Top 5 Most Entertaining Players in March Madness
While March Madness may be known for its drama, intrigue, and anguish, hidden behind the fans and teams are the next line of professional talent, all awaiting the NBA draft.
Each year it’s impossible to tell which players will be the most dominant in March Madness, but there’s certainly a number to look out for. For those who are new or want to deepen their March Madness betting skills, there is no mystery that if you want to succeed by making more good bets, you must do research.
Amongst the 64 teams taking to the court are unsung heroes, pre-determined superstars, and those you’ve never heard of before. We’ve highlighted five of the most entertaining players in March Madness and those to keep an eye out for in March Madness 2023.
Omar Tshiebwe from Kentucky
Kentucky’s own center is no doubt one of the hottest talents in March Madness 2023. The Wildcats have not been able to make a decent run to the championship in a number of years; but it’s thought that the 23-year-old could be the man to ignite the spark to set them on the way.
Tshiebwe won the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2022 whilst averaging 17.4 points and 15.1 rebounds per game. He wasted no time in picking up from where he left off and led the Wildcats in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage in the 2023 regular season.
In addition, he added 24 double-doubles and five games with over 20 rebounds. His senior year to date has not been as impressive as his junior term; but he is averaging more minutes per game, showing his importance to the Kentucky side.
The Wildcats have nine losses on the season, and believe me when I say that’s not a testament to the player they have on their hands. Tshiebwe will no doubt enter the NBA Draft at the conclusion of the season; and is one of the most exciting players to watch in March Madness this year.
Armando Bacot from North Carolina
Leading the pre-season March Madness favorites into the season; Armando Bacot would not have thought that the Tar Heels could miss out on the 2023 NCAA tournament. Bacot opted to stay on for another year after an agonizing loss to Kansas in the championship game; along with a dominant starting front.
A 6-foot-11, 235-pound center, Bacot boasted one of the most impressive individual performances in an NCAA Tournament. Bacot became the first player in college basketball history with six double-doubles in one NCAA Tournament; with 99 rebounds across six games, the second most ever in NCAA Tournament history.
North Carolina Basketball is no stranger to success at March Madness; and Armando Bacot is one of the gems that Chapel Hill has produced. Bacot may not have much time left in a Carolina blue uniform; so we’d recommend keeping an eye on him during March Madness 2023.
Nick Smith Jr. from Arkansas
A name unfamiliar to many of you but no doubt belongs on this list is Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. The freshman has a promising career ahead of him in college basketball; and has made the step up from high school without any major bumps in the road.
The Razorbacks went on a five-game winning streak, with Smith Jr. playing a key part in the game. His stats may not blow you away; but his elusiveness and explosivity on both sides of the ball bring an element many have not seen in a long time.
His talent was sorely missed as Arkansas dropped back-to-back games to Texas A&M; and Mississippi State before bouncing back with wins against Florida and Georgia. On the year, Smith averages 12.9 points per game and 35.9% from beyond the arc.
Arkansas is not a name typically associated with March Madness; but should they make a run to the Final Four, you bet that Nick Smith Jr. will be involved.
Drew Timme from Gonzaga
Playing for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Drew Timme joined the college ball team in his freshman year; during which time he primarily remained a reserve. He showed the true meaning of patience and made a real impression in the time spent on the court; and earnt himself on the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team.
Timme soared to new heights in his sophomore year, scoring the season record for most points in California. It was in 2021 that Gonzaga’s talisman really took off, scoring a career-high 37 points in a victory against Ohio; and earning the WCC Player of the Year award. The year did not get the ending it deserved as Gonzaga bowed out at the Sweet-16 stage and failed to live up to their No.1 seed.
The senior has maintained his high standards in 2022-23, averaging over 20 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game. Currently, his reputation and the strength of the Bulldogs make him one of the top players to keep an eye out for during March Madness.
Jeremy Roach from Duke
Another stalwart of college basketball in the Duke Blue Devils has a true leader in senior Jeremy Roach. In 2022, Roach was turning the heads of college basketball fans across the country, and many believe the Blue Devils could’ve gone all the way.
His role in the Duke roster varied throughout the season; but he cemented his spot in the starting five ahead of the NCAA tournament. During March Madness 2022, Roach averaged 11.8 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35.2 minutes per game.
The junior has gone even better in 2023, averaging 13 points per game and a 42% Field Goal percentage. Duke’s season has not gone to plan, and that’s not surprising after Coach K’s retirement in 2022.
They’ve won just one regular season game against ranked opposition; and have not proven themselves to be the clutch team many fans know them to be. Regardless, Roach will be of paramount importance should Duke be successful in March Madness 2023, and he’s another one to look out for.
