Wampler's Farm Bracket Madness

March Madness, Big Dance, Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four, NCAA Tournament. One of the grandest spectacles in sports goes by many names, but delivers the same unbridled excitement every March.

This is the one sports event in America that has casual fans, and folks who are not even fans at all, scrambling to fill out brackets, looking for any reason to pick a 12 seed to upset a 5.

For the purest fans, we learn that Kansas now has played in 32 straight tournaments. Tom Izzo, now coaching in his 25th consecutive tournament is one away from tying Mike Krzyzewski for the longest streak by a coach. Duke is participating for the 27th straight time and Gonzaga its 24th. Speaking of the Zags, they have made it to the last seven Sweet 16s. Chances are they’ll make eight. Kansas also has an amazing run of 15 tournaments of winning at least one game. The last team to defeat the Jayhawks in the round was Bradley as a 13 seed in 2006.

For the casual fans among us, it’s the time we are reminded (or learn for the first time) that there’s a school called Fairleigh-Dickinson and Northern Kentucky, Oral Roberts and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (which really needs branding help). We also find out that the Grand Canyon isn’t just a National Park, but also a university with a decent basketball program.

There will be two sets of brothers coaching in the tournament this year. Bryce Drew will lead Grand Canyon, his brother Scott coaches Baylor. The Brothers Hurley, Dan and Bobby, lead UConn and Arizona State, respectively.

Now the pressure is on to fill out that perfect bracket. Enjoy the Tournament! Charlie Miller

Alabama Crimson Tide

Nate Oats

29-5 (16-2 SEC)

Alabama, the No. 1 overall seed, has dealt with serious issues this season involving a murder and the dismissal of Darius Miles. Throughout the ordeal, Alabama has continued to perform on the court even as information about star Brandon Miller’s involvement in the incident emerged. Admittedly, Alabama’s schedule was more daunting entering the season than it is in hindsight, but the Tide defeated two teams, North Carolina and Houston, when the teams were ranked No. 1. Freshman Brandon Miller is the go-to player on offense. He’s scored in double figures in all but one game this season, the win at Houston. He can score from all over the floor and averages just under 20 a game.

Key Players

Key Players

F Brandon Miller

Leading scorer and rebounder shoots better than 43% from beyond the arc.

G Mark Sears

Reliable second scoring option, shooting can be a bit streaky.

F Noah Clowney

The 6’10” freshman is a tough defender in the middle, but is susceptible to foul trouble.

C Charles Bediako

The 7-footer was 16 of 20 from the field in the SEC tourney with 24 rebounds, nine of them offensive.

Arizona Wildcats

Tommy Lloyd

28-6 (14-6 Pac-12)

The Wildcats defeated Cincinnati, San Diego State and Creighton in Hawaii in November, then beat Indiana and Tennessee in December, and ultimately split with UCLA before defeating the Bruins in the Pac-12 title game. Arizona is one of the best offensive teams in the land. They shoot it well from all over and move the ball as well as any team. They rebound extremely well, but also aren’t afraid to turn it over. They have five players averaging in double figures. The offense goes through the big men in the middle, Azoulas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo. It’s not unusual for Tubelis to get 15-20 shots a game. He’s scored 20 with 10 boards nine times this season. The seven-footer Ballo doesn’t get as many shots, but he hits 64.5%.

Key Players

F Azoulas Tubelis

Leads the team in scoring and boards; shoots 57% from the field.

C Oumar Ballo

Averaged 9.8 points and fewer than six shots a game in February and March regular season games.

G Courtney Ramey

Can shoot the three ball (40.5%); hitting what proved to be game winner in Pac-12 title tilt.

G Kerr Kriisa

Rarely comes out of games and scores from all over; leads in assists.

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Arizona State Sun Devils

Bobby Hurley

22-12 (11-9 Pac-12)

The Sun Devils finished tied with Washington State for fifth in the Pac-12, and a half-court heave at the buzzer by Desmond Cambridge Jr. that defeated Arizona in late February just might have been what pushed Arizona State into the Big Dance. The Sun Devils are 4-7 against tournament teams this season. Cambridge is certainly responsible for much of the Sun Devils’ success. He was named to the second team All-Pac-12 team and was league Player of the Week three times. He is at his best against the best. In the Sun Devils’ nine Quad 1 games, Cambridge has a +38 while on the floor. Warren Washington is the best defender on the team. The seven-footer controls the paint with 1.79 blocks a game.

Key Players

G Desmond Cambridge Jr. Took 30 threes in the three games in the Pac-12 tourney, knocking down 11.

F Warren Washington

Leading rebounder and shotblocker needs to score more; shoots 56.2% from the field.

G DJ Horne

Can be erratic offensively, but does a good job drawing fouls.

G Devan Cambridge

One of the best offensive rebounders in the game.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Eric Musselman 20-13 (8-10 SEC)

The computers love this team, but the only non-con games of note are a loss to Creighton and a win over San Diego State in Hawaii. The Razorbacks lost five of their first six SEC games and were desperate for wins in February. Arkansas doesn’t shoot the three that well, but knocks down 53.7% from inside the arc. The Razorbacks can be a bit sloppy at times, but they defend the rim well with more than five blocks a game. Freshman guard Nick Smith Jr. is the most exciting player on the court, but he’s missed significant time with knee injuries. Since his return, he’s averaged 16 shots a game, so he should be good to go. His running mate Ricky Council IV has been solid on both ends, but his scoring suffered in the SEC Tournament.

Key Players

G Nick Smith Jr.

Averages 16.7 points a game over his last six games.

G Ricky Council IV

Scoring leader was held to three of 14 shooting (0-3 from three) in SEC Tournament.

G Anthony Black

The 6’7” freshman rarely comes out of games; was 9-18 shooting with 10 boards and eight assists in the two SEC tourney games.

G Davonte Davis

An excellent rebounding guard; can be streaky from beyond arc.

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Auburn Tigers

Bruce Pearl

20-12 (10-8 SEC)

The Tigers lost to Memphis in Atlanta and were defeated at USC, but beat Northwestern in Cancun for one marquee non-con win. Auburn finished seventh in the SEC. Auburn is all about defense. The Tigers don’t shoot it particularly well and prefer to grind out games with toughness. Opponents score 67 points a game, but Auburn scores only 72.7. Opponents shoot just 40.7% from the field and a woeful 28.8% from beyond the arc. Auburn plays a ton of guys and only Jaylin Williams and Wendell Green Jr. play more than 28 minutes a game. Johni Broome, a 6’10” sophomore leads the team in scoring and rebounds. He shoots 53% from the field but has a tendency to get into foul trouble.

Key Players

F Johni Broome

Takes about 11 shots a game, but Bruce Pearl wants him to be more involved.

G Wendell Green Jr.

The 5’10” guard has made 28 of his last 29 free throws.

F Jaylin Williams

Takes the most threes on the team, but cashes in fewer than 30%.

G Allen Flanigan

Quietly averaged 16 points a game over his last three games (Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas).

Baylor Bears

Scott Drew

22-10 (11-7 Big 12)

Baylor has been tested with a tough non-conference road schedule and survived the rigors of the toughest conference in the country. The Bears played at Virginia, Marquette, UCLA and Gonzaga defeating UCLA and Gonzaga. The games against elite competition prepared Baylor well for the Big 12 and, more importantly, the NCAA Tournament. Leading scorer Keyonte George missed time late in the season with a sprained ankle. In his absence, LJ Cryer and Adam Flagler picked up some scoring slack. The Bears are one of the deepest teams in the tournament. Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua has been a spark since returning in February, almost a year after suffering a devastating knee injury.

Key Players

G Keyonte George

The 6’4” freshman can score attacking the basket and from threepoint range.

G LJ Cryer

Logged 35 or more minutes in six straight games to close the regular season.

G Adam Flagler

The veteran guard rarely sits and is a terrific passer and playmaker.

F Jalen Bridges

The undersized big man at 6’7” is tough on the boards.

Boise State Broncos

Leon Rice

24-9 (13-5 MWC)

Boise State can brag about defeating Texas A&M, but losses to South Dakota State, Charlotte and Santa Clara are humbling. The Broncos finished tied with Utah State a couple games behind Mountain West champion San Diego State. The Broncos play seven guys, but the starters don’t leave the court much all averaging double figures in scoring. Boise State opponents tend to have bad shooting nights, scoring just 64.3 points a game on 41.3% shooting from the field and 30.9% from three. Sophomore Tyler Degenhart is a budding star for the Broncos. Last season, he was named Freshman of the Year, and this season first team All-MWC. He and senior Max Rice both averaged better than 15 points a game in MWC play.

Key Players

F Tyler Degenhart

Shot 59.6% from the field in conference games this season.

G Max Rice

The 6’5” senior was the top scorer on the team in MWC games (15.9).

G Marcus Shaver Jr.

Scores 13.5 points a game and dishes 3.8 assists.

F Naje Smith

Shoots 57.2% from two-point range, 38.1% from three.

Charleston Cougars

Pat Kelsey

31-3 (16-2 Colonial)

Charleston needed a stirring comeback that included a late 12-0 run in the Colonial title tilt to defeat UNC Wilmington 63-58. The Cougars haven’t played a killer schedule, losing to North Carolina early in November and defeating Virginia Tech a few weeks later, their two toughest opponents. The NCAA Tournament isn’t a strange event for the Cougars or coach Pat Kelsey. The coach has taken two teams from Winthrop to the dance, and the Cougars have been five times, the most recent in 2018. Charleston shoots the three as often as any team in the nation (more than 30 per game) and makes 34%. This is a solid rebounding team that goes nine players deep with five players averaging in double figures in scoring.

