NCAA Basketball: 10 potential March Madness Bracket-Busters

By Chris Kern | Jan 4, 2019

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: K.J. Maura #11 talks to teammate Jairus Lyles #10 of the UMBC Retrievers between plays against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 18, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 21: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs guards against Anthony Lamb #3 of the Vermont Catamounts in the first half at Hinkle Fieldhouse on December 21, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Vermont Catamounts

This Vermont team has become one of the better mid-major programs in the country. Last season, they were a popular upset pick before they lost in the conference tournament championship to UMBC and we all remember what happened after that. This team has gotten off to a somewhat shaky start. They’re 10-4 and recently suffered a bad loss to Lipscomb by 25 points.

This team has a lot of solid players but their star is junior forward Anthony Lamb. He is averaging 21.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He does it a lot for this team and is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses to guard. His ability to score the ball from anywhere on the floor has led to some big-time performances from him. He has already scored 34+ points three times this season, including a 42-point performance in a win over St. Bonaventure.

This team also has a trio of brothers on this team who all play. The Duncan brothers have been a part of the program for years and they’re expected to be a part of it for at least a few more. Fifth-year senior Ernie Duncan is the one who has the biggest role on this team. He is averaging 13.3 points per game which is 3rd on the team. He scores the ball in a variety of ways but his 3-point shooting is his biggest weapon.

The other Duncan players don’t have near the impact their older brother does but they still make an impact. Everett Duncan is averaging 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. The youngest brother is freshman guard Robin Duncan, who has started 8 of the teams 14 games so far. He has had a larger role than some expected he would. He is averaging 5.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His game will continue to improve and he could end up being the best Duncan brother.

Stef Smith is another one of the starting guards who plays a big role on this team. He has averaged 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the first 13 games. He can score the ball in a lot of ways to go alongside Lamb to give this team multiple offensive threats. His 3-point shooting has been big for this team as he has made 41% of the 5.3 three-point attempts he takes per game. This team has a lot of guys who can make plays and they will continue to get better as they get set for conference play. Keep an eye on this team when filling out your bracket.

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