March Madness is finally upon us. From blue blood programs to mid-majors, every team enters the NCAA Tournament with dreams of cutting down the nets. However, some teams have huge advantages thanks to having top players. These are the ’30 Best Players To Watch During March Madness’ — let’s dive in.
30. Josh Hubbard — Mississippi State
Momentum is a key factor in March. Players entering the tournament on a hot streak can spark a deep run for their team. There aren’t many streaking better than Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard. The freshman guard came off the bench to begin the year and didn’t become a full-time starter until February. Hubbard is a shifty ball handler who can create his shot with ease. He’s averaging 25.4 PPG over the Bulldogs’ last eight games.
29. Great Osobor — Utah State
The 2024 MWC Player of the Year dominated for the Aggies all season long. Utah State began the year 16-1, which was largely thanks to their junior big man. Osobor is one of college basketball’s great stories this year. The English import spent the last two years as a reserve player for Montana State. Osobor transferred to Utah State this season and emerged as a star. From the opening tip, Utah State controls the paint. Osobor is relentless on both ends (18.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG, and 1.3 SPG).
28. N’Faly Dante — Oregon
If N’Faly Dante plays how he did in the Pac-12 Championship, Oregon will be a serious contender to make a run. Dante saved his best performance for last as he dominated Colorado on both ends. The Ducks big man ended the game with a career-high 25 points on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting night. He also had a key block on a three-pointer late in the game to seal the victory. Over his last eleven games, Dante is shooting nearly 77-percent from the floor while averaging 2.1 SPG and 2.0 BPG.
27. Wade Taylor IV — Texas A&M
Before falling to Florida in the SEC tournament, Texas A&M had been playing its best ball of the season. Lead guard Wade Taylor IV has found his groove offensively. He dropped 30 points with six made threes in the shootout versus the Gators. That came just a day after he poured in 32 points in an upset win over Kentucky. Taylor hasn’t shot it well this year but he’s capable (he made 88 threes). When he’s on, Taylor can stress defenses with range and speed.
26. Max Abmas — Texas
This time of the year is when Max Abmas shines. The fifth-year guard previously lit the NCAA tournament ablaze at Oral Roberts. He averaged 26.7 PPG during the 2021 tournament, lighting up the defenses of Ohio State, Florida, and Arkansas. The Golden Eagles were extinguished in the Round of 64 last year and Abmas transferred to Texas following the loss. He’s battle-tested and surrounded by a much better cast with the Longhorns. Don’t be surprised if Abmas rises to the occasion once again.
25. Boo Buie — Northwestern
Northwestern is going dancing for the second-straight year. The Wildcats lost a tight one to UCLA in the Second Round and will look to make it past opening week in ’24. Those who watched Northwestern last year should be plenty familiar with All-Big Ten guard Boo Buie. The New York native has been with the program for five seasons and has been a consistent difference-maker. Buie averaged career-highs in points (18.9), assists (5.2) and three-point percentage (.431) this year. He’s the type of player who can take over a game as a scorer or as a distributor.
24. Donovan Clingan — Connecticut
The man in the middle for the defending champions is the 7-foot-2 Donovan Clingan. Some wondered if Clingan would enter the NBA Draft after helping the Huskies win the national title last year. Instead, he returned for his sophomore season and improved across the board. Now, he’s a projected lottery pick. And, it’s not difficult to see why. Clingan is an absolute force in the paint on both ends. He’s averaging 2.3 BPG and shooting over 64-percent from the field. Anytime an opposing player gets past the initial defense, they’ll have to contend with Clingan’s ability to alter shots from all sorts of angles. Nothing comes easy against Connecticut’s defensive stalwart.
23. Isaiah Stevens — Colorado State
Colorado State’s Isaiah Stevens has a chance to capture the hearts of millions of college basketball fans. The casual viewer may not be familiar with Stevens’ game. The Texas native is generously listed at 6 feet tall. He’s been with the Rams since 2019 and is a five-time All-MWC selection. Stevens is one of the most dynamic guards in the country. He’s a gifted, efficient scorer who is shooting over 50-percent on two-pointers and over 45-percent on threes. Passing has always come naturally to Stevens, as he led the Mountain West with 7.1 APG this year. The last time Colorado State made the tournament was in ’22. They lost their first game to the 11-seed Michigan Wolverines, and Stevens had an awful game (fouled out). He’ll look to redeem himself with a big performance this time around.
