Mark Schofield

47. Keisei Tominaga, G, Nebraska

The Huskers’ main scorer, Tominaga is a 6’2 guard who some are calling the “Japanese Steph Curry”: He wears No. 30, performs with an infectious confidence, and has a popularity for pulling up from anyplace on the court docket. As an 8-seed, Nebraska could have a tricky path to a deep run on this event, but when they pull off an upset, Tominaga is a sleeper decide to change into a family identify this March. – AW

46. Max Abmas, G, Texas

Yep, he’s again. The 2021 NCAA scoring chief who put his identify on the map by taking Oral Roberts to the Candy Sixteen three years in the past is now a fifth yr senior on a gifted Texas squad. His scoring and effectivity have dipped barely within the transfer to the Huge 12, however he’s nonetheless an extremely harmful scoring menace and has loads of expertise lighting up the scoreboard this time of yr. – AW

45. Myles Rice, G, Washington State

The Pac-12 Freshman of the 12 months, Rice is a harmful scorer, strong facilitator, and artful defender. His 15.1 factors and 1.6 steals per recreation tempo the Cougs on each side of the court docket, and his course of their glacial offense will dictate how far Wazzu can go within the tourney. His shot has cooled off as of late (he’s missed 22 consecutive three-pointers coming into the event) however previous to that he was taking pictures practically 35% from deep this season. He’s additionally a most cancers survivor, simply one of many many issues Washington State has needed to overcome to get to the tourney for the primary time since 2008. – AW

44. Riley Minix, G, Morehead State

Minix is likely to be one of the vital dominant offensive gamers within the nation. The 6’7 senior has scored over 20 factors in all however one recreation since February, is high 25 within the nation in each factors and rebounds per recreation, and in addition boasts a strong outdoors shot. The Eagles have one of many extra stifling defenses within the nation, however haven’t performed properly in opposition to different event groups. If Minix will get free and takes over although, something can occur. – AW

43. Jared McCain, G, Duke

Jared McCain is likely to be finest identified for his big presence on TikTok — the Duke guard has over two million followers — however his play on the court docket is a cause to know him this March. One of many high gamers within the 2023 recruiting class, McCain dedicated to Duke and has been an impression participant as a freshman this season, averaging 13.4 factors this yr. He’s the most effective pure shooters on this event, and may very well be a primary spherical NBA draft decide come June. Kyle Filipowski will get the majority of consideration with regards to Duke, however McCain is one other participant to observe. – MS

42. Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida

Within the resurgence of the Florida Gator basketball crew, guard Walter Clayton Jr. has performed a serious position. The switch from Iona is again in his house state, and has given the Gators regular level guard play. Clayton Jr. averages 17.1 factors per recreation, to associate with a 36.3% three level stroke and a KenPom effectivity rating that locations him within the high 20 within the SEC. If Clayton Jr. is allowed to get scorching from behind the arc, he can gentle groups up within the catch and shoot recreation (see: 27 factors and 7-13 from deep in a January win over Kentucky). His taking pictures stroke will likely be one to observe because the Gators look to make a deep run. — JP Acosta

41. L.J. Cryer, G, Houston

L.J. Cryer received a nationwide title as a reserve guard for Baylor. Now he’ll look to win a second title in his first season with the Houston Cougars. The guard comes off a 2022-2023 marketing campaign that noticed him earn All-Huge-12 honors a season in the past, and he stepped into the Houston lineup and let the crew with 15.3 factors per recreation. If he will get scorching, be careful. He led the Cougars by taking pictures at a 39% fee from three-point land, and knocked down six threes on 6-for-11 behind the arc in Houston’s Huge 12 semifinal win over Texas Tech. — MS

40. Jalen Bridges, F, Baylor

Transferring from West Virginia was the most effective factor to occur to Jalen Bridges. Since arriving at Baylor in 2022 he’s blossomed to change into the most effective swing forwards in faculty basketball. A do-everything participant, Bridges is a tidy scorer, a strong rebounder, and has a deep shot which has gotten higher year-over-year. The large concern together with his recreation is consistency. One recreation Bridges will likely be a 20+ level scorer dominating off the glass, the following he’ll seemingly disappear. Nevertheless, if he can discover his type within the event Baylor may very well be dancing longer than most count on. — James Dator