Key Players

G Dalton Bolon

Leads the team in scoring and received All-CAA first team honors.

PG Ryan Larson

MOP of the CAA Tournament with 15 points and four steals in the second half of the title game.

G Pat Robinson III

CAA Sixth Man of the Year; leads team in FTs even though he averages less than 20 minutes.

G Jaylon Scott

Lockdown defender was named to CAA All-Defensive Team; also a tremendous offensive rebounder.

Scoring FG%

NET: 101

98

Colgate Raiders

Matt Langel

25-8 (17-1 Patriot)

Colgate didn’t play a harrowing non-conference schedule, but the Raiders did win at Syracuse in November. Colgate shoots the ball as well as any team in the country. In fact, the Raiders and Gonzaga are the only teams with a field goal percentage better than 50%, and have the best three-point percentage in the nation (40.8%). Colgate sailed through the Patriot Conference winning the regular season by six games. They share the ball well and they don’t turn it over much. Senior guard Tucker Richardson leads on and off the court. He fills the stat sheet every night averaging 14 points, five boards and 5.6 assists. You can’t blame the Raiders is there’s some stage fright, since they average only 956 fans a game.

Key Players

G Tucker Richardson Has taken 10 or more shots in every game this season except four.

G Oliver Lynch-Daniels

More than half of his shots are threes and he makes 50% of them.

G Braeden Smith

One of the best freshmen in the conference, Smith shoots 54.6% inside the arc.

F Keegan Records

Averaged 18 points on 82% shooting, five boards and three blocks in the three Patriot tourney games.

Creighton Bluejays

Greg McDermott

21-12 (14-6 Big East)

Creighton captured attention at the Maui Classic by defeating Texas Tech (ranked at the time) and Arkansas before losing to Arizona by two in the title game. The Bluejays then lost six in a row before righting the ship in Big East play. Marquette is the only Big East team that Creighton didn’t defeat. Creighton lives and dies with the starting five. All five starters average 30 minutes or more and more than 12 points a game, and they share the ball well. The Bluejays are big and balanced. The offense runs through 7’1” Ryan Kalkbrenner, who leads the team in scoring. Coaches would love to see him get to the line more. Point guard Ryan Nembhard triggers the offense and played all 40 minutes three times in February.

Key Players

C Ryan Kalkbrenner

The big man shoots better than 70% from the field and protects the rim well on defense.

G Ryan Nembhard

The playmaker scores in double figures and averages five assists per game.

G Baylor Scheierman

The 6’7” veteran team leader creates matchup problems on offense and leads the team in rebounding.

F Arthur Kaluma

The 6’7” sophomore brings energy and makes plays on both ends.

Drake Bulldogs

Darian DeVries

27-7 (15-5 Missouri Valley)

The Drake Bulldogs punched their ticket with an impressive run through the Missouri Valley Tournament defeating Murray State, Southern Illinois and routing Bradley by 26 points in the title game. Drake finished a game behind Bradley in the regular season, but took care of business when it mattered. The only non-con win of note during the regular season is a 58-52 win over Mississippi State on a neutral court in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Bulldogs shoot it pretty well and rarely beat themselves with turnovers. They also share the basketball freely. Swingman Tucker DeVries, the coach’s son, was named MVC Player of the Year, and Roman Penn received All-MVC honors. Darnell Brodie is a force on the boards.

Key Players

G/F Tucker DeVries

Leading scorer averages 18.9 points a game scored 22 with six boards in the MVC title game.

G Roman Penn

Grad student leads in many intangibles, and also in assists.

G Garrett Sturtz

Averages 9.4 points, 6.4 boards and shoots 58% from the field.

F Darnell Brodie

The 6’10” senior provides an inside presence grabbed 26 boards in the conference semifinal and final combined.

Duke Blue Devils

Jon Scheyer 26-8 (14-6 ACC)

The most important takeaway for Duke fans is that the Blue Devils swept North Carolina, oh and won the ACC Tournament. Another aspect of note is that this Blue Devil team is deep and balanced. Coach Jon Scheyer has a group of unselfish fighters. But the Blue Devils lack the playmakers fans have come to expect in Durham, and this edition can be a bit turnover prone at times. Duke’s best non-conference wins are Xavier in the Phil Knight Invitational and Iowa. Losses to Kansas and Purdue provided a helpful measuring stick for the program. Kyle Filipowski is the name to remember for Duke. He’s the leading scorer and rebounder and also leads in steals and turnovers. He is excellent at drawing fouls.

Key Players

C Kyle Filipowski

The 6’11” freshman big man has carried the Blue Devils at times this season.

G Jeremy Roach

Averages better than 13 points a game and is unselfish, perhaps to a fault.

F Mark Mitchell

Rarely comes out of games; efficient scorer.

G Tyrese Proctor

The freshman guard from Australia leads the team in assists.

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FDU Knights

Tobin Anderson

19-15 (10-6 Northeast)

The FDU Knights finished two games behind Merrimack in the regular season and lost to the Warriors in the Northeast title game. Nevertheless, the Knights are going dancing due to the NCAA transitional probationary rule that deems Merrimack ineligible. FDU averages 693 fans, but there will probably be more than that on hand when the Knights take the court in Dayton on Tuesday. The Knights didn’t exactly challenge themselves in the non-conference portion of the schedule. They lost at Pittsburgh and their best win was a 97-80 decision over St. Joseph’s (NET 200). Three players average more than 14 points a game, led by Demetre Roberts who goes for 16.7 and leads the team with 4.2 assists per game.

Key Players

G Demetre Roberts

Shot 50% from the field in the semifinals and finals of the Northeast tourney.

G Grant Singleton

Second-leading scorer at 14.4 a game and leads the team with 62 steals.

F Ansley Almonor

The 6’7” sophomore scored 20+ seven times this season.

G Joe Munden Jr.

At 6’4” he leads the team in rebounding (4.9).

Florida Atlantic Owls

Dusty May

31-3 (18-2 CUSA)

Florida Atlantic is as deep as any team in the tournament. The Owls play nine players significantly and only one player (Alijah Martin 25.5) averages more than 25 minutes a game. Vladislav Goldin is the only player to start every game. Five players average nine points or more a game led by Johnell Davis’ 13.2 points a game. Three players grab as many as five boards a game with Goldin’s 6.2 leading the way. Davis is the first scoring option, but six different players have taken as many as 200 shots for the Owls, and six have also taken 100 or more threes. The Owls have a plethora of options, so this team can exploit matchups making it difficult for opponents to guard all over the floor.

Key Players

G Johnell Davis

Started just eight games, but has taken more shots than anyone.

C Vladislav Goldin

The seven-foot Russian shoots

64.5% from the field.

G Alijah Martin

Ended the regular season is a horrendous shooting slump, then went off for 30 and 11 boards in just 28 minutes in the CUSA title game.

G Nick Boyd

Most accurate three-point shooter at 43%.

Furman Paladins

Bob Richey

27-7 (15-3 Southern)

Furman tied Samford atop the Southern Conference standings, but earned the top seed having defeated Samford twice. This is the Paladins’ first trip to the Tournament since 1980. Furman has won 22 games in six of the past seven seasons, so this isn’t a fluke program. Offensively, this is an exciting, efficient team. They shoot the ball extremely well (48.3%), love to shoot the three (27.5 per game), share it unselfishly (17.3 assists per game) and finish, averaging 81.9 points a game. Size could be an issue for the Paladins. Forwards Jalon Slawson (6’7”) and Garrett Hein (6’9”) are the only players taller than 6’5” who play significant minutes. Senior Mike Bothwell is the best player, averaging 18 points a game.

Key Players

G Mike Bothwell

Shoots 62% from inside the arc and knocks down 83% from the stripe.

F Jalen Slawson

Leading rebounder with 7.1 per game, also chips in close to 16 points a game.

G JP Pegues

Southern Conference Tournament MOP; 565 of his shots are threes.

G Marcus Foster

Has attempted 10 or more threes in 12 games this season.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Mark Few

28-5 (14-2 West Coast)

Gonzaga may play in a mid-major conference, but there has been nothing mid-major about this program in several years. After all, they’ve been a No. 1 seed in four of the last five NCAA Tournaments. The Bulldogs haven’t completely dominated the West Coast Conference this season as Saint Mary’s has played toe-to-toe with Gonzaga. The Bulldogs lead the nation in scoring and field goal percentage. Gonzaga shoots better than 52% from the field. Drew Timme is one of the best in the nation and leads the Zags with 21 points, 7.5 boards and shoots 61% from the floor. Timme can carry the Zags against inferior opponents, but complementary players will determine how far this edition of the Bulldogs advance.

Key Players

F Drew Timme

Player of the Year candidate posted 18-9 (pts-reb) at Texas, 22-9 against Purdue and 29-10 at Alabama.

G Julian Strawther

The three-point shooter is the second scoring option for the Zags.

F Anton Watson

The veteran is an adept scorer around the basket.

G Nolan Hickman

Knocked down four of five threes in WCC Championship Game against Saint Mary’s.