22. Ryan Dunn — Virginia
It’s only fitting that the best defender in the country plays for Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers. Virginia basketball has become synonymous with slow, defensive-minded groups. While that hasn’t always been the case (the 2019 title-winning squad was an excellent offensive team), it certainly holds true this year. Ryan Dunn is the team’s most indispensable player, and he only averages 8.2 PPG. Dunn is an absolute game-wrecker on the defensive end. The 6-foot-8 sophomore has had six games tallying at least five blocks this year. He was also among the ACC leaders in steals (1.3) and rebounds (6.9). For any team to have success against Virginia’s defense, they will have to target players other than Dunn.
21. PJ Hall — Clemson
Yet another senior on the list, Clemson’s PJ Hall has been a steady force for the Tigers over the last four seasons. 2024 was his most prolific year to date. Hall averaged career highs in points (18.8), rebounds (6.7), and blocks (1.6). His floor-spacing ability continued to improve as he nailed 48 threes on the campaign. Hall was named an All-ACC First-team member this year and was a major reason for Clemson’s success in the conference. His size and skill will make the Tigers a tough out.
20. Terrence Shannon Jr. — Illinois
After spending his first three seasons at Texas Tech, Terrence Shannon Jr. has found a home in Illinois. The 6-foot-6 Chicago native has been unstoppable on the offensive end at points for the Illini. He’s over 21 PPG on the year — good for second in the Big Ten. He’s always had great size and range for the position, but this year Shannon has shown a level of comfortability that we haven’t seen before. He can get to his spots at will and finish in traffic. He’s shooting 58-percent on two-pointers this year. Anything inside the arc is automatic for Illinois’ gifted scorer.
19. Tamin Lipsey — Iowa State
Iowa State’s pesky guard Tamin Lipsey has a motor that never stops going. The 6-foot-1 sophomore was named an All-Big 12 First-Team selection. While he didn’t put up the same offensive numbers as some of the other members, Lipsey gets it done in all other areas of the floor. He averaged 12.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.7 RPG, and a staggering 2.7 SPG. He was everywhere in a recent win against BYU recording five steals and applying constant pressure on the Cougars’ backcourt. Teams can be prone to mistakes in the tournament whether it’s due to fatigue or nerves. You can’t make mistakes around Lipsey. He’ll force turnovers and completely turn a game upside down.
18. Ja’Kobe Walter — Baylor
Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter has struggled with his shot this season. He’s shooting just 38-percent from the floor and a little over 34-percent from three. The Bears are not a good defensive team and it certainly doesn’t help that the freshman Walter doesn’t contribute much on that end. However, Walter is a talented offensive player who should not be overlooked. He led Baylor in scoring as a first-year player and had some of his best games against the stiffest competition. Just a few weeks ago, he poured in 23 points and made five threes against the No. 1 defense in the country (Houston). Don’t be surprised if he explodes for big scoring totals as Baylor makes its way through the bracket.
17. Johni Broome — Auburn
Auburn is a completely different team when Johni Broome is engaged on both ends. Broome transferred from Morehead State two seasons ago after twice being selected to the All-OVC team. He averaged 3.9 BPG and 10.5 RPG in his final year as an Eagle. While his numbers aren’t quite as impressive this season, Broome is a game-changer for the Tigers. There aren’t many players who can impact both ends of the floor to the degree of Broome. He blocks shots, snares rebounds, finishes everything, and can knock down the occasional three. There isn’t a great answer to slow down Auburn’s athletic big man.
16. Rob Dillingham — Kentucky
Hoops fans should get familiar with Rob Dillingham. The Kentucky guard is an electric bucket-getter who plays with immense confidence. Some might be confused when they turn on a Kentucky game and don’t immediately see Dillingham on the floor. John Calipari’s backcourt is stacked with elite talent, and Dillingham has started just one game this year as a result. No matter, we saw this story before (Devin Booker did not start a single game at Kentucky). Once Dillingham touches the court, it’s showtime. His game is built for the big stage, just like when he put up 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting against Tennessee earlier this year.
