As the Dallas Mavericks continue their downward spiral, the NCAA Tournament is in full swing. By the end of today, the original field of 64 will be cut in half. However, the teams that will be in action on this Friday are some of the best in the field. Plenty of pro talent will be on display, and you never know who will step up and cement themselves as March legends. With that in mind, here’s 12 players from this wave of games that you should keep an eye on in the tournament.
If you missed part one, check it outhere!
11:15a - (9) Baylor vs (8) Mississippi State
Guard VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
VJ Edgecombe is no stranger to big-time hoops, as he’s already spent time with the Bahamian National Team this past summer in preparation for their bid to qualify for the Olympics. Edgecombe is a gifted scorer at all levels who sets himself apart by having an elite motor to go along with the elite talent. Expect Edgecombe to fall somewhere between third and fifth in the Draft this fall.
11:40a - (15) Robert Morris vs (2) Alabama
Guards Labaron Philon and Mark Sears, Alabama
The case for both Philon and Sears is going to be interesting to watch over the next few months. Philon at times this year has been viewed as a first round pick, but as of now he’s slipped into the zone of potentially hitting the transfer portal if he doesn’t generate the interest from NBA people this summer. Sears on the other hand is a steady vet that gives extreme whiffs of Jalen Brunson. He’s not as polished as Brunson, which is why he’s floating around in the late second round or potentially being an undrafted free agent. However, the kid is steady and could potentially make a roster next year.
1:00p - (12) Colorado State vs (5) Memphis
Guard Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Colorado State is one of the better stories of this tournament. They’ve rattled off 20 wins in their last 24 games, including 10 in a row to make the tournament as the Mountain West champion. Nique Clifford is their best player, a guard who is already a professional bucket-getter. Nique is averaging 19 points and nearly 10 boards per game as a guard! Not only that, he’s over 50% from the floor and almost 40% from deep. He’s absolutely going to be a riser in this draft cycle.
Guard PJ Haggerty, Memphis
His counterpart in this matchup is no slouch, either. Haggerty is coming off winning the American Conference tournament, in which he had a game where he scored 42 points. Haggerty is a Texas kid, having played his high school ball in Crosby before going to TCU, Tulsa and now Memphis. Haggerty is shooting 48% from the floor and 38% from deep this season to push himself into draft consideration. This game will be a banger.
1:50p - (16) Mount St. Mary vs (1) Duke
Forward Cooper Flagg, Duke
Well, duh. The only question for Flagg is how he’ll look off that ankle sprain he suffered a week ago in the ACC Tournament. He’s the consensus number one prospect in this class for a reason and I hope that he’s healthy enough for Duke when they’re actually going to need him, which probably isn’t until the second week.
3:05p - (11) North Carolina vs (6) Ole Miss
Guard Ian Jackson, UNC
North Carolina shouldn’t even be in this tournament, and yet here they are after advancing past San Diego State with ease. Jackson isn’t even a starter for this team, as that is reserved for old heads RJ Davis and Elliott Cadeau. It’s Jackson that has the best NBA future though, as the freshman has developed into a quality 6th man for the Heels. He’s shooting 40% from deep and has shown flashes with some drives to the rim. I want to see more of him.
3:35p - (13) Grand Canyon vs (4) Maryland
Center Derik Queen, Maryland
Queen has been the Terps’ best player this year, bruising teams on the block with his size and footwork. The freshman was highly touted coming out of Montverde Academy and he’s certainly delivered, averaging 16 points and 9 boards. Queen seems pretty locked into the lottery, but he’ll have a chance to show even more if Maryland can make a run. Also, keep an eye on Tyon Grant-Foster for Grand Canyon. The ‘Lopes are live for an upset if TGF can regain the form he showed last season.
6:25p - (10) New Mexico vs (7) Marquette
Guard Kam Jones, Marquette
Jones was a guy who I would’ve really liked in the second round, as that appears to be his range. However, the Mavs no longer own a pick there so it seems unlikely that Kam will follow his former teammate Olivier Maxence-Prosper to Dallas. Anyhow, Jones plays point for Marquette but he might be even better off ball or as a secondary creator. That person would fit very well next to a Luka Doncic, perhaps?
8:25p - (9) Oklahoma vs (8) Connecticut
Guard Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Fears is a bit undersized, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with poise and effort. He’s developed into one of my favorite players to watch with his shot making and ability to get downhill. He can be a bit of a saloon door defensively, but young guards tend to be that way. He’ll have his hands full with UConn and coach Dan Hurley, one of the best game planners in the sport, but Fears has the talent to put this Sooner team on his back and go.
8:45p - (11) Xavier vs (6) Illinois
Guard Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
Jakucionis is a high level prospect. He has all around solid numbers, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, but that balance is indicative of the player he is. Kasparas is very well rounded in all aspects except for his shooting, as he is just 32% from 3. However, if you’re a believer in free throw shooting being an indicator that someone can shoot, Jakucionis is shooting 85% at the charity stripe. Jakucionis is a projected high lottery pick for a reason. Unfortunately for us, Texas blew a 13-point lead to Xavier, therefore we will not get Tre Johnson vs Kasparas Jakucionis.
9:00p - (15) Bryant vs (2) Michigan State
Guard Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Jase is the son of Jason Richardson, who you will remember was a pro for over a decade in the 2000’s. Jase has really come on strong in the latter half of the year, as it took some time to earn some of Tom Izzo’s trust as a freshman. However, since being inserted into the rotation in conference play, Richardson has scored 12 points per game while having shooting splits of 51/41/84. He’s a candidate to stick around in East Lansing, but if he does not, he should be a guy the Mavericks target.