Grand Canyon Antelopes

Bryce Drew

23-11 (11-7 WAC)

Grand Canyon finished in a three-way tie for fourth in the WAC, but caught fire in the tournament winning four games in five days. The Antelopes had close wins over Texas-Arlington, Seattle and Sam Houston State before blowing out Southern Utah in the title tilt. The Antelopes shoot the three pretty well, but will be outmanned against most tournament teams. They are a deep team, playing nine guys significantly. Ray Harrison is the leading scorer throwing down 31 in the WAC title game. Junior forward Gabe McGlothan is the best rebounder getting about eight a game. He scored 35 and had 10 rebounds in the quarterfinal win over Seattle. Sixth man Noah Baumann brings a spark, especially from beyond the arc.

Key Players

G Ray Harrison

The leading scorer excels attacking the basket, can shoot it from long range and gets to the line and converts; also the leading assist man.

F Gabe McGlothan

Netted 21 in the championship game on nine of 12 shooting.

G Chance McMillian

Shot 50% from inside and outside the arc in the WAC tourney.

F Noah Baumann

Came alive offensively in WAC tourney hitting 11 of 18 treys.

Houston Cougars

Kelvin Sampson

31-3 (17-1 American)

Kelvin Sampson has built the premier program in the American Conference with 21 or more wins for eight consecutive seasons. In the past four NCAA tournaments, the Cougars have been seeded 6, 3, 2, 5 and now 1 this year. The Cougars reached the Elite 8 last year after making the Final Four the year before. The Cougars win with defense, among the best in the nation in field goal defense. J’Wan Roberts is the team’s leading rebounder and controls the paint defensively. Marcus Sasser is the Cougars’ best player and was named AAC Player of the Year, but suffered a groin injury in the AAC tourney. Point guard Jamal Shead leads in minutes and sparks the team on both ends, earning AAC Defensive POY.

Key Players

F J’Wan Roberts

Leading rebounder averages double figures in points on 67% shooting.

G Jamal Shead

Fantastic dish man rarely turns it over.

G Marcus Sasser

Potential NBA first-rounder this year was ranked No. 399 coming out of high school by 247Sports; string of six 20-point games ended in the regular season finale.

F Jarace Walker

Effective offensive rebounder.

Howard Bison

Kenny Blakeney

21-12 (11-3 MEAC)

The Howard Bison are playing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992 after defeating Norfolk State 65-64 to capture the MEAC championship. Howard won the MEAC regular season by one game over N.C. Central. The Bison shoot it pretty well, 46.2% overall and 37.9% from three. But they are one of the worst teams in the nation taking care of the ball, averaging almost 16 turnovers a contest. Considering the quality of their schedule and the quality of tournament opponents, turnover issues are a huge concern. The Bison are deep, playing eight guys significantly and subbing often. Three players average in double figures scoring with Elijah Hawkins leading the way with 13.1. He also leads the team in assists with 5.9.

Key Players

G Elijah Hawkins

Held to nine points by Norfolk State in MEAC Championship

Game on 2-8 shooting; adept at getting to the line.

F Steve Settle III

Shoots 50% from inside the arc, 29% on the other side.

G Jelani Williams

The 6’5” senior would play more if he stayed out of foul trouble.

F Shy Odomr

The 6’6” freshman is still developing, but he shoots 54.6% from the field.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Brad Underwood

20-12 (11-9 Big Ten)

With wins over UCLA in Las Vegas and Texas in New York, the Illini entered conference play with confidence and an eye on a Big Ten title. But losses to Maryland and Penn State in December knocked them on their heels a bit. They lost four of their last seven in the regular season and were issued an early exit from the Big Ten tourney by Penn State. Illinois hasn’t shot well from anywhere, but the Illini rebound well and are second in the nation with 5.7 blocks a game. Matthew Mayer, Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja combine for 3.7 blocks a game to lead the defensive effort. Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. leads with 17.1 points a game. Hawkins leads the team in assists and rebounds.

Key Players

G Terrence Shannon Jr.

First scoring option shoots 44% from the field.

G/F Matthew Mayer

Has taken a team-leading 198 threes, knocking down 33.8%.

F Coleman Hawkins

Leads team in minutes and shoots 59% from inside the arc.

F Dain Dainja

Shoots 63.7% from the field and grabs 5.5 boards a game in about 20 minutes of action.

Indiana Hoosiers

Mike Woodson

22-11 (12-8 Big Ten)

Indiana didn’t shy away from competition. The Hoosiers traveled to Xavier (W) and Kansas (L), and hosted North Carolina (W) and Arizona (L). Indiana earned accolades with its two wins over Purdue, but lost to both Iowa and Northwestern twice. Indiana welcomes back point guard Xavier Johnson, who broke his foot December against Kansas and missed more than two months. The Hoosiers shoot the ball well from all over the court and defend the rim. Trayce Jackson-Davis averages better than 20 points a game. He’s excellent around the rim and adept at getting to the line. Miller Kopp, the ultimate glue player, doesn’t fill the stat sheet, but good things happen when he’s on the floor, which is almost 30 minutes a game.

Key Players

F Trayce Jackson-Davis

Top scorer hasn’t taken a three all season; leads with 11 boards and almost three blocks per contest.

G Xavier Johnson

Posted a double-double against Arizona, six days before breaking his foot in December.

G Jalen Hood-Schifino

Played all 40 minutes in four of the last five games, and netted 35 in the most recent win at Purdue.

G Trey Galloway

Better than 50% from beyond the arc, and needs to shoot more.

Iona Gaels

Rick Pitino

26-7 (17-3 MAAC)

Rick Pitino is coaching in his 23rd NCAA Tournament. He’s led five schools to the Big Dance and three (Providence, Kentucky, Louisville) to the Final Four and won national championships at both Kentucky and Louisville. The Gaels won the MAAC by four games and sailed through the tournament, and are riding a 14-game win streak. Iona shoots really well, takes care of the ball, rebounds well and has shot blockers. They share the ball and have a balanced attack with three players averaging 15 or more points. MAAC Player of the Year Walter Clayton Jr. leads the way with 16.9 points a game. Nelly Junior Joseph, who was named All-MAAC first team and Daniss Jenkins (2nd team) both average just over 15.

Key Players

G Walter Clayton Jr.

Talented sophomore shoots 43.6% from three and leads the nation with 94.8% from the line.

G Berrick JeanLouis

The 6’4” senior is the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and always draws the toughest assignment on defense.

F Nelly Junior Joseph

Plays around the basket and shoots 55% from the field.

G Daniss Jenkins

Leads team in minutes, shots taken and assists (5.0 per game).

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Iowa Hawkeyes

Fran McCaffery

19-13 (11-9 Big Ten)

There’s a family affair in Iowa City as coach Fran McCaffery has two sons who are impact players in the program. Connor is a grad student and has started more than 80 games in his career and is a leader on and off the court. He prioritizes setting up teammates rather than looking to score. His younger brother, Patrick, missed a half dozen or so games with an injury, but is beginning to find a rhythm. Kris Murray is the team’s best player and must play well in order for the Hawkeyes to advance. Filip Rebraca, a native of Serbia, is enjoying a strong season in the middle. This is a veteran team, fundamental and well-coached with star power in Murray.

Key Players

F Kris Murray

Team’s leading scorer and rebounds shoots 34% from threepoint range.

C/F Filip Rebraca

Scored in double figures in all but two Big Ten games this season.

G Tony Perkins

Proven scorer, but must pose a threat from long range to keep defenses honest.

G/F Connor McCaffery

Held scoreless twice in last three games; impacts the game in many other ways.

Iowa State Cyclones

T.J. Otzelberger

19-13 (9-9 Big 12)

Despite losing nine of their last 11 regular season games, the Cyclones still carried high rankings in both the NET and BPI. But as the losses piled up, the Cyclones also had to deal with the dismissal of guard Caleb Grill for failing to meet team standards. Grill averaged more than 31 minutes a game, so the loss will be tough to fill. Seniors

Jaren Holmes (13.1) and Gabe Kalscheur (12.8) lead the Cyclones in scoring. Kalscheur has made almost as many threes as twos. Holmes attacks the basket and is adept at getting to the free throw line. Point guard Tamin Lipsey and big man Osun Osunniyi must look to score more. Lipsey is a talented distributor, but for the Cyclones to advance, they must find more scoring options.

Key Players

G Jaren Holmes

Must find his scoring touch again after being held in single digits in four of his last six games.

G Gave Kalscheur

More than 50% of his shots are from downtown.

G Tamin Lipsey

Has as many or more assists than points in 12 games this season.

C Osun Osunniyi

Averages six shots a game in Big 12 play; must make himself available to score more often.

Scoring FG%

3% NET: 9

10

Kansas Jayhawks

Bill Self

27-7 (13-5 Big 12)

Kansas is trying to become the first repeat champion since Florida in the mid-2000s. The Jayhawks are wellequipped and deep. Kansas is a battle-tested bunch with the most Quad 1 wins in the nation. Kansas is not a great rebounding team, which could be trouble against an opponent that loves to crash the offensive boards. The Jayhawks turn the ball over too much, partially due to their up tempo style, partially to being sloppy. Kansas has extended its record to 32 straight Tournament appearances, and has won at least one game in 15 straight, a streak that isn’t likely to end this year. National Player of the Year candidate Jalen Wilson sets the tone for the offense and probably would carry a less balanced team.

Key Players

F Jalen Wilson

Lost his accuracy over the past few weeks, but takes every opponent’s best defensive scheme.

G Gradey Dick

Threat from long range is Jayhawks’ second scoring option.

G DaJuan Harris Jr.

The point guard is the catalyst offensively and is a demon on defense.

G Kevin McCullar Jr.