15. Mark Sears — Alabama
Mark Sears is a crafty, lefty guard who leads the nation’s top offense. He’s drawn comparisons to New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson. When comparing the two players, Sears is having a better season than Brunson had during his final year at Villanova. Brunson was named National College Player of the Year in 2018 with averages of 18.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, and 3.1 RPG on 52.1/40.8/80.2 shooting splits. Sears is up to 21.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, and 4.0 RPG on 50.6/44.1/86.4 splits. Just like Brunson, Sears never appears out of control and can heat up in a hurry.
14. Baylor Scheierman — Creighton
The Blue Jays from Creighton have a few players who could have potentially cracked this list. Ryan Kalkbrenner is among the best centers in the country (and one of the best in Creighton’s history regardless of position). Lead guard Trey Alexander improved across the board as a junior, especially in the playmaking department. However, Creighton’s chances as a national contender hinge on the play of South Dakota State transfer Baylor Scheierman. Scheierman took a year to fully adjust to Big East play, and has been excellent for the Blue Jays in ’24. Since February, Scheierman is averaging 19.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG while also being one of the best shooters in college basketball.
13. Kevin McCullar Jr. — Kansas
Kevin McCullar’s breakout campaign in 2024 was one of the driving forces in Kansas’ season. He nearly doubled his scoring output (from 10.7 PPG to 18.3) and improved vastly as a passer (4.1 APG). He was the team’s most consistent offensive piece. Before going down with an injury in a loss to Houston, McCullar Jr. had scored in double-digits in each game. He’s not just a one-way player, though, McCullar Jr. was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team and holds a career average of 1.6 SPG. His health will play a major factor in how far the Jayhawks will advance in March.
12. Caleb Love — Arizona
Old face in a new place. Caleb Love gained national notoriety in 2022 during North Carolina’s magical run to the National Championship game. The former Tar Heel was unconscious during UNC’s path to the final, highlighted by a 30-point performance versus UCLA and a 28-point output in a win over rival Duke. Last year, the Tar Heels fell flat on their face after being ranked No. 1 during the preseason. Love’s volatile play was viewed as a key culprit and he entered the transfer portal by season’s end. Landing in Arizona with head coach Tommy Lloyd was the best thing that could have happened to him. Love has played free all year and was the key cog in Arizona’s elite offense. We know that he can take over a game in the tournament because he’s already done so on multiple occasions previously.
11. Hunter Dickinson — Kansas
It didn’t take long for Hunter Dickinson to adjust to his new team. After spending the previous three years at Michigan, the 7-foot-1 Dickinson joined Bill Self’s Jayhawks for the ’24 campaign. Dickinson continued to be a reliable low-post scorer and even upped his rebounding totals. A player of his stature is always going to be somebody that opposing teams will have to account for. Just like teammate Kevin McCullar Jr., Dickinson is dealing with an injury currently. It doesn’t seem like the dislocated shoulder will prevent the All-American center from playing in the NCAA Tournament, but it’s something to monitor moving forward.
10. RJ Davis — North Carolina
The 2024 ACC Player of the Year is looking to cap off a tremendous season. With Caleb Love leaving in the offseason, Davis decided to take it upon himself to carry the Tar Heels. He increased his scoring output and emerged as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the country. Davis is averaging 21.0 PPG while knocking down 3.1 threes per contest. Perhaps the most important attribute of a lead guard is composure. Davis is never out of sorts and keeps his mistakes to a minimum. He’ll give the Tar Heels a fighting chance against any team in the nation.
9. Kyle Filipowski — Duke
Duke star Kyle Filipowski escaped serious injury earlier this year and was selected to a second All-ACC team. Court-storming situation aside, Filipowski is an athletic, two-way big who will give any team trouble. With his improved shooting numbers from three this season, there really aren’t any holes in his game. He’s now capable of stretching the floor, and teams will have to respect his ability to knock down an open three. Once defenses close out on him, Filipowski can put the ball on the floor and finish with authority in traffic.
