The Men’s NCAA is known for bringing fantastic stories of triumph and heartbreak as 64 teams fight for their chance to be crowned National Champion. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane: In 1979, Larry Bird led his Indiana State team over Michigan State. Fast forward to 1982 when Christian Laettner hit an improbable shot that led Duke past Kentucky. In most recent years, No. 16 UMCB took down No. 1 Virginia in 2018, only for Virginia to come back and win it all the next season. Did you forget Sister Jean watching the Loyola Ramblers making a trip to the Sweet 16 or FDU shocking the world with a win over Purdue? Like I said, a lot of stories of triumph and heartbreak. As games begin for the 2024 Men’s NCAA Tournament, here are five players to watch.
Jaedon LeDee – San Diego State
The Aztecs have been solid all season. Thanks to players like LeDee and Reese Waters. However, it’s clear that LeDee is the offensive leader of this team. The 6-foot-9 senior is an explosive scorer, averaging 20.1 PPG and 8.4 Rebounds. I have SDSU going on a trip to the Sweet 16 in my bracket and if they do, it will be thanks to LeDee. He’ll need to have big games like he has all season for the Aztecs to make a deep run.
Terrence Shannon – Illinois
ICYMI, the Senior Guard had a big game in the BIG TEN Championship. He broke the record for most points in a tournament game. After coming back from his suspension, Shannon has averaged 23 PPG. He’s electric and can earn his way to the free-throw line. Some have Illinois going to the final four this year. If they do, Shannon will be a big part of that success.
RJ Davis – North Carolina
The Tar Heels are a common pick to win the entire tournament this season. Eight people have picked them to win in the Fantom Sports bracket challenge. Including our own Joe Soisson and Jordan Webster. Davis has been a big part of the Tar Heels success this season and that won’t stop in the NCAA tournament, many sites have him listed on players to watch rankings. The orchestrator of the UNC offense is averaging 21.4 PPG this season.
Zach Edey – Purdue
The Boilermakers are known for choking when it comes to the March Madness tournament. Just last year, they lost to Farleigh Dickinson University. I’m sure Edey will do everything in his power to change those fortunes. The Boilermakers haven’t made the Final Four since 1980. Edey averaged a double-double with 24.1 Points and 11.7 Rebounds this season. If Purdue gets revenge for last season, it will be because of Edey.
AJ Storr – Wisconsin
One of the most picked upsets in the 2024 NCAA Men’s tournament is JMU over Wisconsin. The Badgers are coming off of an unlikely run to BIG TEN title game, Storr’s star power was part of that success. He averaged 22.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in four games across four days. Storr took the reigns of the offense and proved that he can be a reliable playmaker.
TL//DR: NCAA Players to Watch
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