The athletic guard is typically the third scoring option and is adept at getting to the line.

Kansas State Wildcats

Jerome Tang

23-9 (11-7 Big 12)

First-year head coach Jerome Tang has lifted this Wildcats program to exciting heights. Kansas State had been mentioned as a No. 1 seed at times, but is a strong seed at No. 3. The Wildcats can be explosive; they hung 116 on Texas, but that was back in January. The Wildcats were held in the 60s in losses to Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma in February. Their downfall could be turnovers as the Wildcats have proven to be erratic against pressure. Keyontae Johnson is the man in Manhattan. He scores from all over the court, shoots a high percentage from beyond the arc and can rebound. He and Markquis Nowell are a dynamic scoring duo. Nowell rarely comes out of games and is a bit streakier from long range.

Key Players

G Markquis Nowell

Averages 17 points and more than seven assists per game.

F Keyontae Johnson

Rarely takes bad shots as evidenced by his 52% field goal shooting.

F Nae’Qwan Tomlin

Smooth rebounder and isn’t asked to score much, but posted double-doubles against Kansas and Oklahoma.

G Desi Sills

The senior guard has seen his playing time increase all season.

We'reMadeOn TheFarm

Kennesaw State Owls

Amir Abdur-Rahim

26-8 (15-3 Atlantic Sun)

The Kennesaw State Owls and Liberty Flames tied atop the ASUN standings, then met in the championship game a week before Selection Sunday. The Owls’ Terrell Burden sank a free throw with one second remaining to give Kennesaw State a ticket to the Big Dance for the first time in school history. The Owls played at Florida, San Diego State and Indiana but couldn’t capture a signature win. The Owls play a lot of people and use depth to their advantage. This team is not big, playing 6’6” and 6’8” at the 4 and 5 positions most of the time. Guards Burden and Chris Youngblood shoulder the offense and are the only two players to start every game. .

Key Players

G Chris Youngblood

Leading scorer averages 14.6 a game and shoots 41.5% from beyond the arc.

G Terrell Burden

Ball is in his hands most of the time; averaging 13.3 points and 4.2 assists.

F Demond Robinson

At 6’8”, 264, Robinson is the biggest body the Owls will put on the floor; shoots 54% from the field.

G Brandon Stroud

Averaged 13 points, 6.7 boards in the three ASUN tourney games.

Kent State Golden Flashes

Rob Senderoff 27-6 (15-3 MAC)

Kent State finished a game behind Toledo, but the Golden Flashes thrashed the Rockets by 15 in the MAC title game. Kent State lost three non-con road games at Charleston, Houston and Gonzaga by a total of 14 points, so the Flashes believe they can compete in the NCAA Tournament. Kent State has star power and wins with defense. The Flashes led the MAC in points allowed, defensive field goal percentage, defensive three-point percentage, blocks and steals. Senior Malique Jacobs leads the defense and was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Sincere Carry, the 2022 MAC POY, is the star offensively, but he also earned a spot on the MAC All-Defensive Team, as well as first team All-MAC honors.

Key Players

G Sincere Carry

Played 40 minutes eight times, including MAC semifinal and final.

G Malique Jacobs

Averages in the MAC Tournament: 17 points, 5.7 boards, 3.3 assists, 2.7 steals, two blocks.

G Jalen Sullinger

MAC Sixth Man of the Year made five of six shots from inside the arc, seven of 17 from beyond in MAC Tournament.

F Miryne Thomas

Averaged 15 points and nine boards in the MAC tourney.

Kentucky Wildcats

John Calipari

21-11 (12-6 SEC)

The Wildcats struggled through November and December with losses to Michigan State and UCLA on neutral courts and at Gonzaga without any marquee wins. A loss at home to South Carolina dropped the Cats to 1-3 in the SEC and the blue natives were restless. John Calipari has started nine different players this season searching for the magic combination. Kentucky finished third in the SEC with a bullet. There’s well deserved support for Oscar Tshiebwe for national POY honors with his 16 points and 12 boards a game, and he’s probably the best offensive rebounder in the nation. Antonio Reeves takes the most shots for Kentucky—half of them from outside the arc—and averages 13 points a game.

Key Players

F Oscar Tshiebwe

Shoots 57% from the field and has 139 offensive rebounds this season.

G Antonio Reeves

The senior guard lives outside the arc where he makes 42%.

F Jacob Toppin

The 6’9” senior from Brooklyn has seven double-doubles this season and gets about 10 shots a game.

G Cason Wallace

The talented assist man has lost his touch from three-point range.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Bob Marlin

26-7 (13-5 Sun Belt)

Louisiana finished second in the Sun Belt in the regular season a game behind Southern Miss. But the Ragin’ Cajuns were tough defensively in the semifinals and finals of the SBC Tournament holding Texas State and South Alabama to five of 22 from three-point range and just 11 assists while forcing 20 turnovers in the two games. Louisiana goes seven deep, and every player in the rotation rebounds well and can shoot it. The Cajuns have shot the ball well all season (48.4% from the field, 37.8% on threes). The attack is triggered by point guard Themus Fulks, but the offense goes through the 6’11” Jordan Brown, who leads the team in scoring (19.6) and rebounding (8.4). Fulks averages six assists per game.

Key Players

F Jordan Brown

Shooting 61.3% from the field over his last six games; held to fewer than 14 points just four times.

G Greg Williams Jr.

The 6’3” senior was named to the All-Sun Belt second team.

F Terence Lewis II

Averaged 11 points, seven boards in the three SBC Tournament games on 12 for 21 shooting.

G Themus Fulks

Broke out with a season-high 23 points is SBC Championship Game.

Marquette Golden Eagles

Shaka Smart

28-6 (17-3 Big East)

The Big East champion has just one non-con win of significance: a 96-70 thrashing of Baylor. But the Golden Eagles have battled a tough Big East lineup and emerged as the highest seed in the conference. Marquette shares the ball well, takes good shots, which begats one of the best FG% in the nation. The Eagles have started the same lineup every game, and the quintet plays well together and benefits from balanced scoring. Kam Jones is the leading scorer on the team, but Tyler Kolek has led the team in scoring in eight of the last nine games. This team poses matchup problems because there are four players (Jones, Kolek, Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Oso Ighodaro) who can take over a game offensively.

Key Players

G Kam Jones

Averages 15 points a game, but has seen that average decrease steadily over the past month; 63% of his shots are from beyond arc.

G Tyler Kolek

Has three games with 20+ points and 10+ assists in Big East play. F Olivier-Maxence Prosper Shoots better than 52% from the field.

F Oso Ighodaro

The 6’9” junior has three double-doubles this season and has been improving as a scorer.

Maryland Terrapins

Kevin Willard 21-12 (11-9 Big Ten)

The Terrapins didn’t shy away from a tough schedule. They defeated Miami in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic in Connecticut and lost to Tennessee in Brooklyn and UCLA at home. Maryland finished in a four-way tie for fifth in the Big Ten, finishing 10-0 at home in conference games. The Terrapins are strong defensively, holding all opponents to 62.9 points a game and Big Ten teams to 65.3. Maryland will play eight guys, but rely heavily on the starters who provide 81% of the scoring. Four players average more than 11 points a game, but they rely on Jahmir Young (16.2) and Donta Scott (11.6) primarily. Hakim Hart is a more efficient scorer, shooting 48% from the field. Julian Reese hangs around the paint and shoots 64%.

Key Players

G Jahmir Young

Leads in scoring and assists; terrific getting to the line where he knocks down 83%.

F Donta Scott

The athletic 6’8” senior can get a little careless with shot selection at times.

G Hakim Hart

The 6’8” senior leads team in minutes; shoots 48% from the floor.

F Julian Reese

Team’s leading rebounder has five double-doubles since Feb. 1.

Memphis Tigers

Penny Hardaway

26-8 (13-5 American)

Memphis suffered setbacks at Saint Louis and to Seton Hall in Orlando, but notched wins over Auburn and Texas A&M. The Tigers were impressive in a three-point loss at Alabama. Memphis lost by eight and two to Houston, so the Tigers feel they can compete with anyone. The Tigers play tough defense though, holding opponents to 40% shooting, 31% from three. This is team has depth going nine or 10 deep. Seniors Kendric Davis and DeAndre Williams, both first team All-AAC, carry this team on both ends. Davis leads in scoring, assists and steals. Williams is the leading rebounder and averages 17 points a game. They combined for 68 of the team’s 81 points in the AAC quarterfinal win over UCF.

Key Players

Key Players

G Kendric Davis

One of three players in the NCAA Tournament who has made 200 free throws.

F DeAndre Williams

Averages 7.6 rebounds and shoots 53% from the field.

G Keonte Kennedy

Hope to get him back for tournament; broke his hand punching a wall after a tough loss Feb. 19, which required surgery.

G Elijah McCadden

Third scoring option behind Davis and Williams, a distant third.

Miami Hurricanes

Jim Larrañaga

25-7 (15-5 ACC)

Miami’s marquee non-con wins are Providence and Rutgers at home. Conference losses to Georgia Tech early and giving up a 25-point lead to Florida State late in the season sting. Miami has the highest scoring offense in the ACC, and most of their points come off isolation with players creating their own shots, especially Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller. The two create difficult matchups for teams without two strong man-to-man defenders. Nijel Pack, the most sought-after transfer in the nation in the offseason, adds an exciting element on both ends. He missed games recently with a leg injury, but is back at full strength for the tournament. Sophomore Norchad Omier is the most dependable rebounder for the Canes.

