March Madness has arrived, and for readers of NBADraft.net, you’re likely ready to dive in. You’ve got detailed opinions, plenty of brackets, a list of standout draft prospects, and maybe even some insights into Lipscomb’s defensive techniques.
Yet, for the rest of the crowd? Let’s just say they’re rushing to catch up like last-minute students cramming for a big exam. At Elevator Doors HQ, we believe in lending a helping hand where we can. So, if you need a quick guide to fill out your bracket or to sound knowledgeable at your next March Madness event, we’re here for you. You might not need this, but if you know someone frantically seeking insight, send them this way.
First up, keep your eyes on Cooper Flagg. The college basketball community collectively gasped when he rolled his ankle during the ACC Tournament against Georgia Tech. It looked bad initially, but reports suggest he’ll be on the court. Even at 80% of his capacity, Flagg is arguably the top player in this tournament and is set to be the top pick this summer. Many in his shoes would choose caution over action, yet Flagg’s decision to power through distinguishes him as a player likely to surpass the hype.
For those scouting future NBA talent, don’t miss Baylor, BYU, and Illinois in this year’s tournament. After Flagg, there’s a slight dip in NBA-ready talent. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey of Rutgers didn’t have a standout season, finishing just under .500. However, there’s exciting talent on some mid-seed teams. Check out VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, Egor Demin from BYU, and Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois.
Edgecombe, though he started slowly, has turned heads with his speed and athleticism, potentially making him a two-way threat. If his shooting continues to improve, he could be an All-Star in the making. Jakucionis, contrasting Edgecombe’s frenetic style, excels with his precise shooting and savvy movement around screens, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with Barcelona. As for Demin, coming from Spain’s Real Madrid, his versatility and playmaking draw comparisons to Josh Giddey. Accumulating six assists per game while leading the BYU offense, he’s a name to watch.
Flagg’s teammates also deserve attention, with Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Sion James, and Tyrese Proctor all likely to have significant draft night moments. Knueppel particularly stands out, but all have promising futures in the NBA.
Looking more broadly, the SEC is shining. Predictably, they seem to be mastering the new landscape of NIL and transfer portals better than others. With 14 teams present and a significant number of them high seeds, more than one could make it to the Final Four. Florida, led by Walter Clayton Jr., is in top form now, despite Auburn being the top-seeded team, even after a few recent losses. Alabama’s Mark Sears, Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler, and the always-noteworthy Kentucky add further weight to the conference’s strength. Even less impressive SEC teams like Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas have potential stars in Boogie Fland, Asa Newell, and Tre Johnson.
When any SEC team hits the court, it’s an event worth tuning into. As for underdogs, I’m placing my bets on Drake, who boasts an impressive 30-3 record with Bennett Stirtz ready to shine. Colorado State, a 12-seed featuring Nique Clifford, could also surprise and the CSU/Memphis matchup has all the makings of a Friday thriller.
Don’t overlook the play-in teams either—these squads can use early momentum to their advantage. For instance, Ole Miss would be wise to prepare for a tough matchup if they face North Carolina early on.
On a lighter note, let’s talk mascots. While Florida’s Gator might steal many hearts (and predictably claim some brackets), Zippy the kangaroo is a crowd-pleaser. Zippy definitely deserves a spot in children’s programming, perhaps even rivaling Bluey.
Uniforms are another debated topic. My traditional side leans towards the classic UNC blue or St. John’s red. Yet, for those drawn to bolder choices, Oregon’s green-and-yellow combos stand out. High Point and Grand Canyon show love for purple, but Montana’s Grizzlies have the sleeper look, alternating between deep maroon and an eye-catching teal.
Now sit back, enjoy the madness, and may your brackets be ever in your favor!