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: NOV 28 McNeese at UAB

39. Shahada Wells, G, McNeese

The McNeese Cowboys are dancing for the primary time since 2002, and also you’re going to need to regulate their star Shahada Wells. A senior switch from TCU, Wells averages 17.5 factors per recreation and shoots 40% from three level vary. Extra importantly he ranks second within the nation in steals per recreation. When McNeese upset Michigan in Ann Arbor in December, it was behind Wells’ 30 factors, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. — AW

38. Trey Alexander, G, Creighton

After Creighton got here painfully near reaching the Last 4 final season, the Bluejays knew they had been getting the vast majority of their crew again minus one main piece: start line guard Ryan Nembhard, who adopted his brother’s footsteps by transferring to Gonzaga. That meant Trey Alexander would slide over from the 2 to change into Creighton’s new major ball handler. The junior guard has dealt with the transition with aplomb, bettering his help fee by practically 10 proportion factors whereas additionally averaging a career-high in scoring. His off-balance buzzer-beater in opposition to Villanova was the most effective moments of Creighton’s season, and he’s prepared for extra in March. — Ricky O’Donnell

37. Tyson Walker, G, Michigan State

Walker is a graduate switch from Northeastern. He made second-team All-Huge 10 for the second consecutive season. Walker has bounced backwards and forwards from a pure passing level guard to a scoring guard. He’s been extra of a combo guard this season for the Spartans. Walker will problem you defensively, and there’s a superb likelihood he’ll decide your pocket. And when the Spartans want an enormous shot, the ball finds Walker. He’s as constant because it will get and as he confirmed in opposition to the Hoosiers, can explode for 30 factors. — Kyle Posey

36. Oso Ighodaro, C, Marquette

Ighodaro has grown into the most effective massive males within the nation on his personal phrases throughout his four-year profession at Marquette. He’s adopted his breakout junior season with an excellent higher senior yr, taking up extra duty as a scorer for the Golden Eagles. Ighodaro can beat groups in so many various methods. He’s all the time a menace to hammer house a vicious dunk off a tough roll to the basket. He has a pleasant little push shot from the brief mid-range space. He can assault the offensive glass, or set his teammates up as a passer in dribble-handoffs. He’ll face greater and stronger facilities if Marquette goes on a deep event run, however his jack-of-all-trades talent set across the basket and funky ending skill makes him a troublesome matchup in any state of affairs. — ROD

35. Anton Watson, C, Gonzaga

Sturdy frontcourt play has been a trademark of current Gonzaga groups, and senior middle Anton Watson has change into the Zags’ most-reliable participant since Chet Holmgren left in 2022. Stepping out of Holgrem’s large shadow, no one will confuse Watson for a similar stage of celebrity — however he’s developed right into a dependable two-way participant who’s functionally nice at every little thing. A strong scorer in a paint, a tenacious rebounder, and somebody who added a surprisingly dependable three ball this yr (40.4%), any probabilities Gonzaga must advance within the 2024 NCAA Event hinge on whether or not Watson can anchor his crew within the center. — JD

34. Johnell Davis, G, FAU

One of many heroes from FAU’s Last 4 run final yr, Davis and the Owls are again in the identical spot trying to make one other run. Davis is without doubt one of the extra underrated gamers in faculty basketball, regardless of profitable Co-Participant of the 12 months within the AAC. Davis averages 18.2 factors per recreation, and provides on 6.3 rebounds for an Owls crew that prioritizes ball motion and crew play. Davis’ skill to create in one-on-one alternatives lifts the Owls’ flooring, and within the NCAA event, nice guard play can get you far. So as to overcome a few of their defensive points, Davis should preserve his excessive stage of play up. — JP

33. Donovan Dent, G, New Mexico

On a crew with ball-dominant senior guards in Jaelen Home and Jamal Marshburn Jr., New Mexico is at its finest when their offense runs by way of sophomore guard Donovan Dent. Listed at 6’2, 170 kilos, he’s a gifted passer with pure instincts that get New Mexico a superb take care of a superb look. He will get to his proper or left attacking downhill and, not like Home and Mashburn Jr., can end above the rim.

