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March Madness 2021: 5 potential impact players to watch in NCAA Tournament

By Matt Melton

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jahvon Quinerly #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide drives to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jahvon Quinerly #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide drives to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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March Madness Matthew Mayer Baylor Bears (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
March Madness Matthew Mayer Baylor Bears (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Matthew Mayer – Baylor

Baylor comes into March Madness as the 1-seed in the South Region and will need guys like Mayer if they want to win a national championship.

Matthew Mayer only averages 14.9 minutes per game but is a valuable member of the Bears’ bench. The junior comes into the NCAA Tournament averaging 8 PPG, a 40+% shooter from two and three-point range, and is averaging career-highs in nearly every major statistical category. Mayer however brings something else that a national title contender needs in March, energy.

Mayer can come in at any moment for Baylor, and provide an instant spark for the Bears. Mayer does this through his defense, rebounding, and ability to score double-figures in big games when least expected. An example of this includes in early March when Mayer had a combined 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals in two games against Top 25 teams West Virginia and Oklahoma State.

Baylor is a legit national championship contender, and if the Bears want to cut down the nets, they need guys like Mayer to show up when you least expect them. You know about Butler, Teague, and Mitchell, but guys like Mayer will determine how far Baylor will go this March, especially in one of the tougher regions.

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