March Madness is right around the corner as 68 teams have now learned who they are playing the first week of the Men’s NCAA Tournament. As brackets take shape, here are 10 players ready to make their mark on the tournament.
10. Javohn Garcia, McNeese St. Cowboys
Javohn Garcia isn’t a household name yet, but the McNeese State guard has been lighting up the Southland Conference all season. Garcia helped guide his Cowboys to a 26-6 record, capped off by winning both the regular season and conference tournament titles. McNeese earned a No. 12 seed in last year’s tournament and was a trendy upset pick before falling to Gonzaga. With Garcia leading the charge, they’re positioning themselves for a different ending in the first round.
9. Donovan Dent, New Mexico Lobos
New Mexico had Cinderella potential last season but fell short. Despite losing key players to power five conferences, the Lobos finished atop the Mountain West regular season standings behind conference Player of the Year Donovan Dent. The dynamic guard ranks 12th nationally in scoring (20.4 points per game) and 11th in assists (6.5), making him one of the most complete offensive threats in the tournament field.
8. Lamont Butler, Kentucky Wildcats
Lamont Butler brings something Kentucky teams typically lack — senior leadership and NCAA Tournament experience. Although sidelined for portions of this season, Butler’s March Madness credentials are undeniable. Two years ago, he etched his name in tournament lore by hitting a buzzer-beater to send San Diego State to the National Championship game. His veteran presence could be crucial for a Wildcats team seeking redemption after a first-round exit last year.
7. Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard provides elite playmaking in his second season under coach Mark Few. The senior guard is averaging a rare double-double with 10.8 points and 10 assists per game. He’s the nation’s only player averaging double-digit assists, leading the country in that category. Nembhard’s court vision and decision-making will be pivotal as the Zags make their 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
6. RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s Red Storm
A major factor in St. John’s resurgence in the Big East has been RJ Luis Jr. The All-Big East First Team selection is thriving in his second season in the Big Apple, averaging 18.1 points and 7.1 rebounds. Luis and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner were the only two players to rank in the top six of the conference in both scoring and rebounding, showcasing Luis’ all-around impact.
5. Braden Smith, Purdue Boilermakers
Despite losing Zach Edey to graduation, Purdue hasn’t missed a beat thanks to Braden Smith. Recently named Big Ten Player of the Year, Smith is averaging 16.3 points while ranking second nationally with 8.8 assists per game, trailing only Nembhard. After reaching last year’s National Championship game, Smith and the Boilermakers are determined to take that final step during this March Madness run.
4. Mark Sears, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s Mark Sears proved he’s built for March moments last week against the top-ranked team in the country. Facing rival Auburn on the road, Sears delivered a game-winning buzzer-beater in overtime that could significantly impact the Crimson Tide’s seeding. Averaging 19.2 points (second in the SEC), Sears appears ready to lead Alabama on a deep run as a potential No. 1 seed.
3. L.J. Cryer, Houston Cougars
Houston’s defensive intensity gets most of the headlines, but L.J. Cryer provides the offensive punch. The All-Big 12 First Team selection leads the Cougars with 15.3 points per game and has become one of the nation’s most reliable three-point threats, averaging three made triples per contest. Cryer enters the postseason in peak form, having scored 20-plus points in four of his last five regular-season games.
2. Johni Broome, Auburn Tigers
Auburn has built one of the most impressive résumés in the country with 16 quadrant one victories in the NET Rankings (Michigan State is next with 12). The Tigers’ dominance starts with Johni Broome, who’s averaging 18.6 points on 50.1% shooting and emerging as a National Player of the Year candidate. His interior presence gives head coach Bruce Pearl a difference-maker who could power Auburn through multiple tournament weekends.
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils
Duke claimed the No. 1 spot in the latest AP poll after Alabama’s win over Auburn, and freshman phenom Cooper Flagg is the primary reason why. Averaging 19.4 points and 7.6 rebounds, Flagg has electrified Cameron Indoor Stadium in ways reminiscent of Zion Williamson’s brief but spectacular Duke career seven years ago. The freshman sensation has the Blue Devils positioned for a potentially memorable March run, but will a recent ankle injury crush their championship dreams?