Dent may play off the ball and excel in catch-and-shoot conditions. Dent is taking pictures 37.5 % from three on 40 makes an attempt. Free throw taking pictures and turnovers are what’s holding Dent again from being greater on this record, however he’s additionally a sophomore. Don’t be shocked to see New Mexico make a run within the event with their backcourt trio led by Dent. — KP

32. Tamin Lipsey, G, Iowa State

Lipsey first emerged for Iowa State a yr in the past as a smaller however tremendous athletic guard who may generate paint touches at will and rip the ball away from weaker guards. There was just one drawback: he couldn’t shoot in any respect. Lipsey obtained within the health club and stuck his jumper this summer time, and it’s made him one of the vital impactful all-around guards in America. He stays one of many nice level of assault defenders on the market, with a monstrous 5.1 % steal fee that ranks No. 6 in DI. After occurring 5-of-25 from three-point vary a yr in the past, Lipsey knocked down 39-of-103 pictures (37.9 %) getting into the event this yr. He nonetheless needs to play drive and kick basketball, however now he received’t flip down an open shot if he will get one. — ROD

31. N’Faly Dante, C, Oregon

Oregon massive man N’Faly Dante is a matchup nightmare. The 6’11 middle with a 7’5 wingspan towers over most rivals and makes it near-impossible to cease him underneath the rim. Dante isn’t a lot of a creator, like most massive males, however when he’s arrange there are few higher finishers in faculty basketball. This season he shot 70.2 % from the sector (No. 13 in America), whereas additionally being an unimaginable defensive rebounder with a knack for utilizing his dimension to come back away with the ball. Dante has struggled with accidents throughout his faculty profession, but when he can stay wholesome he could be a distinction maker. — JD

30. AJ Storr, F, Wisconsin

The St. John’s switch is blossoming right into a star proper earlier than our eyes. His aggressive nature and skillset remind me of Anthony Edwards coming into the NBA. Like Edwards, Storr can rating in a wide range of methods, from blowing by you after which dunking on you to a step-back three off the dribble. Storr performs at his personal tempo and takes Wisconsin’s offense to a special stage, and you’ll see his confidence develop with each recreation. Storr is listed at 6’7, and that size helps his rating within the paint and get pictures off on the buzzer. He may soar out of the health club, which helps him problem shot however most of all rebound defensively.

If Edwards is the king-size model of “Ant-Man,” then Storr is the enjoyable dimension that you just get at Halloween. Storr’s getting an opportunity to study on the fly, and it’s been a pleasure to observe. — KP

29. Tyson Degenhart, F, Boise State

A 3-year starter for the Broncos, Tyson Degenhart’s recreation has been bettering year-over-year at Boise State. This 2023-24 marketing campaign is his crowning achievement to date, with the junior ahead averaging 20.5 factors per recreation and seven.5 rebounds per 40 minutes, however actually it’s his defensive work which units him aside. Degenhart is a high-effort defender who’s blissful to bang inside, with the size and quickness to problem pictures on the perimeter. Effectivity is basically the motor behind Degenhart’s recreation, and that is his massive edge. Whereas not a lot of a menace from vary, he’s a dependable finisher within the paint who common .509 this season. This isn’t a participant opponents will be lazy with an hope he screws ups, as a result of that’s simply not going to occur. — JD

28. Cam Spencer, G, UConn

Rutgers switch Cam Spencer has given UConn one other dimension this season, whereas additionally forming a ‘massive three’ for the Huskies alongside Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton. A lights-out perimeter shooter, Spencer shot 44.4 % from past the arc this season on 7.1 makes an attempt per 40 minutes. Regardless of this taking pictures prowess, he’s a participant intimately conscious of what it takes to win, fortunately dishing the ball off to the crew’s inside scorers when there’s not a superb look out there. Arguably the most effective third choice within the nation, Spencer is a legitimately nice participant in his personal proper who’s able to taking up if wanted. — JD

