2023 March Madness Player Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Players in the NCAA Tournament
2023 March Madness Player Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Players in the NCAA Tournament
March Madness is finally here and most of the top players in the country will be showing off their talents. Not only is it fun to watch some of the future stars in the NBA, but this list also gives you a good idea of teams you should watch.
Below, I compiled my top 10 players in March Madness.
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Top 10 Players in the NCAA Tournament
10. Jalen Pickett - (Penn State, G, Senior)
Jalen Pickett deserves to be an All-American and will easily be one of the most exciting players to watch this March. He’s averaged 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists for the Nittany Lions.Â
He had a rough game against Purdue and still made countless big plays for Penn State to have a shot in the game. Their matchup against Texas A&M will be tough, but if Pickett does what he does best, Penn State has a real shot of winning the game.
9. Oscar Tshiebwe - (Kentucky, F, Senior)
Oscar Tshiebwe and the Kentucky Wildcats have had an interesting season. However, that’s not because of what Tshiebwe has done.Â
Tshiebwe averaged 16.5 points and 13.1 rebounds this season. His 13.1 rebounds ranked him first in the NCAA this season. He also shot 56.3% from the field, ranking 39th in America.
8. Jordan Hawkins - (UConn, G, Sophomore)
If you’re a fan of mid-major madness, please turn on the Iona/UConn game. Yes, UConn isn’t a mid-major, but this Iona team can be the sleeper mid-major squad this March. The guard matchup of Jordan Hawkins and Walter Clayton Jr. will be must-see TV.Â
Hawkins averaged 16.1 points per game and despite a tough Rick Pitino led defense, Hawkins should find himself in a good position to get his. The UConn guard is expected to be a high pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
7. Keyonte George - (Baylor, G, Freshman)
Sometimes the veterans make the plays on the big stage but look no further than Keyonte George to carry this Baylor roster. The guard duo of Flagler and George is arguably the best in the country and should have this Baylor team competing against anyone in America.
George averaged 15.8 points per game and is expected to be a lottery pick.
6. Gradey Dick - (Kansas, G, Freshman)
Gradey Dick is a fun prospect and the craziest part is that he might not even be the best player on Kansas. However, given the draft buzz around him, Dick will be the most exciting player to watch for Kansas this March.
He’s averaged 14.1 points per game and showed the ability to take over a game at any given moment. Dick will need to be at his best alongside guys like Jalen Wilson if Kansas wants to repeat.
5. Zach Edey - (Purdue, Center, Junior)
Do you want a shot, Purdue?Â
Zach Edey must be the player he was for most of the season if they want any chance. Edey is a bit comparable to Drew Timme, in the fact that both of them don’t have much to love in terms of being an NBA prospect, but are very good at the collegiate level.
Edey will likely win multiple national awards and rightfully so. Let’s see if the Boilermakers can do something that most aren’t expecting.
4. Drew Timme - (Gonzaga, F, Senior)
Is it finally the year that Drew Timme and the Bulldogs do what they have been trying to do for the past few seasons? While some have given up on them, this could be the year Gonzaga lives up to their expectations.
They have an easy route to the Sweet 16 and if Drew Timme can get going, they will be a tough out against anyone.
Timme has made a major name for himself and while he isn't at the same level as an NBA prospect compared to the others, his experience and skillset should have him playing at an elite level this March.
3. Jarace Walker - (Houston, F, Freshman)
I tried to keep this list to one player per team and while it's a disservice to Marcus Sasser, there's a reason I have Jarace Walker in this spot.
Walker can make plays on both ends of the court at an elite level, leading to exciting action at any given moment. He gives Houston, and whatever NBA team that drafts him, a chance to play a small ball lineup. He's a typical 4 that could play the 5 when needed.
If you're a defensive-minded fan, make sure to catch Jarace Walker in action.
2. Nick Smith - (Arkansas, G, Freshman)
The combo guard out of Arkansas has been showing off his NBA-ready talent all season. Nick Smith averaged 14 points and while the efficiency could've been better, scouts still believe has a top 5-10 pick in the NBA Draft.
Smith can make exciting plays at any given moment, so make sure to keep your eyes on him if you catch an Arkansas game. From tough finishes to dunking on someone, Smith will certainly have something in store for us this March.
1. Brandon Miller - (Alabama, F, Freshman)
At this point, there shouldn't be much of a debate that Brandon Miller isn't the best player in college basketball. Miller has averaged 19.6 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Crimson Tide this season.
Even when he struggles, he typically finds a way to score 15-plus. The forward out of Alabama is expected to be a top-three pick, drawing comparisons to guys like Paul George.
I wouldn't even say that it's crazy to say that he's a worst prospect than Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson. We won't get into that today, however.
If Miller is at his best, Alabama is going to be nearly unbeatable.