March Madness is one of the best times of the year to be a basketball fan. There are so many great games on, and the tournament is rife with opportunities for big upsets and lots of drama. You can find out the seeds and bracket on Selection Sunday, March 12. The tournament then begins on March 14 and ends on April 3, with 68 teams taking part.
As well as watching all of the games, you can bet on March Madness at Betway, with the latest odds for all games available once the tournament gets underway. One of the best things about watching the annual NCAA Championship is you get to see future NBA prospects in action before they join the league. The best players may not always win the tournament, but they often help their teams progress to the later rounds. Here are some of the players you should be keeping an eye on.
Oscar Tshiebwe – Kentucky
The 23-year-old Congolese is a top prospect currently playing for Kentucky. He’s being closely looked at by NBA teams who are preparing to bring him in during the draft. At 6’9”, 290 pounds, he’s more of an old-school player, relying on size and strength to physically overpower the opposition. Defensively, he offers a lot of benefits and doesn’t take plays off, but offensively he lacks some refinement. He’s excellent at scoring rebounds, however, and was the national player of the year in 2021.
Nick Smith Jr – Arkansas
At only 18, Smith Jr has the potential to be a big breakout star, and he definitely has enough talent to impress this March. The Point Guard currently plays at Arkansas and stands out thanks to his high level of athleticism and excellent competitive drive. He combines aggression with confidence and has shown an ability for both playmaking and scoring. His season suffered somewhat due to a knee injury, but he looks to be back on top form and could help his underseeded team go far in the tournament.
Kel’el Ware – Oregon
Ware is one of the top prospects in the NCAA right now, offering size, athleticism, and ability. Despite being 6’11”, he has an excellent running gait that allows him to move around the court fluidly, affecting all areas of the game. While his production isn’t the highest for Oregon, some would argue that his team fail to get the best out of his talents. Aside from that. He’s still a raw talent at only 18 years old and has a long way to improve before reaching the NBA.
Brandon Miller – Alabama
Miller has been averaging 19 points per game for Alabama this season and has helped take his team to the NCAA Championship. Most agree that the Crimson Tide are one of the favorites to win the tournament, and Miller will play a key role if they do. He’s highly versatile and has good finishing around the rim. One of his weak points is that he lacks the strength and intensity on defense, but he shows a lot of promise and can develop into an NBA star despite the controversy.
Anthony Black – Arkansas
Black is an athletic all-rounder, playing basketball, football, and track and field in college. His athletic ability makes him an intriguing prospect and definitely one to watch. At 19 years old, he’s developed well into a shooting guard for Arkansas, showing an ability to pass and create opportunities for the team. He also rebounds well and plays well defensively, reading the game from anywhere on the court. He still lacks some strength, but this is relatively easy to develop, and he’ll be one to watch this March Madness.