3 Players to keep an eye out for heading into March Madness

Every year, March Madness turns players into stars overnight. Guys who were flying under the radar all season because they played for smaller schools, or those who were just known as role players, suddenly get to shine in front of everyone. It’s bound to happen—remember Jack Gohlke from last year, or Donte DiVincenzo's electric championship game? Even the greatest basketball players got to show the world who they were during March Madness, like Steph Curry with his legendary run at Davidson. This year’s no different, and I think there are a few guys that will become big names by the end of the tournament.

Bennet Stirtz - Drake Bulldogs

Bennet Stirtz has the potential to become a March Madness legend overnight, not just due to his talent, but also his journey to this point. Stirtz is the leading scorer and the heart of the Drake Bulldogs, a team primarily composed of former D-2 players who transferred along with their head coach. Stirtz is among them, demonstrating that D-2 players can not only compete at the highest level but dominate. In his first year at Drake, Stirtz averages 19.1/4.4/5.7. His extremely high basketball IQ will be a hard guard for anyone, and if he performs at his best, Drake has a good chance of defeating Missouri on Thursday. Keep an eye on Stirtz and the Drake Bulldogs.

Nique Clifford - Colorado State University

Nique Clifford is a player with the potential to become a major star. As the leader of Colorado State, Clifford has made a huge leap this season, averaging 19 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He earned a spot on the 1st team Mountain West and the all-defensive team. Heading into the tournament, he has perhaps the most momentum of any player, having just won the Mountain West tournament MVP with averaging 25 points per game. His ability to score, along with his lockdown defense could propel CSU on a tournament run, with him leading the charge.

Will Riley - Illinois

The Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, Will Riley, has significant potential to shine in March. Standing at 6'8", he can score from anywhere on the court and is difficult to stop once he heats up. His ability to drive to the basket and shoot off the dribble, combined with his natural shooting ability, will be showcased on Friday. However, a crucial aspect of Will Riley's game is his hustle. His grit will be a key factor in Illinois' chances of making a deep run.