27. Tyon Grant-Foster, F, Grand Canyon

Grant-Foster is without doubt one of the most inspiring tales in faculty basketball this season. His profession started at Kansas as a bench position participant earlier than he transferred to DePaul. At halftime of his first recreation with the Blue Demons, he collapsed within the locker room and needed to have his coronary heart shocked again into rhythm. He’s since had a coronary heart surgical procedure and defibrillator implanted in his chest. Medically cleared to return to the court docket, he signed with GCU the place he’s change into the WAC Participant of the 12 months by averaging 19.8 factors, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per recreation. He’s nice at attending to the free throw line (twelfth within the nation in FTA) and changing his freebies (77% FT). — AW

26. Boo Buie, G, Northwestern

An elite identify for an elite participant. The senior out of Albany, New York, has been lights out for what seems like all season. Buie, 6’2, 180 kilos, hadn’t shot over 36 % from three within the earlier 4 seasons. He’s taking pictures 44.3 % this yr and has been the most effective gamers within the Huge 10 due to that taking pictures skill.

Buie lives with the ball in his palms, however when you possibly can shoot and see the ground the way in which he does, you possibly can perceive why. Buie’s help to turnover numbers are nearly as spectacular as his taking pictures. If Northwestern advances to the weekend, it’ll be as a result of be as a result of Buie scored over 20 factors — one thing he did 15 instances through the season — and put the Wildcats on his again. — KP

25. Isaiah Stevens, G, Colorado State

Stevens is the kind of level guard faculty basketball coaches dream of touchdown. Over a five-year profession at Colorado State, Stevens has change into this system’s all-time chief in factors, assists, and steals. He’s began all 151 video games all through his faculty profession, and he simply retains getting higher. As a brilliant senior, Stevens had a profession yr as a three-point shooter, pulling down 44.7 % of his threes on greater than 140 makes an attempt. His playmaking additionally continued to ascend, together with his 39.6 % help fee rating No. 7 within the nation. Did we point out he’s a profession 85 % free throw shooter, too? There’s just one factor Stevens hasn’t executed at Colorado State, and that’s win a recreation within the NCAA event. That is his massive likelihood. — ROD

24. Caleb Love, G, Arizona

Throughout his three years at North Carolina, Caleb Love proved he may take over a recreation when he was scorching or shoot his crew out of 1 when he was chilly. In his debut season at Arizona, the Wildcats have gotten the most effective model of Love most of the time. The 6’2 guard led Arizona in scoring (18.1 factors per recreation) on the most effective effectivity of his faculty profession with 55.4 % true taking pictures. Love reduce down on his turnovers, turned extra discerning in his shot choice, and rediscovered his stroke from each three-point vary (34.7 %) and the foul line (85 %). Arizona has a well-rounded crew with physicality all around the court docket, however Love’s powerful shot-making skill represents their finest likelihood to go on a deep run if he catches fireplace. — ROD

23. Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia

Dunn has a case for being probably the most spectacular defensive participant in faculty basketball this season. The 6’8 wing has terrorized opponents in his sophomore season by posting a ten.6 % block fee (which ranks No. 15 in America) and a 3.1 % steal fee. Dunn has been smothering opponents all season on the level of assault, however he is likely to be even higher as a assist defender who can dart in and trigger turnovers. Dunn’s offense is extra of a piece in progress to place it kindly. He’s made simply 24 % of his three-pointers in his profession, and principally simply finishes performs on the rim. Nonetheless, a defender this versatile can wreck havoc in a single-elimination event, and that’s Virginia’s finest path to choosing up one other win or two. — ROD

22. PJ Corridor, C, Clemson

PJ Corridor is able to fully taking up any recreation the Tigers play in. The 6’10 ahead from Spartanburg, SC averages 18.8 factors per recreation, and has fully erupted prior to now. 25 factors in a win in opposition to North Carolina in February, 25 factors in a win in opposition to Syracuse, 31 factors in a loss to Georgia Tech. Corridor has the scoring chops to fully overwhelm opponents. Corridor is an inside-out menace who can fall in love with the three-point shot a bit an excessive amount of, however Corridor is a tricky shot making massive man, one that may make the Tigers a drive in March. — JA