Key Players

G Isaiah Wong

Leading scorer loves to create off the bounce in isolation; can score from all over the court.

G Jordan Miller

Effective complement to Wong who loves to create as well.

G Nijel Pack

Shoots 40% from downtown and more than half of his shots are threes.

F Norchad Omier

Leading rebounder shoots 59% from the field.

Scoring FG%

Michigan State Spartans

Tom Izzo

19-12 (11-8 Big Ten)

This marks the 25th straight trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Spartans, all coached by Tom Izzo. The Spartans played a typically tough non-conference schedule again this season. The lost to Gonzaga by one on an aircraft carrier in San Diego, beat Kentucky in two overtimes in Indianapolis, defeated Villanova and lost to Alabama in the Phil Knight Invitational all in November. According to KenPom.com the Spartans have played the toughest offensive opponents and the 14th toughest slate of defenses, so Michigan State is as battled tested as any team in the nation. They shoot the three especially well (one of four teams that knocks down 40%). The Spartans will not beat themselves and will be a tough out.

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Key Players

G Tyson Walker

Averages 14 points a game; first scoring option for MSU.

F Joey Hauser

Shoots the most threes on the Spartans and converts 46%; team’s leading rebounder.

G A.J. Hoggard

One of only four DI players who average 12 points, 3.7 rebounds and six assists.

G Jaden Akins

Can be streaky from long range.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Chris Jans

21-12 (8-10 SEC)

Mississippi State finished tied with Arkansas for ninth place in the SEC. The Razorbacks finished 6-9 vs. tournament teams and lost three times to non-tournament teams. One of the last teams in the tournament, the Bulldogs notched a big non-con win over Marquette in Florida in November, and defeated a beaten up TCU team in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. MSU prefers slow, low-scoring grind-it-out kind of games. The Bulldogs do not shoot well from three-point range or the foul line. Tolu Smith is the big man on campus in Starkville. He averages 15.8 points a game and 8.5 rebounds while staying around the basket. Point guard Dashawn Davis distributes the ball well and is the only real weapon from behind the arc.

Key Players

F

Tolu Smith

The big 6’11” post player is a handful for opponents; shoots 57.6% and takes 10 shots a game.

G Dashawn Davis

Averages 3.5 assists per game.

F D.J. Jeffries

Grabs 6.2 boards a game, but not a good shooter (57.9% from the line).

G/F

Cameron Matthews

Offense has all but disappeared over last few weeks, but still a monster on the boards.

Scoring FG%

3% NET: 42 BPI: 61

Missouri Tigers

Dennis Gates

24-9 (11-7 SEC)

Missouri was blown out by Kansas and defeated Illinois just before Christmas and knocked off Kentucky just after the holiday. The Tigers also beat Iowa State, Tennessee and split with Arkansas. New coach Dennis Gates has done a tremendous job this season with the Tigers. Missouri does everything well offensively and scores more than 80 points a game. The Tigers force 17.3 turnovers a game, the most of any team in the tournament. This is a veteran team with five grad students and four seniors. Four players transferred from Cleveland State with coach Gates, the most notably is grad student D’Moi Hodge, who is a finalist for the National Defensive Player of the Year award. Kobe Brown is an absolute stud for this team.

Key Players

G/F Kobe Brown

First team All-SEC player shoots 55% from the field and 45% on threes; the first Power 6 player to accomplish that since 2010-11.

G D’Moi Hodge

Defensive stalwart leads with 86 steals and has taken 100 more threes than any teammate.

G Nick Honor

Started all 33 games at the point; one of four Tigers with 40+ steals.

G DeAndre Gholston

Averages 10 points as third option behind Brown and Hodge.

Montana State Bobcats

Danny Sprinkle

23-9 (15-3 Big Sky)

The Montana State Bobcats are returning to the NCAA Tournament after an appearance last season as a No. 14 seed when the Bobcats were blown out by Texas Tech. The Bobcats are deep and shoot better than 47% from the field. RaeQuan Battle is the best player and was named Sixth Man of the Year in the Big Sky last season. He earned first team All-Big Sky honors this season. The Bobcats will run lots of screens for him and he gets most of his shots coming off picks without the ball rather than creating on his own. Point guard Darius Brown II is a seasoned playmaker and was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year. He dictates tempo and rhythm on both ends of the floor.

Key Players

G RaeQuan Battle

Made 22 of 41 shots from the field (53.7%), six of 12 from three-point range and was perfect on 13 free throws in the Big Sky Tournament.

F Jubrile Belo

Has been decorated with all-conference honors all four years.

G Darius Brown II

Totaled 21 rebounds, 18 assists in the three Big Sky Tourney games.

F Great Osobor

Big Sky Sixth Man of the Year averages 10 points and 4.4 boards in fewer than 19 min. a game.

NC State Wolfpack

Kevin Keatts

23-10 (12-8 ACC)

NC State finished a respectable sixth in the ACC. The Wolfpack ended 3-5 vs. tournament teams, with a loss to Kansas in the Bahamas and a win over Furman at home. This is a solid team, but nothing stands out except for their lack of turnovers. This is a deep team and four players average 12 points or more per game. Three players, Jarkel Joiner, Terquavion Smith and D.J. Burns Jr. averaged 16 or more points a game in ACC games. Smith attacks the rim, Joiner is the better shooter and Burns does his work inside. Those three account for 61% of the team’s shots. Casey Morsell, the best three-point marksman on the squad, chipped in with 11 points a game.

Key Players

G Terquavion Smith

Overall leading scorer dropped 30 on Virginia Tech in the ACC tourney.

G Jarkel Joiner

Last six regular season games: 23.5 points, 5.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals.

F D.J. Burns Jr.

Stepped up offensive game in ACC averaging 16.1 a game, only 7.8 a game in non-con contests.

G Casey Morsell

About two-thirds of his shots come from downtown, making 37.7%.

Nevada Wolf Pack

Steve Alford

22-10 (12-6 MWC)

Nevada finished fourth in the MWC with a 3-3 mark against tournament teams. The fundamental Wolf Pack is very good at the line and don’t kill themselves with turnovers. They also draw fouls and get to the line and defensively don’t give away bad fouls. Nevada’s opponents have shot just four more free throws than the Wolf Pack have made this season. Jarod Lucas, Kenan Blackshear and Will Baker combine to take about 14 free throws a game and they bury 82% of them. Lucas leads the scoring with 17.3 points a game. He shoots more threes than twos. Blackshear is a facilitator but still his 10 shots a game. Baker, a 7-footer, makes 61.4% of his shots inside the arc, only 35.6% beyond the arc.

Key Players

G Jarod Lucas

Went for 24, 23 and 28 in last three games on 22 of 41 shooting, 25 of 29 from the line.

G Kenan Blackshear

Rarely comes out of games, averaging 14.4 points, 4.1 boards and 4.6 assists on the season.

C Will Baker

Role is the offense has diminished in last few weeks, but his versatility causes matchup problems.

F Darrion Williams

Scored 243 points, grabbed 235 rebounds in 30 minutes a game.

NCAA Bracket

Scoring FG%

3% NET: 154 BPI: 146

Northern Kentucky Norse

Darrin Horn

22-12 (14-6 Horizon)

Northern Kentucky has fielded a basketball team for 11 seasons and this will the program’s third trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Norse have won 20 or more games in six of the last seven seasons, and defeated top seed Youngstown State in the Horizon semifinals before knocking off Cleveland State in the championship game. Northern Kentucky loves to create havoc on defense and create turnovers. The Norse did that extremely well in the conference tournament. But this team won’t wow you with stats, although they love to play together and rarely beat themselves. The Norse will play eight guys, but consistently rely on the five starters and Horizon Sixth Man of the Year, Trevon Faulkner.

Key Players

G Marques Warrick

Scoring leader with 19.1 points a game can create his shot as well as anyone and adept at getting to the foul line.

G Sam Vinson

The 6’5” sophomore was named to the Horizon All-Defensive Team.

F Chris Brandon

The 6’8” forward leads the team with 9.8 boards a game; spends too much time in foul trouble.

G Xavier Rhodes

Leads team with 3.8 assists per game.

Northwestern Wildcats

Chris Collins

21-11 (12-8 Big Ten)

Northwestern, picked by most to finish 13th in the Big Ten, plays a tough, gritty defense that keeps opponents off balance and has just enough scoring to be successful. There are no non-conference wins that bolster the resume, but an upper echelon finish in the Big Ten is impressive. Defense is what makes this team go and guard Chase Audige epitomizes that. His shooting has gone cold recently (although he still averages more than 14 points a game), but his intense defense hasn’t lightened up at all. Boo Buie is the star of the team and shoulders a heavy load on offense. He’s scored 20 or more in 12 Big Ten games this season. He’s also proven to be unselfish with eight or more assists in five conference games.

Key Players

G Boo Buie

Averages 17 points and 4.5 assists a game and shoots 89% from the line for the Wildcats.

G Chase Audige

Has taken more than 400 shots this season, so defenses can’t ignore him.

F Robbie Beran

Four-year starter regularly draws tough defensive assignments and has made big shots this season.

G Ty Berry

Solid glue player who makes very few mistakes.