8. Reed Sheppard — Kentucky
Reed Sheppard was not the most heralded recruit in Kentucky’s class. However, he’s been the best player on the team for weeks. He’s scored with incredible efficiency. The 6-foot-3 guard is shooting 54-percent from the field and 52-percent from beyond the arc. He’s also the team’s best passer by a wide margin. Sheppard leads the team in assists despite having the sixth-highest usage rate among rotation players. When Sheppard has the ball, good things happen. Head coach John Calipari just needs to let his young guard run the offense.
7. Jaedon LeDee — San Diego State
Mountain West Player of the Year Jaedon LeDee has been a revelation for the Aztecs. His emergence as a star is why many believe this year’s San Diego State team could even contend with last year’s national runner-up. LeDee was on that team but was more of a role player with averages of just 7.9 PPG and 5.3 RPG. This year, the hyper-active forward is posting 20.9 PPG and 8.5 RPG. Teams have no answer for LeDee on any area of the floor. He’s shooting 55-percent from the field and taking nearly nine free throws per game. When teams pack the paint against SDSU, LeDee is shooting 40-percent from three. An absolute force who could lead the Aztecs to a second-straight Final Four appearance.
6. Tristen Newton — Connecticut
Pundits who thought Connecticut could potentially take a step back in 2024 probably didn’t account for Tristen Newton emerging as one of the top guards in the nation. Newton was solid for the Huskies last year during their title run. However, he was overshadowed on a team featuring three future NBA players (Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson and Adama Sanogo). This year, Newton has taken charge and emerged as Connecticut’s do-it-all star. He’s a matchup problem for most guards with his size (6-foot-5) and has always shown great vision as a passer.
5. Tyler Kolek — Marquette
Will Tyler Kolek be healthy for the NCAA Tournament? That is the biggest question surrounding Marquette ahead of the Big Dance. Kolek is currently nursing an oblique injury and hasn’t played since February 28. When healthy, Kolek is a difference maker. The Big East Player of the Year in 2023, Kolek has been a leader for the Golden Eagles for the past three seasons. In addition to leading the team in assists with 7.6 per game, Kolek is second on the team in scoring (15.0 PPG) and rebounding (4.7 RPG).
4. DaRon Holmes II — Dayton
Playing for the Dayton Flyers, DaRon Holmes II is a player to watch in the NCAA Tournament. Holmes is great on both sides of the ball. This year, he took home both the A-10 Player of the Year and the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Award. He led the Flyers in scoring (20.4 PPG), rebounding (8.4 RPG), and blocks (2.1 BPG). Offensively, Holmes shot 38.5-percent from three — up 7-percent from last season. Slowing down Holmes will be the key to knocking off Dayton in March.
3. Jamal Shead — Houston
Teammate L.J. Cryer may be more well-known by fans across the country, but Houston’s Jamal Shead is a very good player in his own right. In addition to being Houston’s second-leading scorer (13.2 PPG), Shead leads the Cougars with 6.2 assists per game. Shead has been a three-year starter for the team and has a history of performing well in big games. As a sophomore in 2022, Shead scored 21 points in a win over No. 1 seed Arizona in the Sweet 16. Last year, the guard scored double-figures in all three of Houston’s games.
2. Dalton Knecht — Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers will enter the NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites to win it all, and Knecht is the main reason why. Knecht’s journey to stardom has been fascinating. Before landing at Tennessee, Knecht spent two years in junior college and then two more at Northern Colorado. Knecht leads the Vols in scoring at 21.4 PPG and has seven 30-point games overall. Knecht is a matchup nightmare due to his ability to shoot the ball. He is shooting 40.5-percent from three on over six attempts per game. If the Vols make a run in March, Knecht will be the man to lead the charge.
1. Zach Edey — Purdue
If your school retires your number before you even finish playing, you must be pretty good. Edey’s No. 15 was retired by Purdue during his final home game. The towering center was the AP Player of the Year in 2023, and he is the favorite to win the award again this year. Playing for a No. 1 seed, Edey averaged 24.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this year. He is the most dominant player in the nation and gives the Boilermakers an immediate advantage every time they take the court. Entering the tournament, Edey has scored 22+ points in 10 games in a row.