21. Tucker DeVries, F, Drake

Good luck to whoever has to defend the two-time MVC Participant of the 12 months. DeVries is a 6’7 wing who lights up the scoreboard, sixth within the nation with 21.8 factors per recreation. He’s obtained NBA scouts salivating together with his mixture of taking pictures expertise and dimension that appears not too dissimilar from a younger Kyle Korver. When he’s not scoring, he can direct the offense with phenomenal court docket imaginative and prescient and pinpoint passing. The Bulldogs snuck into the event by upsetting MVC favourite Indiana State, and it was behind DeVries’ 27/7/5 efficiency. DeVries selected to return to Drake moderately than enter final yr’s NBA draft the place he was projected to be a 2nd spherical decide, and he’s solely improved his inventory since then. — AW

20. Armando Bacot, C, North Carolina

Faculty basketball gamers as nice as Bacot don’t stay 5 years, however the further Covid season out there to all gamers made a brilliant senior yr doable for the UNC dwelling legend. Whereas Bacot posted his lowest scoring and rebounding numbers since his sophomore yr this season, his contributions to North Carolina’s No. 1 seed had been nonetheless large. Bacot rededicated himself on the defensive finish, and helped the Tar Heels put up the most effective defensive effectivity rating (No. 6 total) of his profession. Nonetheless the most effective inside scorers and defensive rebounders within the nation, Bacot is on the lookout for another deep event run to cap his glorious faculty profession. — ROD

19. Hunter Dickinson, C, Kansas

Dickinson was the most important switch within the nation, each actually and figuratively. The 7’1 middle left Michigan for Kansas to expertly fill the Jayhawks’ gap within the center, and he’s been as productive as ever in Lawrence. Dickison averaged 18 factors per recreation for the third consecutive season, and in addition put up a career-best 10.8 rebounds per recreation. The Jayhawks’ excessive lack of depth means Dickinson higher heal up from the shoulder harm that saved him out of the Huge 12 event. — ROD

18. Baylor Scheierman, F, Creighton

Scheierman was the most important identify within the switch portal after the 2022 season when he was coming off three standout years with South Dakota State. He’s been a hand-in-glove match at Creighton now for 2 extra seasons, offering knockdown taking pictures on the wing with some powerful rebounding and a touch of playmaking. A profession 38.8 % shooter from three-point vary, Scheierman has a fast set off and deep vary. His off-ball gravity opens up house for Trey Alexander’s drives to the rim and submit touches for Ryan Kalkbrenner, however he’s additionally a lot greater than only a shooter. After coming one foul away from a visit to the Last 4 final yr, Creighton has reasonable desires of getting even additional this season. — ROD

17. KJ Simpson, G, Colorado

Simpson has been the most effective gamers within the nation this season. The 6’2 junior must be an All-American. Simpson has a real taking pictures proportion of 61.2 %. He’s a knockdown shooter from three — 45 % on 161 makes an attempt and might shoot off the dribble, pulling up going left or proper.

If you happen to’ve by no means watched Simpson play, stylistically, he’s loads like Devin Booker, which is kind of the praise however it provides you an thought of how gifted an offensive participant Simpson is. What makes this season so outstanding for Simpson is that he solely shot 27 % from three as a sophomore. Colorado is a harmful event crew due to the depth they’ve on the perimeter and the variety of shotmakers they’ve, however there isn’t a participant within the clutch who you’d moderately have the ball in his ands than Simpson. — KP

16. Kevin McCullar, F, Kansas

McCullar was a stellar position participant in his first 4 years of faculty basketball between Texas Tech and Kansas. In 12 months 5, he’s made the transition right into a full-fledged star. The 6’7 wing all the time been in a position to defend the perimeter, make connective passes, and assault tilted defenses on straight line drives to the rim, the place he can end with energy. The large enchancment this season has been his soar shot. After being a sub 30 % shooter from deep over his first 4 years of faculty ball, McCullar has now made 34 % of his first 112 three-pointers this yr. The Kansas star has been battling a bone bruise in his knee since late within the season, and getting him wholesome and taking part in at his finest is the most important key to Kansas’ event hopes. — ROD

