Five players to watch in March Madness

March Insanity has arrived, and there’s a great probability my bracket will already be busted by the point you learn this.

For those who’re in the identical boat, however are nonetheless searching for causes to observe, there are lots of gamers who may probably find yourself on the Celtics subsequent yr.

The Celtics don’t have any concrete holes on the roster, but it surely by no means hurts so as to add dependable on-ball defenders, deadly shooters or versatile bigs. Listed below are 5 guys (no burgers and fries, sorry), plus 5 bonus gamers, who may slot in effectively with the Celtics.

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Baylor Scheierman, Creighton

Scheierman, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound guard/wing, is averaging 18.4 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the Bluejays, whereas capturing 44.8 p.c from the sphere and 37.2 p.c from 3-point vary.

He’s a sweet-shooting lefty, who’s a menace each time he touches the ball, however he also can have an effect on the sport in different methods. Scheierman began his profession as a standout at South Dakota State, transferred to Creighton two years in the past and has grow to be a family title since. He’s the one participant in Division I historical past with at the very least 2,000 factors, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 3-pointers. Not too shabby.

Protection within the NBA is a little bit of a priority, however the third-team All-American may very well be a weapon off the bench. I do know, I do know, the Celtics have already got sniper Sam Hauser; however including much more capturing to a roster with elite playmaking by no means hurts.

Oso Ighodaro, Marquette

Let’s keep within the Large East, the place Ighodaro, a 6-foot-11, 235-pound large, is a reputation to know. He’s averaging 14 factors, 6.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 0.9 steals for the Golden Eagles.

He would slot in effectively with Joe Mazzulla’s system – a fleet-footed defender who can guard a number of positions successfully and excel within the choose and roll. Ighodaro doesn’t shoot 3’s, however he has nice footwork down low and would offer a obligatory submit presence long run.

One factor that stands out about Ighodaro is his effectivity. He’s a profession 62.8 p.c shooter – that’s arduous to do in school, particularly when opposing defenses are game-planning largely to cease you. Suppose Rui Hachimura, however barely taller and barely much less versatile offensively.

Johni Broome, Auburn

Broome, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound large, began his profession at Morehead State and has since emerged as probably the greatest gamers within the Southeastern Convention. He’s placing up an absurd stat line of 16.2 factors, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals, whereas capturing 54.4 p.c from the sphere and 35.1 p.c from 3.

Calling him a lights-out 3-point shooter can be a stretch, however he’s absolutely able to maintaining defenses sincere within the NBA. Broome, additionally a lefty and likewise a third-team All-American, has a medium-high ground and medium-high ceiling, and he may very well be a steal within the second spherical.

I’m not saying Auburn is going to beat UConn, but it surely’s one of many few groups that has a probability to beat UConn, and Broome is a serious purpose why.

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Jamal Shead, Houston

Shead, a first-team All-American, has been arguably the perfect guard in school basketball this season. His stats (13.1 factors, 6.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and a pair of.3 steals) are spectacular, however his protection actually units him aside.

He’s an NBA-ready on-ball defender who can present minutes off the bench as a rookie to fluster the opposite group’s level guard. Shead, who’s 6 toes, 2 inches, 200 kilos, performs his finest within the greatest moments and has a knack for delivering within the clutch.

The one professional concern is his capturing. He’s a 29.9 p.c 3-point shooter, in order that’s actually not a power, however he makes up for it together with his smarts, motor and flexibility. He may complement Payton Pritchard effectively off the bench.

Alex Karaban, UConn

Karaban, a Southborough native, is able to characterize Massachusetts within the league. He contributed on UConn’s championship group a season in the past and has maximized an expanded position this yr on a group that’s greater than able to repeating.

He’s as much as 13.9 factors, 5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per sport, whereas capturing a ridiculous 50.1 p.c from the ground, 39.5 p.c from 3 and 88.9 p.c from the road. Karaban, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound ahead, is an elite ground spacer, has a excessive basketball IQ and is aware of how one can each mix in and stand out.

He has an opportunity to exit as a back-to-back champion, following a stellar two-year profession, and make an entire lot of cash. I’m certain he wouldn’t object to taking part in for his hometown group.

Bonus choices

I informed you there can be 5 extra! Trey Alexander (Creighton guard), DaRon Holmes (Dayton large), Pelle Larsen (Arizona wing), Tyler Kolek (Marquette guard) and Harrison Ingram (North Carolina wing) all may slot in effectively with the Celtics.