2024 NCAA Tournament: Ranking the Top 20 players from the East Region
By Joey Loose
8. Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic)
A talented guard from Gary, Indiana, Davis arrived at Florida Atlantic in 2020 but didn’t become a starter until late last season. We all remember how Davis and the rest of that brilliant lineup brought the Owls to the Final Four in an incredible Cinderella story. Now Davis is back in the Dance as a senior and looks even better in this Owls backcourt.
In his first season as a full-time starter for the Owls, Davis is averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He’s been fantastic from long-range, hitting 42% of his 3-pointers, and was named AAC Player of the Year in Florida Atlantic’s first season in the conference. Davis starred with 35 points in the Owls’ huge win over Arizona back in December and has already proven that he’ll show up in the major moments for this program.
7. Tamin Lipsey (Iowa State)
This 6’1 guard from Ames stayed right in his hometown and has quickly grown into a massive piece for the Cyclones. Still just a sophomore, Lipsey has been a full-time starter in this Iowa State backcourt in his first two collegiate seasons and played a starring role not just in a prosperous season but for a Big 12 Tournament title.
Taking a big step forward as a sophomore, Lipsey has averaged 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season for the Cylones, with improved shooting numbers at 38% from the 3. He had a triple-double against DePaul back in December and was All-Defense in the Big 12 as the fearless point guard for this talented team. If anyone’s a star in Ames it’s Lipsey as an underclassman, even if he’s not going to go out there and drop 20 points a night in the Tournament.