Nine most important men’s players capable of dominating the NCAA Tournament bracket

Remember Ali Farokhmanesh? Well, he did this. 

Before Stephen Curry was a two-time NBA MVP, he was an under-the-radar star of Cinderella Davidson.

NBA All-Star Anthony Davis was the centerpiece to a Kentucky national championship squad before he won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Fred VanVleet was a point guard on a Final Four and Sweet 16 Wichita State team before he won a ring with the Toronto Raptors. 

Star power in the NCAA Tournament is what brings to life the teams that go on deep runs and give us memorable One Shining Moments. It can be the unsung hero on a mid-major, the X-factor player on an underrated team, or an NBA-caliber talent who's waiting to cash in on a pro paycheck in favor of March Madness glory. 

BRACKET TIPS? AT YOUR SERVICE: 

  • Expert picks: From early upsets to the Final Four and champion
  • These are the 7 hottest teams entering the tournament
  • Meet the 68: In-depth capsules with analysis on every team 
  • Don't count on 'em: These are teams to avoid picking to go far 
  • Smartest first-round upset: These are the teams to keep your eye on
  • Every first-round upset: Easy list of our experts' first-round upsets
  • Stay informed: Our newsletter will offer bracket tips every day. Sign up here!

A look at the nine most important men's players heading into the 2021 NCAA Tournament:

Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

The 6-8 do-everything guard is the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA draft for a reason, but it's not just based on potential. Cunningham (20.2 ppg) has shown he's a clutch player with several game-winning buckets in 2020-21. His 40 points and 11 rebounds in a Feb. 27 win over Oklahoma is evidence of his breakout ability.  

Evan Mobley, USC

The 7-foot freshman, a projected draft lottery pick, gives the Trojans a dimension not many teams in this tournament have. Mobley (16.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.0 bpg) puts USC in a position to win every night with his offensive production, but it's his defense that can help the Trojans go on an unexpected run to the second weekend. 


Source: Read Full Article