15. Kyle Filipowski, C, Duke

Filipowski may have been a primary spherical draft decide after his freshman yr, however he selected to return to Duke to be the crew chief as a sophomore. At 7-foot, 250 kilos, Filipowski is a talented massive man who can stretch the ground and act because the hub of the offense as a passer. He’s improved from 28 % to 35 % from three-point vary whereas additionally scoring properly inside. Whereas he’s not probably the most athletic middle, it’s onerous to argue together with his manufacturing because the Blue Devils’ chief in factors, rebounds, steals, and blocks. NCAA event opponents will attempt to assault Filipowski in house defensively, however he’s a nightmare matchup on the opposite finish together with his dimension and talent. Duke’s greatest key to a deep event run is Filipowski taking part in like the most effective man on the ground. — ROD

14. Tristen Newton, G, UConn

Newton is without doubt one of the nice success tales of the switch portal. After three years at East Carolina, he entered the portal after head coach Joe Dooley was fired, and finally landed at UConn. Newton earned a beginning spot and was a staple for the Huskies all yr on their charmed run to the nationwide championship. He’s leveled up once more this yr as UConn’s major holdover, rising as the most effective guards within the nation and an indispensable playmaker off the dribble. Whilst his three-point shot has fallen off barely this yr, Newton stays a gradual hand for Dan Hurley’s crew. If the sport is shut late, he’s going to dictate the Huskies’ offense. — ROD

13. Mark Sears, G, Alabama

Sears parlayed a standout sophomore season at Ohio right into a starring position at Alabama, the place he’s helped produce among the finest years in program historical past. Sears began each recreation for Alabama’s No. 1 total seed final season, and he’s been even higher in his return for his senior yr. The 6’1 guard has put up All-American caliber numbers, averaging 21.1 factors, 4.1 assists, and 4 rebounds per recreation. Sears is an electrical shooter (43.1 % from three) who helps make Alabama’s pace-and-space system go. The Tide may not play any protection, however with Sears on the court docket they certain can rating. — ROD

12. Jaedon LeDee, F, San Diego State

Rising up Jaedon LeDee deliberate on being a much bigger Jason Kidd, however a development spurt throughout his freshman yr in highschool noticed him add three inches in peak, and get moved all the way down to the submit. He began his faculty profession at Ohio State after which TCU earlier than transferring to San Diego State forward of final yr. As a rotational participant a season in the past LeDee averaged 7.9 factors and 5.3 rebounds because the Aztecs made a run to the Last 4, however this season LeDee has been within the beginning lineup, and taking part in a large position for SDSU. LeDee averaged 21.1 factors per recreation this season, main the Aztecs and rating inside the highest 20 within the nation, and he may get to the charity stripe. His 7.7 fouls drawn per recreation is fifth-most within the nation. — MS

11. Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette

If guard play finally determines success in March, few groups are higher outfitted for a deep run than Marquette with Tyler Kolek. The 6’3 senior brings a mixture of talent and toughness that’s practically unmatched in faculty basketball as we speak. He’s artful three-level scorer, a superb pick-and-roll playmaker, and a tricky point-of-attack defender. Kolek can begin possessions by creating a bonus within the pick-and-roll, or finish them by pulling down a spot-up three. A yr in the past, Kolek’s emergence was an enormous cause the Golden Eagles had been in a position to win the Huge East after being picked No. 9 within the preseason ballot. Marquette didn’t sneak up on anybody this yr, but when Kolek can get wholesome from an indirect pressure and resume taking part in at his finest, they received’t have to. — ROD

SEC Basketball Tournament - Championship

10. Johni Broome, C, Auburn

Broome’s dramatic evolution from a throwback-style massive at Morehead State to a modernized two-way drive at Auburn is without doubt one of the nice growth tales in faculty basketball. Broome has all the time been glorious at crashing the glass, scoring inside, and defending the rim. Now he has the perimeter talent to match. The 6’10 senior blossomed the most effective bigs within the nation by making big strides as each a playmaker and shooter. Broome is the hub of every little thing Auburn does within the halfcourt, unlocking the offense with dribble-handoffs and difficult rolls to the basket. His development as a long-range shooter has been much more large: he made zero threes in his first two seasons mixed, then made 9 final yr, and has drained 24 triples this yr at a 37.5 % clip. Broome’s two-way talent has made Auburn a top-10 crew in each offensive and defensive effectivity. His development as a participant ought to function a mannequin for future generations getting into the game. — ROD

9. Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

Dillingham seems like faculty basketball’s model of Allen Iverson: a supremely shifty lead guard who toys with opposing defenses whereas exuding an inconceivable coolness. The Kentucky freshman is probably the most inventive ball handler in faculty basketball, utilizing slippery dribble crossovers and hesitations to create house to attain for himself and others. He’s dynamic pull-up shooter with deep vary who make pictures even when his toes aren’t set. He additionally all the time has his eyes up on the lookout for open teammates, whether or not he’s throwing a perfectly-placed lob or zipping a go to a nook shooter. It’s simple to confuse Dillingham for participant chasing highlights or gunning for his personal numbers attributable to his type of play, however his skill to keep away from turnovers and play good basketball has been a revelation popping out of Additional time Elite. If John Calipari needs to make his first Last 4 since 2015, he must belief his two star freshman and allow them to cook dinner. — ROD

8. Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

Sheppard entered Kentucky as an afterthought in John Calipari’s top-ranked recruiting class. He immediately feels just like the crew’s finest participant, and maybe the most effective freshman in faculty basketball. The son of two former Kentucky basketball legends, Sheppard is a 6’2 guard with an impossibly correct three-point shot and remarkably sturdy palms to tear the ball away on protection. Sheppard nearly by no means misses from three-point vary, with 52.5 % mark that ranks No. 1 in America. He’s additionally one of many nation’s premier defensive playmakers, with a ridiculous 4.9 % steal fee and a pair of.8 % block fee unmatched by any participant within the sport. Sheppard doesn’t even begin for Kentucky, however he’s on his solution to turning into an NBA lottery decide regardless of his lack of dimension. Earlier than he leaps to the professionals, a flip as a March Insanity hero for a brand new technology is also within the playing cards. — ROD

7. Terrence Shannon, G, Illinois

Shannon was charged with rape in Dec. within the state of Kansas, and was suspended by the college for a number of weeks till a federal decide reinstated him in January together with his court docket date pending. Shannon has resumed his All-American caliber play since returning the court docket. The fifth-year senior is top-5 in DI in scoring at 22 factors per recreation. The 6’6 wing has all the time thrived attacking the basket with an incredible combition of velocity and leaping. This season, he’s improved as a shooter, too, making extra three-pointers than he ever has earlier than whereas knocking them down at a 35 % clip. Shannon’s preliminary listening to is scheduled for Could 10. Learn The Champaign Room for extra on the investigation. — ROD

Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic - Day Two

6. DaRon Holmes II, C, Dayton

Holmes was intriguing as a freshman, put himself on NBA radars as a sophomore, and totally blossomed into the most effective gamers in faculty basketball this season as a junior for Dayton. The 6’10, 235-pound massive man has all the time been a superb shot blocker on protection and lob catcher on offense. This was the yr he turned extra expert offensively. Holmes made seven three-pointers mixed his first two years of faculty basketball earlier than pulling down 30 this season at a 38.5 % clip. Holmes additionally made an enormous leap as a playmaker, bettering his help fee from 12.1 to 19.3 % over the past yr by initiating the offense on the elbow greater than ever. Holmes’ newfound skill to assault the protection off the dribble from the highest of the secret is an enchanting growth for a participant his dimension. If the guards step up, Dayton is aware of it has a star massive man who can go toe-to-toe with any participant within the event. — ROD

5. Donovan Clingan, C, UConn

Clingan was a per-minute monster because the backup middle on UConn’s dominant run to the nationwide championship a yr in the past. The NBA wished him, however he determined to come back again to Storrs for his sophomore yr, and since then the Huskies have been dreaming of turning into faculty basketball’s first back-to-back nationwide champion since Joakim Noah and Al Horford’s Florida Gators. Clingan’s large mixture of rim safety and rim ending is a trump card nearly nobody else can match. At 7’2, 280 kilos, with a 7’7 wingspan, Clingan is an elite shot-blocker and offensive rebounder who overwhelms opponents with dimension and size. He’s additionally grown as a playmaker this yr, serving as an important halfcourt hub on UConn’s whirling offense whereas doing properly to restrict his turnovers. Clingan nonetheless struggles to remain on the ground at instances — he’s performed lower than 50 % of UConn’s out there minutes — however when he’s locked in, the Huskies appears to be like like the most effective crew within the nation. — ROD