3% NET: 36 BPI: 83

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

Paul Mills

30-4 (18-0 Summit)

The Golden Eagles swept through the Summit Conference with an 18-0 regular season slate. Oral Roberts didn’t shy away from a tough schedule, losing on the road to Saint Mary’s, Houston, Utah State and New Mexico. The Golden Eagles do just about everything well. They shoot well from all over the floor, they rarely turn the ball over, and Connor Vanover, at 7’5” the tallest player in the tournament, protects the rim. The caveat, of course, is the strength of schedule, which included only five Quad 1/2 games. Nevertheless, the Golden Eagles of Oral Roberts, who start four experienced seniors, are in the Big Dance to win. Max Abmas is a scoring machine.

Key Players

G Max Abmas

His 519 shots are the most for any player in the tournament; averages 22 points a game; gets to the line and knocks down 92%.

F Connor Vanover

Averages 3.1 blocks a game, but had five in the Summit semifinal and six in the championship game.

G Issac McBride

Averages 12 points a game with a 2.4 assist/turnover ratio.

G Kareem Thompson

Leads team with 45 steals and second with 3.2 assists per game.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Micah Shrewsberry

22-13 (10-10 Big Ten)

Penn State played its way into the tournament with wins over Northwestern and Maryland to close the regular season before a run to the Big Ten Championship Game defeating Illinois, Northwestern and Indiana. The Lions were not tested often in the non-con schedule with losses to Virginia Tech and Clemson and no marquee wins. They closed the regular season winning five of six. The Lions shoot the three ball well (39%) and don’t beat themselves with turnovers (8.5 a game). Leading scorer Jalen Pickett increased his production in Big Ten games (19.2) and also leads the team in rebounds and assists. Seth Lundy is the second scoring option and Andrew Funk is the biggest threat from long distance.

Key Players

G Jalen Pickett

Best offensive producer shoots 55.8% from the field in Big Ten games.

G/F Seth Lundy

Shoots 40% from beyond the arc and grabs six boards a game.

G Andrew Funk

Taken 247 of his 318 shots from three-point land, and hit 41%.

G Camren Wynter

Viable scoring option shoots 50% from two-point range, 41% from three.

Scoring FG%

3% NET: 67 BPI: 66

Pittsburgh Panthers

Jeff Capel III

22-11 (14-6 ACC)

In mid-November, there were low expectations for this Panthers team. After a home loss to West Virginia and loss in Brooklyn to Michigan and VCU on back-to-back nights, the season was not going according to plan. The Panthers regrouped, so easy wins popped up on the schedule, and conference wins over NC State, Syracuse, North Carolina and Virginia put the Panthers on a fast track. Pittsburgh has reached the tournament by winning close games. The Panthers are 6-1 in ACC games decided by five or fewer points. Guards Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton carry the scoring load for the Panthers, averaging 15 points apiece. Burton is also an effective distributor.

Key Players

G/F Blake Hinson

Was 6-17 from three-point range recently against Syracuse, 0-3 from inside the arc.

G Jamarius Burton

Rarely sits, averages five boards, 4.5 assists and shoots 49%.

G Greg Elliott

Whopping 73% of his shots are from beyond the arc.

C Fede Federiko

The 6’11” Fin went eight games into the season before he logged 20 minutes in game, averaged close to 30 over the past month.

Princeton Tigers

Mitch Henderson

21-8 (10-4 Ivy)

Princeton tied Yale atop the Ivy League standings and defeated the Bulldogs 77-69 in the title game. The Tigers lost to Yale twice during the regular season. Princeton has played just one tournament team, losing to Iona by six. The Tigers are not as deadly from beyond the arc as many Princeton teams have been in the past. Tosan Evbuomwan is a stat sheet filler. The two-time first team All-Ivy star ranks in the top 10 in the league in points, FG%, rebounds and assists. The Tigers’ primary scoring option makes 52.4% of his shots. Freshman Caden Pierce is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.8 a game. The Tigers will run nine guys out there, but rely heavily on Evbuomwan, Pierce, Ryan Langborg and Matt Allocco.

Key Players

F Tosan Evbuomwan

Averages 14.5 points, 4.9 assists, 6.2 rebounds and shoot 54.9% from inside the arc.

F Caden Pierce

The 6’6” freshman was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year.

G Ryan Langborg

Glue player has scored in double digits in last five games, averaging 14.2.

G Matt Allocco

Best three-point shooter at 40.7%; second team All-Ivy.

Providence Friars

Ed Cooley

21-11 (13-7 Big East)

Providence was so good at home, remaining undefeated in Big East until a recent loss to Xavier. However, the only significant road win for the Friars was at Villanova in January, before the Wildcats began their recent hot streak. They also lost to Miami and Saint Louis on a neutral court. The Friars have little depth and only six players typically get significant minutes, so the rigors of the NCAA Tournament could spell trouble. They shoot the ball pretty well and block shots, while playing solid fundamentally. Bryce Hopkins, the best player on the team, rarely sits. He is extremely proficient getting to the line and converting. Ed Crowell and Devin Carter both average better than 13 points a game to keep pressure off of Hopkins.

Key Players

G/F Bryce Hopkins

Leads team in both scoring and rebounding.

G Jared Bynum

Top assist man on the Friars distributes the ball well.

F Ed Croswell

Has three double-doubles in his final five regular season games.

G Devin Carter

Had three 20-point games in the first four Big East games this season.

Purdue Boilermakers

Matt Painter

29-5 (15-5 Big Ten)

The Boilermakers were terrific in November and set the tone for their season. Purdue defeated Marquette at home before knocking off West Virginia, Gonzaga and Duke in Oregon. A few days later, they won by 10 at Florida State. Zach Edey, a finalist for all national player of the year awards, averages more than 22 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Fletcher Loyer is a glue player whose scoring lessened in conference play. Braden Smith averages fewer than 10 points a game, but he hung 20 on Marquette. The Boilermakers rebound extremely well and rarely beat themselves with turnovers. Teams that shoot well from three-point range and can match up with Edey inside could give Purdue trouble.

Key Players

C Zach Edey

The big man in the middle is an intimidating presence around the rim, but he gets just a little more than two blocks a game.

G Braden Smith

He struggled through a 1 for 11 slump from beyond the arc from mid-January into February.

G Fletcher Loyer

Made just two of last 20 shots.

F Mason Gillis

Playing time increased from 18 minutes in regular season to 29 minutes in Big Ten tourney.

Saint Mary’s Gaels

Randy Bennett

26-7 (14-2 West Coast)

Saint Mary’s split with Gonzaga and tied the Bulldogs for the regular season title in the WCC. Out of conference, San Diego State is the biggest win, with a notable fivepoint defeat at Houston. The Gaels rarely get out and run, scoring fewer than five points a game off the break. They prefer a slower pace. Saint Mary’s shoots the three ball well, but the Gaels don’t rely on long range shots. Defensively, the Gaels are among the best in the nation, holding opponents to fewer than 60 points a game. Logan Johnson is the best defender, earning WCC Defensive POY honors as well as All-WCC. Johnson also leads the team in scoring and assists. Aidan Mahaney and Mitchell Saxen also earned All-WCC honors.

Key Players

G Logan Johnson

Coaches would love to get him 20 shots a game.

G Aidan Mahaney

His 14.6 points a game led all freshmen in the WCC.

C Mitchell Saxen

The 6’11” big man shoots 55% from the field and averages 11.8 points and eight boards.

G/F Alex Ducas

The 6’7” senior from Australia took 37 threes in his last five regular season games.

San Diego State Aztecs

Brian Dutcher

27-6 (15-3 MWC)

The Aztecs were denied a certain No. 1 seed in 2020 when the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to Covid, but the Aztecs’ program is still going strong. Without any marquee wins, the Aztecs will have to prove they are deserving of their seed. They are 6-4 vs. tournament teams. San Diego State lost to Arizona and Arkansas in Hawaii, and were defeated at Saint Mary’s in December. The Aztecs won the MWC by two games over Utah State and Boise State. A key to the Aztecs’ success this season has been shooting. The Aztecs shoot it well (45.2%, 36.3% from 3) and limit opponents’ shooting (42.1%, 29.8%). San Diego State is deep, playing nine players at least 15 minutes a game.

Key Players

G Matt Bradley

Leading scorer has taken about 80 shots more than anyone else.

G Darrion Trammell

Shoots just 35.5% from the field, but leads team with 3.6 assists.

G Lamont Butler

Averaged 4.2 assists per game over the final 10 regular season games.

G Adam Seiko

The Shooter plays about 20 minutes a game, but he can fill it up from three; 9-22 from inside the arc, 50-100 beyond the arc.

Scoring FG% 3% NET: 242 BPI: xx

SEMO

Brad Korn

19-16 (10-8 Ohio Valley)

SEMO didn’t enter the Ohio Valley Conference tournament as the No. 1 seed, or even close. But defeated No. 1 seed Morehead State in the semifinals, and No. 2 seed Tennessee Tech in overtime in the championship game to earn the automatic bid as OVC champ. Missouri and Iowa were the best two teams the Redhawks played this season, and lost to both. This team caught fire at the right time and won four games in four days to earn the ticket to the Big Dance. The Redhawks are deep, playing eight or nine players significant minutes. Guard Aquan Smart reinjured his foot in the semifinal and wasn’t able to play in the championship game. Chris Harris was named OVC Tournament MVP.

Key Players

G Chris Harris

Senior scored 26 points in 40 minutes in the OVC title game, sinking 11 of 13 free throws.

G Phillip Russell

Leading scorer for the Redhawks, averaging 18.2 points, earning All-Tournament honors in OVC.

