During the NCAA tournament, players can either improve their draft stock or create one. Ultimately, whatever way you slice it, they are building their basketball legacy. Big plays happen during the NCAA tournament thanks to big players. Everything runs through the point guard and some stand out more than others.
The Fighting Illini star has NCAA Tournament “Madness” Written All Over Him
Terrance Shannon Jr. – G Illinois
Shannon Jr is the perfect player for March Madness. He can take over games offensively and his ability to score at all three levels is outstanding. He has great size for a college guard at 6 foot 6 and while he is a lefty, he has molded into a player able to score with either hand. Shannon Jr is currently third in the country in scoring and has put together six 30-point games this season.
Carrying the team on his back is what he does. In March, the leaders show their stripes and take over games when their teams need them too. He can also create for his teammates like an NBA-ready point guard. Shannon Jr does it all for his team and he will prove it again during the tournament. Shannon Jr is a must-watch player.
The Right Player for the NCAA Tournament Job
Jamal Shead – G Houston
In most March Madness highlight clips what do you see? Buzzer-beaters and timely game-changing plays. Houston senior guard Jamal Shead is known for this kind of heroics. The Houston Cougars are one of the best teams in the tournament and Shead has a lot to do with it. He has improved every season he has been a Cougar and defensively is where it starts. If there was a lockdown you could trust, Shead is him. Despite being under 6’1, the toughness in him is what you love to see in a team leader.
Shead always puts his team in the right position to win games and you will hear his name constantly during the tournament. Shead is the right guy to guide Houston during March and his “not scared of big moments” mentality, makes Houston one of the scariest teams in the NCAA tournament.
NCAA Tournament Shooting Star
Reed Sheppard – G Kentucky
Everyone loves a streaky-shooter and Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard sure fits the mold. Kentucky is known for developing knockdown shooters in recent years and Sheppard is next up. He can create his own shot or he can move without the ball well enough to get open for an easy look. Sheppard’s shooting ability mirrors Golden State Warriors legend- Klay Thompson’s.
When he is not shooting he has the good passing vision to set up his teammates. Unselfish and a knock-down shooter? What more can you ask for? Sheppard earned his playing time early on thanks to his tough defense. Over time and after more floor minutes, he started showing his scoring ability. Sheppard has the ability to take over games with his shooting and he will be a name to watch out for as the tournament goes on.
These three players are well on their way to creating a name for themselves in the NBA. First, however, they must make their stamp in the NCAA tournament. Luckily for them, they all have the ability to do it.
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Desmond Ordonez is an avid sports fan and resides in Boise, Idaho. Desmond frequently covers NFL and NBA news. Follow him on Twitter at @des_ordo21. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.