4 R.J. Davis, G, North Carolina

North Carolina is lastly R.J. Davis’ crew in full in his senior season, and he’s delivered a First-Group All-American efficiency to carry the Tar Heels to a No. 1 seed. The 6-foot guard is without doubt one of the nation’s most harmful shooters, pulling down 41.1 % of his threes on 7.5 makes an attempt per recreation from deep. He’s reduce down his turnovers, he’s practically 90 % on free throws, and he has the best help fee of his profession. A yr in the past, it felt like Davis and backcourt mate Caleb Love had been out of sync because the Heels one way or the other didn’t make the NCAA event regardless of beginning the yr as No. 1 within the preseason polls. With Love now in Arizona, Davis can play his two-man recreation with veteran massive man Armando Bacot whereas figuring out he’ll be on the controls with the ball down the stretch. — ROD

3. Jamal Shead, G, Houston

Shead needed to make the soar from glue man to star as a senior after Houston misplaced Jarace Walker and Marcus Sasser to the NBA as first spherical draft picks from final yr’s No. 1 seed. He needed to do it because the Cougars had been making the soar from the the mid-major American to the hardest convention within the nation, the Huge 12. In some way, Houston is likely to be even higher this yr, which is huge testomony each to the kind of program Kelvin Sampson has constructed and the immense toughness of his star guard. At 6’1, 200 kilos, Shead has performed a lot greater than his dimension to emerge as maybe the most effective defensive guard within the nation. Solely Kentucky’s Sheppard can match his 4.6 % steal fee and a pair of.1 % block fee amongst high-major gamers. His offense has taken a leap too when his crew has wanted him most: Shead is averaging career-highs in scoring, scoring effectivity, and help fee. If Houston could make its second Last 4 run underneath Sampson, it will likely be Shead main the way in which. — ROD

2. Dalton Knecht, F, Tennessee

Knecht’s lengthy and winding street to school basketball superstardom is stuff desires are product of. After spending two years in junior faculty and two years at Northern Colorado, the 6’6 wing transferred to Tennessee this season and have become probably the most lethal scorer within the nation. He spent convention season dropping the hammer on gifted SEC opponents, together with 40 factors on Kentucky, 39 factors on Auburn, 39 factors on Florida, 31 factors on South Carolina, and 36 factors on Georgia. Knecht is a 40 % shooter from three-point vary, however his offensive arsenal doesn’t finish there. He’s additionally a fearless slasher, owns a artful mid-range recreation, and is aware of the best way to constantly get to he line. It looks as if the identical story with Tennessee underneath Rick Barnes yearly: the protection is elite, however the offense can’t rating sufficient for a deep event run. Knecht is the kind of participant this program has all the time wanted. Now it’s time to benefit from his last March in his fifth yr of faculty hoops. — ROD

1. Zach Edey, C, Purdue

Edey is a generational drive in faculty basketball getting ready to turning into the game’s first back-to-back nationwide participant of the yr winner since Ralph Sampson in 1982-1983. Listed at 7’4, 300 kilos, the Purdue senior is a lot greater than simply massive. He’s an extremely expert inside scorer, the most effective offensive rebounder within the nation, and is monitoring to interrupt all-time data without cost throw makes an attempt whereas taking pictures a good 71.5 % from the road. Edey can be on the high of each all-in-one metric to seize participant efficiency, together with field rating plus-minus, PER, and win shares per 40 minutes. Watch Edey work to ascertain offensive place within the halfcourt is a recreation throughout the recreation: he will get whacked on practically each possession, however performs by way of contact with a powerful motor to repeatedly dominate video games. In fact, there’s nonetheless one massive factor lacking on Edey’s historic resume: a visit to the Last 4. Purdue turned the second No. 1 seed to ever lose within the first spherical to a No. 16 seed when Fairleigh Dickinson pulled off the colossal upset final season. It’s now or by no means for Edey’s Boilermakers, however with an improved supporting forged round him and by far the most effective participant within the area, Purdue can dream massive. — ROD

Previous articleFreedom in Footwear – Shoe Sorts have Little to No Results on Damage Charges

Next articleFrom Finest to Worst, Jeff Nippard Ranks Chest Workouts for Hypertrophy