March Madness: Devonte’ Graham and Jalen Brunson had similar paths to the Final Four

Two of the best players in the country face off in Villanova’s Jalen Brunson and Kansas’ Devonte’ Graham. But a closer look at their careers shows that these two, in fact, are more similar than you think.

When Villanova and Kansas do battle for a spot in the NCAA National Championship, the marquee matchup will be between Jalen Brunson and Devonte’ Graham. Both were named AP First-Team All-Americans, and I personally viewed them as the top players that would impact the Big Dance this year.

They have both become stars in their time at their respective schools, but rather than become instant stars out the gate, Graham and Brunson had to wait their turn.

Brunson was a starter in his freshman season at Villanova but was the clear fifth option on the team. Upperclassmen guards Ryan Archidiacono and Josh Hart led the Wildcats that year, with the youngster developing at the right pace. It was a great experience for Brunson to play in the highest stakes so early on, and he got a championship ring to show for it.

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Graham didn’t start his freshman year, playing in 18 minutes. He was playing behind another talented point guard in sophomore Frank Mason, who already had established himself as the primary playmaker for the Jayhawks. Graham was seventh on the team in scoring that year, biding his time before becoming the focal point himself.

Last season both Villanova and Kansas also had First-Team All-Americans, but they were different players. Hart and Mason were the great guards for the team, with both Brunson and Graham taking secondary roles. Mason ended up becoming Player of the Year for his big year.

But after both of those seniors graduated, the teams were needing playmakers to replace them. Luckily for them, they had guards waiting in the wings.

Brunson’s added five more points to his season average from last year to 19.2 ppg, while shooting an efficient 53% from the field. He was as consistent as any player in the country, scoring in double figures in every game this season.

And after Mason left, Graham added four points and three more assists a game for a 17.2 ppg and 7.3 apg average. He also played nearly 38 minutes a night, due to a lack of a backup point guard. Plus, by making the Final Four, the current senior leader accomplished something that his predecessor wasn’t able to do.

Next: Keys to the Villanova-Kansas game

These were guys who had to wait their turn while the veterans in front of them ran the team. Both of them clearly took notes and took everything they learned to become the great players they are today. And they’ll need it for the biggest game of their lives.