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NCAA Tournament 2023: 4 breakout star candidates to watch

By Christian Odjakjian

Jan 11, 2023; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Jordan Miller (11) reacts after making a shot while being fouled during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2023; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Jordan Miller (11) reacts after making a shot while being fouled during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Tournament
NCAA Tournament Alabama Crimson Tide guard Rylan Griffen Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Rylan Griffen – No. 1 Alabama

This one is by far my deepest call — and I’m definitely stretching — but there’s something about this kid Rylan Griffen on Alabama. I’m very intrigued by him and he continues to impress me coming off the bench for the Crimson Tide.

Nate Oats brought in a super-talented freshman class this year, obviously headlined by Brandon Miller. Noah Clowney has the looks of a one-and-done as well, and Jaden Bradley has turned heads too. Griffen, the No. 53 recruit in the class of 2022 according to 247sports, has flown under the radar a bit on a roster that is absolutely loaded with talent.

The 6’5″ 180 lbs freshman is averaging just 6.2 points in 15.9 minutes per game on 38.3% shooting from the field. While those numbers are less than impressive, there are a few reasons why I think a big-time breakout could be on the horizon. It might not happen until next season, but if Alabama puts together a six-game Championship run, I totally think Griffen could play a key role in it.

Plan and simple I like what I see with this kid. He’s got a super smooth shooting stroke, and playing on such a strong team, most of the looks he’s taking are very high-quality shots. He’s got some nice dribble moves and shot creation ability on the perimeter, as well as some range on his three-ball. Griffen oozes potential and I don’t think he’s anywhere close to his ceiling yet, but he’s ready right now to contribute offensively, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he averaged 10+ points per game on Alabama’s run in the NCAA Tournament.

For you analytics folks out there, Griffen ranks as the 15th-best player in the SEC, and the 4th-best on Alabama according to EvanMiya.com. This is pretty surprising when you take into account that he’s 7th on the team in minutes played and 6th in points scored. My main takeaway from Griffen being rated that highly is that this team is better with him on the floor.

Top 100 players in 2023 NCAA Tournament. dark. Next

He’s still super young and raw as a talent, so I definitely might be premature with this breakout prediction. I truly believe the ceiling is the roof with Griffen, and I expect him to be a great player for Alabama next year when he puts some more weight on and continues to develop. But keep an eye out for him to provide an essential lift off the bench for the Crimson Tide this month and makes a name for himself.

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