G Israel Barnes

Started for the injured Aquan Smart and logged 42 minutes in the OVC Championship Game.

G Dylan Branson

Solid defender and rebounder doesn’t shoulder a scoring load.

TCU Horned Frogs

Jamie Dixon

21-12 (9-9 Big 12)

When TCU fans were celebrating the football team’s success against Michigan in the national semifinals, the basketball team was beating Baylor to move to 13-1 on the season. Life was good in Horned Frog Land. But the hoopsters lost eight of their next 12 games. The Frogs split with highly regarded Kansas, Texas, Kansas State and Baylor. An early season loss to Northwestern State is a blemish. TCU loves to get it and go, leading the nation with more than 18 fast break points a game. What the Frogs don’t like to do is shoot the three, which is a good idea since they make fewer than 30% from beyond the arc. They play lots of guys with nine players logging more than 15 minutes a game.

Key Players

G Mike Miles Jr.

Wooden Award finalist leads team in scoring and shoots 50%.

G Damion Baugh

Played at least 34 minutes in 11 consecutive games entering the Big 12 Tournament.

F Emanuel Miller

Active rebounder is gaining offensive confidence and earning more opportunities to score.

F Chuck O’Bannon Jr.

Came out of his offensive shell in the Big 12 tourney averaging 17 points on 11 of 18 shooting.

3

Tennessee Volunteers

Rick Barnes

23-10 (11-7 SEC)

The Volunteers flirted with a No. 1 seed for much of the season before the injury bug and a tough SEC slate dragged them down. Losing point guard Zakai Zeigler to a torn ACL the last week of the regular season was a huge blow. Point guard play, both offensively and defensively, is critical in the NCAA Tournament. The Vols may be able to withstand the loss defensively, but finding a rhythm on offense will be difficult without Zeigler. The computers have been impressed with the Vols all season, and rightfully so. Tennessee has navigated an impressive schedule that included defeating Kansas in the Bahamas, Maryland in Brooklyn and Texas in the SEC/ Big 12 Challenge.

Key Players

G Santiago Vescovi

Rarely sits and fills stat sheet; lack of athleticism can be exposed.

F Olivier Nkamhoua

Sensational in win over Texas (27 points, 12-15 shooting), but disappeared in two losses to Kentucky (8 points, 4-12).

F Julian Phillips

Missed four Feb. games; needs to be more active on the glass.

G Josiah-Jordan James

Big 20-point game vs. Ole Miss in SEC tourney; disappeared against Mizzou.

Texas Longhorns

Rodney Terry

26-8 (12-6 Big 12)

The Longhorns’ non-conference schedule featured wins over Gonzaga and Creighton and a loss to Illinois. Texas visited Tennessee in the Big12/SEC Challenge and came up short 82-71. Those games and the grind of the Big 12 certainly has prepared the veteran Longhorns for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament. Texas flirted with a No. 1 seed for much of the season. Coach Rodney Terry, the Associate Head Coach last season, stepped in as Interim Coach in December and has handled the team well. Texas loves a fast game and the rotation is nine players deep. Guard Marcus Carr is a fifth-year senior and leads the team on and off the court. Forward Timmy Allen is a workhorse inside.

Key Players

G Marcus Carr

Leads the Longhorns in scoring (16.8) and assists (4.1).

F Timmy Allen

Rarely ventures beyond the arc and shoots almost 50% from the field.

G Sir’Jabari Rice

The fifth-year senior is a threat from downtown, but is prone to foul trouble that limits his minutes.

F Dylan Disu

The 6’9” forward asserted himself in the recent Baylor game with 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting.

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Texas A&M Aggies

Buzz Williams

25-9 (15-3 SEC)

Texas A&M lost to Murray State and Colorado in the Myrtle Beach Classic, then lost to Wofford at home just before Christmas. With no marquee wins to celebrate, the Aggies had trouble earning national respect. But Texas A&M lost just three times in SEC play, defeating Missouri and Auburn twice each, as well as Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama. So, respect earned. The players certainly have bought in to what Buzz Williams, the SEC Co-Coach of the Year, is selling, especially defensively. Every player on the court rebounds the ball well, led by Dexter Dennis, Tyrece Radford and Henry Coleman III. Wade Taylor IV is one of the best players in the SEC, probably the best point guard. Dexter Dennis is a lockdown defender.

NET: 19

19

Key Players

G Wade Taylor IV

Leading scorer with 16 points a game, also contributes more than four assists a game.

G Dexter Dennis

Team’s best defender and leading rebounder takes more than half of his shots from three-point land.

G Tyrece Radford

Second scoring option to Taylor is excellent getting to the free throw line going 10-10 in recent win over Alabama.

F Henry Coleman III

Shoots 53.5% from the field.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders

Steve Lutz 23-10 (14-4 Southland)

The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders are back in the tournament again after losing to Texas Southern last year in the First Four. This Islanders team is all about the offense. They like to take as many shots as time will allow, and they shoot it pretty well. The Islanders own a 45.7 field goal percentage, and shoot 36.8% on threes. Defensively, the Islanders allow opponents to shoot better than 44%, so they’re not exactly locking down on shooters. Leading scorer Trevian Tennyson averaged 18.6 points a game in conference games, but wasn’t named to the All-Southland first team. However, Terrion Murdix and Isaac Mushila were both named to the first team. Murdix was also named the Southland Defensive Player of the Year.

Key Players

G Terrion Murdix

Led the SLC in steals and assists.

F Isaac Mushila

A bit undersized at 6’5”, but he is a beast on the boards leading the conference with 9.8 per game.

G Trevian Tennyson

Played 35+ minutes in each of the last six games; shooting 48.6% on threes in SLC games.

G Jalen Jackson

Season-high 17 points in conference championship game.

Scoring FG%

3% NET: 294 BPI: xx

Texas Southern Tigers

Johnny Jones

14-20 (7-11 SWAC)

Texas Southern finished eighth in the SWAC losing the final three games of the regular season. The Tigers then defeated the No. 5, No. 2 and No. 1 seeds in the conference tournament. The Tigers are the only team in the field of 68 with a losing record, but played a schedule that should have them battle tested. They defeated tournament team Arizona State but lost to Texas Tech, Oral Roberts, Houston, Auburn and Kansas. The Tigers rebound pretty well, but that’s about the extent of any strengths. They don’t shoot well at all, one of the worst in the nation from the line and from three-point range. They make more turnovers than they have assists. They have four players averaging double figures in points.

Key Players

F Davon Barnes

Leads in scoring and gets to the line; scored 17 a game in the SWAC tourney.

F John Walker III

Scored 14, dished out four assists and blocked five shots in the championship win over Grambling.

G PJ Henry

Senior had a tremendous SWAC tourney and is only legit threat from beyond the arc.

F Joirdon Karl Nicholas

Leads with nine boards a game; trouble scoring in SWAC tourney.

UCLA Bruins

Mark Cronin

29-5 (18-2 Pac-12)

The Bruins dominated the Pac-12 winning by four games over Arizona and USC, but injuries to big men left the Bruins undermanned against Arizona in the Pac-12 Championship Game. UCLA’s biggest wins came in December at Maryland and over Kentucky in New York, so the absence of wowing marquee wins is noticeable. The Bruins lost to Illinois and Baylor in Las Vegas in November. The Bruins limit turnovers and share the ball well. Defensively, the Bruins create turnovers and opponents shoot slightly better than 40% from the field. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the team’s best player, scoring 17.5 and grabbing eight boards. Point guard Tyger Campbell has stepped up his offensive game over the past few weeks.

Key Players

G/F Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Leading scorer and rebounder shoots better than 48% from the field and adept getting to the line.

G Tyger Campbell

Took 50 shots in the final four regular season games, getting to the line 26 times.

G David Singleton

Two-thirds of his shots come from downtown and he makes 43.

G Amari Bailey

Freshman can be erratic offensively, but creates matchup problems for defenses.

6

UConn Huskies

Dan Hurley

25-8 (13-7 Big East)

UConn swept Oregon, Alabama and Iowa State in the Phil Knight Invitational over Thanksgiving and eventually reached a No. 2 ranking. The Huskies lost five of six at the turn of the calendar, and suddenly UConn found itself struggling to stay afloat. But the Huskies rebounded and Xavier is the only Big East team they didn’t defeat. The Huskies are a solid offensive team that shares the ball well, loves the three-point shot (41% of their shots are from beyond the arc) and limits turnovers. The Huskies take pride in defense and allow opponents to shoot just 41 % from the field and 30% from downtown. Coach Dan Hurley doesn’t utilize his bench much. Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins provide a potent scoring duo.

Key Players

F Adama Sanogo

Rebounding machine has seen his scoring decline, but his FG% increase, evidence he’s reducing bad shots.

G Jordan Hawkins

Hawkins has launched more than 200 threes this season.

G Tristen Newton

The 6’5” senior is a master distributor and can make shots when the defense gives them to him.

F Alex Karaban

Glue player can pass, rebound and defend; a developing scorer.

UCSB Gauchos

Joe Pasternack

26-7 (15-5 Big West)

UCSB tied with UC Irvine atop the Big West in the regular season, then won three games in the Big West Tournament to claim the automatic bid. The Gauchos shoot the bell extremely well (49.6% from the field), and were even better in Big West games. They shoot 35.2% from threepoint range. Defensively, the Gauchos hold opponents to 65 .6 points a game. Ajay Mitchell is a player to watch. The sophomore from Belgium was named the Big West Player of the year and he is a tremendous offense creator. He had four double-doubles this season in points and assists. He averages 15.7 points and 5.1 assists. Miles Norris was second team All-Big West and is the Gauchos’ leading rebounder.

