10 players to watch in the 2017 Men’s NCAA Tournament

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NCAA Tournament

Malik Monk (Kentucky)

To me, Monk has been the most explosive scorer in college basketball this season. He’s the kind of streaky shooter and scorer that you look to make some big shots in the NCAA Tournament, and as a projected lottery pick in the NBA Draft, Monk has every reason to show out over the next few weeks.

Semi Ojeleye (SMU)

The Duke transfer is the guy for SMU at 19 points per game. Ojeleye is a strong 6’7 forward who’s physical, athletic, and can score and make plays off the bounce. Being on a team that shot over 40 percent from three this year makes Ojeleye and SMU a popular sleeper in the tournament.

Dillon Brooks (Oregon)

Brooks is a game-changing, do-it-all player for the Ducks. The Pac-12 Player of the Year can score, assist, rebound, and defend. He’s a special talent who can make tough shots which always bodes well for the NCAA Tournament.

Lonzo Ball (UCLA)

NCAA Tournament

California’s new basketball sensation is the Ball family led by the show that Lonzo Ball has put on at UCLA his freshman season. Ball doesn’t shy away from the moment, so the NCAA Tournament should be the perfect stage for him to showcase his talent as probably the most electric playmaker in college basketball.

Josh Jackson (Kansas)

Jackson is one of this season’s stud freshman. His game is complete with natural ability and athleticism, a fantastic second jump, and a nose for the ball. He’s dangerous with the basketball but can also make an impact without it as a cutter, spacer, and rebounder.

Caleb Swanigan (Purdue)

Swanigan is one of the best bigs and players in the country as a National Player of the Year candidate. His game has really polished over the years, as he’s become a lethal inside-out threat, with his range extending to the three-point line.

NCAA Tournament
(Photo: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)

Jayson Tatum (Duke)

Tatum is touted as the best isolation player in college basketball, simply because opposing forwards can’t guard him. His game and presence have blossomed emphatically for the Blue Devils, and he’s the x-factor who can make them into a Final Four team and national title contender.

Josh Hart (Villanova)

Hart leads the defending champions as one of the smartest guards in the country. His poise is outstanding, he plays off of two feet, and he has a knack for making winning plays.

Jawun Evans (Oklahoma State)

If you haven’t heard, this guy has been donned by many as the next coming of Chris Paul. Watch him play and you’ll see why.

Nigel Williams-Goss

This guy makes Gonzaga go. He’s as good as anyone in the country at leading his team and doing it efficiently, with 153 assists to just 68 turnovers this season while averaging a team-high 16.3 points per game.

Others: De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky), Ethan Happ (Wisconsin), Trevon Bluiett (Xavier), Derrick Walton, Jr. (Michigan) Andrew Rowsey (Marquette), Angel Delgado (Seton Hall) Frank Mason III (Kansas), Kelan Martin (Butler), Miles Bridges (Michigan State)

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Martin is the Founder, Chief Editor, and Head Skills Development Trainer for Basketball Society. He has work experience in digital media and marketing, radio, and journalism. Currently, he does freelance work as a videographer and content creator. He has been featured as a writer on sites such as Def Pen, TV Film News, All Hip-Hop, and more. Martin played high school basketball at South Brunswick High School (NJ) where he graduated in 2007. He is a 1,000-point scorer at SBHS and an All-Middlesex County performer as a 3-year varsity starter. He helped lead SBHS to their first-ever Central Jersey Group 4 sectional state championship in 2007. Martin played college basketball at Eastern University, where he graduated (BA, Communications) in 2012. Martin was a four-year starter and a 1,000-point scorer at EU. Follow Martin on Twitter @Marsoaries and on Instagram @martin_soaries

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