NCAA Tournament: Zion Williamson, Brandon Clarke among top players in Sweet 16
#12 – Corey Davis Jr., Houston
Easily the most under-the-radar player on this list heading into the season, Houston Cougars’ star point guard Corey Davis has developed into one of the best players in the country.
On the season, the American Conference Player of the Year averaged 17 points per game in his senior season, lifting his Cougars, who were expected to seriously regress following the departure of several key players, to a two seed, and an undefeated non-conference play.
Davis waited until his senior season to step up big, but now that he has arrived, the star point guard has played like one of the best players in the country, if his team’s Sweet Sixteen bid is an indicator of anything.
#11 – Tremont Waters, LSU
Despite standing just 5-11, LSU point guard Tremont Waters has played big down the stretch.
Waters is averaging 15 points and six assists per game, vaulting his Tigers to a three seed, despite losing their head coach amidst a major scandal.
Waters has done a brilliant job of sizing up to the competition in the physical SEC, as he is one of the best scorers and facilitators in the entire country, more less the SEC.
Waters has led LSU to their first Sweet Sixteen in over ten years, and has the heart and skill to lead them much further.
#10 – Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, lost four of five starters from last seasn’s Elite Eight team, and were not expected to accomplish anything this season.
Low and behold, the Red Raiders won the Big 12, earned a three seed, and thanks to the only starter remaining from last season, are well-positioned to make a run this year.
Jarrett Culver won the Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 19 points and seven rebounds per game. Culvers’ above-average scoring led the way for the Red Raiders on offense, while his brilliant defense has paced Texas Tech all the way to this point.
#9 – Luke Maye, North Carolina
A March Madness legend to this point, North Carolina’s star forward Luke Maye hasn’t slowed down since his heroics in 2017.
Maye is averaging 15 points and ten rebounds per game, leading the Tar Heels on the offensive end as well as the defensive glass.
Maye has done a great job of facilitating the Tar Heels offense, one that experienced serious growing pains in non-conference play. Thanks to Maye’s play and leadership, the Tar Heels went on a run in conference play, and are well-positioned as a one seed.