Key Players

G Ajay Mitchell

Shoots 56.6% from inside the arc.

F Miles Norris

Scores 14.2 points a game and grabs 6.4 rebounds.

F Andre Kelly

Efficient scorer knocks down 56.2% of his shots.

G Josh Pierre-Louis

Shoots 51.3% overall, 55.1% from inside the arc.

Scoring FG%

UNC Asheville Bulldogs

Mike Morrell

27-7 (16-2 (Big South)

The Bulldogs enter the tournament carrying a nine-game winning streak capped by three wins in the Big South Tournament. UNC Asheville ended Campbell’s magical run with a 77-73 win in the title game. The Bulldogs won the regular season to earn the top seed in the tournament. They have no significant wins outside of conference. The Bulldogs shoot the three well at 39%, good enough for top 10 in the nation. They also get to the line, especially Drew Pember, who leads the nation in free throw attempts with 302 and knocks down 83.4%. Caleb Burgess is an efficient distributor. Nick McMullen protects the middle on defense and shoots 56% from the field, although he isn’t asked to shoot much.

NET: 140

136

Key Players

F Drew Pember

Leads the team with 20.9 points a game and 9.4 rebounds; made 41 free throws in three conference tournament games.

G Tajion Jones

Played all 40 minutes in conference championship game.

G Caleb Burgess

The 6’4” senior is not a scorer, but triggers the offense and is a tough defender.

F Nick McMullen

The 6’8” junior patrols the middle, but can his size can be exposed.

USC Trojans

Andy Enfield

22-10 (14-6 Pac-12)

USC’s season began inauspiciously with a loss to Florida Gulf Coast, but the Trojans were able to right the ship by January. USC lost two close games in the Bahamas to Tennessee and Wisconsin. The Trojans finished the regular season tied with Arizona for second in the Pac12. Two senior guards, Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis, were named first team All-Pac-12. Joshua Morgan and Kobe Johnson were named to the All-Defensive team. Reese Dixon-Waters earned the Sixth Man of the Year award in the conference. Ellis is a big-time scorer who took 426 shots, half of them from three-point range where he made 83, tops in the Pac-12. Peterson leads the Trojans in rebounding and assists.

Key Players

G Drew Peterson

The two-time first team All-Pac-12 honoree is one of only two Power 6 players to average 13.5 points, six rebounds and 4.5 assists this season.

G Boogie Ellis

Scored in double figures in 28 of 32 games.

F Joshua Morgan

Leads Pac-12 with 2.3 blocks per game.

G Kobe Johnson

His 71 steals rank second in Pac12; shoots 84% from the line.

Scoring FG%

Utah State Aggies

Ryan Odom 26-8 (13-5 MWC)

Utah State finished two games behind San Diego State in the Mountain West tied with Boise State. The Aggies 4-5 vs. tournament teams plus losses to San Jose State, SMU and Weber State. The Aggies are deep, play up and down at a fast tempo and sling up a bunch of threes. They make almost 40% of their threes averaging 9.4 per game. Five players average in double figures in scoring, and the bench plays a huge role contributing 25 points a game. Steven Ashworth is the Aggies’ best player. The first team All-MWC shoots 45% from three and 88.9% from the line. Max Shulga was named to the second team All-MWC chipping in 12.3 points a game, 4.4 boards and 4.1 assists.

NET: 18 BPI: 42

Key Players

G Steven Ashworth

Loves the three ball and 70% of his shots are from outside the arc where he makes 44.3%.

G Max Shulga

Takes more threes than twos, but makes on 37% from long range.

F Dan Akin

The 6’9” Brit was named MWC Sixth Man of the Year and kicks in 12 points and seven boards a game while shooting 66%.

F Taylor Funk

Second in scoring (13.6) and second in rebounding (5.4).

VCU Rams

Mike Rhoades

27-7 (15-3 A-10)

VCU swept the regular season and tournament titles in the Atlantic 10. The Rams defeated tournament teams Pittsburgh and Kennesaw State and lost to non-tournament participants Temple and Jacksonville. The Rams shine defensively, holding opponents to 41.5% shooting from the field, and VCU creates 16.5 turnovers a game. Ace Baldwin leads the team off the court and in just ab out every category on the court. He was named A-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Brandon Johns Jr., a transfer from Michigan, brought a huge boost on both ends this season. Jalen DeLoach is the big man on the boards and a shot blocker. David Shriver is a designated three-point shooter off the bench.

Key Players

G Ace Baldwin

Rarely comes out of games; went for 16 points and seven assists in the A-10 title tilt.

F Brandon Johns Jr.

Averages 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds; shoots 51.6% from the field and solid defender.

F Jalen DeLoach

The 6’9” sophomore leads team with 7.1 rebounds and protects the rim with 1.3 blocks per game.

G Jayden Nunn

Was six of nine from downtown in the A-10 tourney.

Scoring FG% 3% NET: 109 BPI: 97

Vermont Catamounts

John Becker

22-10 (14-2 America East)

The Catamounts played one of the toughest schedules of the mid-major champions, but still not major conference tough. Vermont defeated Merrimack (Northeast champ) and Colgate (Patriot champ) so this team isn’t among the worst in the tournament. They breezed through three conference tournament games to wrap up the automatic bid after winning the regular season. The Catamounts have represented the America East now nine times in the past 20 NCAA Tournaments. In 2005, Vermont defeated Syracuse in overtime for the program’s biggest win. The Catamounts don’t rebound well, but there’s balanced scoring led by Dylan Penn with 13.2 a game. Robin Duncan, a 6’5” guard leads team in rebounding (7.3) and assists (4.5).

Key Players

G Robin Duncan

Leads team in minutes, rebounding and assists and shoots 52.5%.

G Dylan Penn

Isn’t denied his shots and hits 53.4% of them; rarely ventures beyond the arc.

G Finn Sullivan

Had a run of four 20+ point games in five games, but has averaged seven in the five games since.

G Aaron Delaney

Shoots 40.6% from three and has 18 assists and one turnover in last 10 games.

Virginia Cavaliers

Tony Bennett

25-7 (15-5 ACC)

Virginia defeated Baylor and Illinois in Las Vegas in early November, but there aren’t many other signature wins on the Cavs’ resume. Virginia has been atop or near the top of the ACC standings pretty much all season, but the ACC doesn’t carry much clout this year. The best things the Cavs do is take care of the basketball and get to the free throw line. They do not beat themselves with turnovers, and the Cavs have made more free throws than their opponents have taken. Armaan Franklin is the leading scorer and takes about half his shots from beyond the arc where he shoots almost 40%. Jayden Gardner can score inside and shoots better than 50% from the field.

Key Players

G Armaan Franklin

Inconsistent scorer has three 20-point games in ACC play, and three with six or fewer.

F Jayden Gardner

The 6’6” senior gets plenty of shots and is a quality rebounder.

PG Kihei Clark

Isn’t asked to score much, but he distributes the ball well and knows his teammates’ strengths.

G Reese Beekman

The junior rarely leaves the court and is a glue player who puts teammates in position to score.

Scoring FG% 3% NET: 25 BPI: 23

West Virginia Mountaineers

Bob Huggins

19-14 (7-11 Big 12)

Taking on the personality of their coach, the Mountaineers play tough defense all over the court and push the pace. Bob Huggins, with 935 wins, is now college basketball’s winningest active coach after the retirement of Jim Boeheim. Huggins substitutes freely and will play as many as 10 guys at some point just about every night. But he has used the same starting lineup almost exclusively this season. Erik Stevenson, Kedrian Johnson, Tre Mitchell, Emmitt Matthews Jr. and Jimmy Bell Jr. have accounted for 160 of the 165 starts this season. Stevenson earned third team All-Big 12 honors after leading the team with 15.5 points a game. He is the only serious threat from three-point range, making 38.1% of his 202 attempts.

Key Players

G Erik Stevenson

Over his last four games, he’s shooting 64.3% from two-point range and 32.5% from beyond arc.

G Kedrian Johnson

Has six 20-point outings against Big 12 competition this season.

F Tre Mitchell

The 6’9” senior averages 11.6 points and 5.5 rebounds this season; averaged 14 and eight in the two Big 12 tourney contests.

F Emmitt Matthews Jr.

Shooting 19 for 26 from inside the arc over his last three contests.

Xavier Musketeers

Sean Miller 25-9 (15-5 Big East)

Xavier is a veteran team that plays smart, shares the ball better than any team in the country and rarely beats itself with mistakes. The Musketeers may be the best shooting team in the nation as well, both from inside and beyond the arc. The healthy return of big man Zach Freemantle might determine just how far this team can go I the tournament. Experience on this team is a major plus with several key players instrumental in the Musketeers’ run to the NIT title a year ago. Now they are looking for a larger prize. Souley Boum is the team’s best player. The grad transfer from UTEP was a three-year starter for the Minors after earning All-Freshman honors at San Francisco.

Key Players

G Souley Boum

Shoots 42% from three, 50% inside the arc, 87% from the line.

F Zach Freemantle

Leading rebounder missed month of February after averaging 19 points over last four Jan. games.

G Colby Jones

One of the best rebounding guards in the country; when he’s not scoring, he’s assisting.

F Jack Nunge

Leading rebounder with Freemantle out, Nunge averages 14 points and shoots better than 52%.

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