Busting Brackets
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March Madness: Top 100 players in the 2019 NCAA Tournament

By Tristan Freeman

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 06: Kyle Guy #5 of the Virginia Cavaliers flexes in the first half during a game against the Towson Tigers at John Paul Jones Arena on November 6, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 06: Kyle Guy #5 of the Virginia Cavaliers flexes in the first half during a game against the Towson Tigers at John Paul Jones Arena on November 6, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

30. Phil Booth – Villanova

2018-19 stats: 18.6 ppg 3.9 rpg 3.8 apg

After being a role player throughout his college career, Booth showed that he’s capable of leading a team to the NCAA Tournament with him as the focal point of the offense. The senior has scored at least nine points in every game this season with several 25+ outings. His best game came most recently, going for 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the comeback overtime win over Xavier. Booth followed that up with 16 points to beat Seton Hall for the Big East Tournament title.

29. Jarron Cumberland – Cincinnati

2018-19 stats: 18.8 ppg 4.5 pg 3.6 apg

Another player who emerged after star teammates leaving, Cumberland provided consistent offense to allow the Bearcats to remain near the top of the AAC. His efforts were rewarded with Conference Player of the Year. A great two-way player, the junior is coming off of a 33-point game to beat Houston in the AAC Tournament finals. Cincinnati can make a run when he’s on a scoring tear.

28. Mfiondu Kabengele – Florida State

2018-19 stats: 12.9 ppg 5.7 rpg 0.3 apg

The raw numbers don’t show it but the sophomore big man is one of the most productive players in the country. Kabegele averages around 25 ppg and 11 rpg per 40 mpg this season but struggles with foul trouble at times. But he can make an impact when given time on the court, using his athleticism and size to overwhelm opponents. He’s an NBA Draft prospect who could be the national breakout star next year after the seniors graduate.

27. Ignas Brazdeikis – Michigan

2018-19 stats: 15.1 ppg 5.2 rpg 0.9 apg

A smaller version of Moritz Wagner, Brazdeikis has come right in to lead the 28-win Wolverines in scoring and become a go-to player on offense. His 18 points versus Villanova followed by scoring 24 to beat UNC put the freshman on the national map. And while there have been a couple of hiccups along the way, Michigan has found a star player for the next couple of seasons.

26. Marial Shayok – Iowa State

2018-19 stats: 18.6 ppg 4.9 rpg 2.0 apg

After leaving a system in Virginia where he didn’t fit offensively, Shayok transferred to Iowa State where he excelled. The senior led the team in scoring since day one and has reached double figures in all but two games. His shooting splits of 49-39-88 is one of the best in the nation, while also being one of the few Cyclones available all year.

25. Kyle Guy – Virginia

2018-19 stats: 15.6 ppg 4.4 rpg 2.2 apg

One of the best pure shooters in the country off the screen, Guy makes 46% of his shots from long-range. He’s a consistent double-digit scorer but can go off for a big night like the 29 he put on NC State. Along with being an elite defender, the Cavaliers have a guy (no pun intended) they can go to for a clutch shot in crunch time.

24. Justin Robinson – Virginia Tech

2018-19 stats: 13.7 ppg 3.2 rpg 5.2 apg

He’s been absent since the end of January with a foot injury but the Hokies were able to stay steady. But there’s no question that with him at the helm, this is a Final Four contender. Robinson was coming off a 35-point game and was producing career-high shooting percentages. He’s been cleared to go and Virginia Tech will be looking to make a big run now.

23. Jared Harper – Auburn

2018-19 stats: 15.2 ppg 2.6 rpg 5.7 apg

The engine that makes the Tigers go, Harper has been one of the top players in the SEC, almost under the radar still. The three-year starter has multiple games of at least 10 assists, as well as several with at least 25 points. Depending on what Auburn needs in a particular matchup, that’s what Harper will do for the team.

22. Shamorie Ponds – St. John’s

2018-19 stats: 19.5 ppg 4.2 rpg 5.2 apg

Ponds has a great reputation for getting buckets and it was no different his junior season. He dropped 37 points in wins over Georgia Tech and Georgetown and had 35 in an overtime win versus VCU. But his passing doesn’t get mentioned as much which is a shame because he can dish the ball too. Ponds had a career-high 14 assists in a win over Wagner and had 10 recently against Xavier. He’s also a ball-hawk in the defensive end, ranking 10th in the country in steals this year.

21. Jordan Murphy – Minnesota

2018-19 stats: 14.8 ppg 11.5 rpg 2.7 apg

The 6’6 forward has been the key clog for the Golden Gophers the last couple of years. He’s come up huge at times when needed, grabbing 21 rebounds against Penn State and getting 27 points and eight boards in the crucial resume victory over Purdue. 5th nationally in rebounds per game, Murphy will be a problem for whoever goes against him in the NCAA Tournament.

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