March Madness has again delivered thrilling basketball, with all four No. 1 seeds advancing to the Sweet 16. As the tournament narrows, several standout players have emerged as difference makers who could propel their teams toward championship glory in these crucial matchups beginning Thursday, March 27.
The teams feature an exciting mix of elite freshmen like Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen, battle-tested veterans like Caleb Love and Mark Sears, and dominant big men like Johni Broome and Hunter Dickinson. With NBA draft implications and conference rivalries at stake, these players will determine who advances to the Elite Eight.
Top 10 Players to Watch
1. Cooper Flagg (Duke) – The Future No. 1 Pick?
The consensus No. 1 NBA Draft prospect is averaging 18.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 4.1 APG this season. Despite a recent ankle sprain, Flagg dominated Duke’s first two tournament wins, posting 18 points and nine rebounds against Mount St. Mary’s and Baylor. His two-way versatility makes him Duke’s centerpiece. He will face Arizona on March 27.
2. Johni Broome (Auburn) – The Double-Double Machine
The SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year candidate is averaging 18.6 PPG and 10.6 RPG while shooting 54% from the field. His bruising post presence and rebounding ability have led Auburn, the No. 1 overall seed, to the Sweet 16, where they’ll face Michigan.
3. Caleb Love (Arizona) – The Ultimate March Madness Wildcard
The senior guard scored 29 points in Arizona’s 87-83 comeback win over Oregon to reach the Sweet 16. Having faced Duke many times previously during his North Carolina career, Love’s clutch scoring ability and big game experience make him dangerous in the upcoming Duke-Arizona showdown.
4. Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida) – The Clutch Performer
Clayton’s emergence as an All-American guard has fueled Florida’s impressive 15-1 record since February. He delivered a decisive 8-0 run, including a dagger three-pointer in Florida’s 77-75 victory over defending champion UConn in the second round, ending the Huskies’ three-peat bid.
5. Derik Queen (Maryland) – The Freshman Phenom
The 6’10” freshman center averages 16.3 PPG and 9.0 RPG while shooting nearly 68% at the rim. Queen scored a season-high 31 points in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals and hit a buzzer-beater against Colorado State to send Maryland to the Sweet 16 matchup with Florida.
6. Jase Richardson (Michigan State) – The Legacy Guard
Son of MSU legend Jason Richardson, Jase has soared up draft boards despite struggling in the first round. His scoring prowess and perimeter defense will be tested against Florida’s Clayton Jr. in a Sweet 16 matchup that could further elevate his NBA draft stock.
7. Koby Brea (Kentucky) – The Sharpshooter
The Dayton transfer scored 23 points in Kentucky’s second-round win over Illinois, helping the Wildcats reach their first Sweet 16 since 2019 under first-year coach Mark Pope. His three-point shooting could be decisive as Kentucky faces Tennessee for the third time this season.
8. Mark Sears (Alabama) – The Floor General
The senior guard led Alabama with 22 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in their first-round victory. Sears’ veteran leadership and ability to control pace make the Crimson Tide a dangerous opponent as they prepare to face BYU in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
9. L.J. Cryer (Houston) – The Perimeter Threat
The senior guard is averaging 16-18 PPG while shooting over 40% from three-point range. As Houston’s go-to perimeter scorer, Cryer complements their top-ranked defense under coach Kelvin Sampson. His outside shooting will be critical against Purdue and Braden Smith in the Sweet 16.
10. J.T Toppin (Texas Tech) – The Big Man
The 6’9” New Mexico transfer has been a force for the Red Raiders all year, averaging almost a double-double with 18.1 ppg and 9.3 rpg. The offense revolves around Toppin, and with a matchup against a hot Arkansas team, look for the big man to be involved early, as the Red Raiders will want to establish an inside presence against an aggressive squad.
KEEP READING: How Will March Madness Impact This Year’s Transfer Portal?
The Sweet 16 features compelling matchups across the board, with Duke vs. Arizona (Flagg vs. Love) and Florida vs. Maryland (Clayton Jr. vs. Queen) offering particularly star-studded showdowns. All four No. 1 seeds, Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston, remain alive, creating high stakes for these elite players as they battle for Elite Eight berths starting Thursday.
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