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Beyond JuJu: Five More March Madness Stars Ready to Ignite
JuJu Watkins has undeniably captured the spotlight, and rightfully so. Her ability to single-handedly dominate a game is now legendary. The USC Trojans know they have a game-changer in Watkins, capable of turning the tide in the most critical moments. Remember that first clash with UCLA? Watkins’ fingerprints were all over nearly every point USC scored in the fourth quarter, save for a mere eight. And even within those eight, half were the result of free throws. Factor in her defensive presence – five of her eight blocks and a steal occurring in that pivotal quarter – and you have a player operating on another plane. What started as a five-point UCLA advantage morphed into a decisive 11-point USC victory against the then-unbeaten, top-ranked Bruins.
"JuJu was otherworldly," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb aptly declared, capturing the essence of Watkins’ impact. “When you see it happen, it’s one of those magical times.” For USC faithful, certainly a cause for celebration. But for opposing teams? JuJu Watkins represents a formidable, almost insurmountable obstacle.
However, the beauty of the NCAA tournament lies in its unpredictability, the emergence of unexpected heroes, and the depth of talent across the nation. Watkins may be the headliner for many, but she is by no means alone. The tournament bracket is brimming with players poised to make their mark, capable of delivering unforgettable performances, and ready to inflict similar levels of "unbearable" play upon their rivals.
Here are five additional players who could very well steal the show in the upcoming NCAA tournament:
1. Mikayla Blakes: The Freshman Phenom
If you crave being ahead of the curve, lock in on Mikayla Blakes. The Vanderbilt freshman is not just a player to watch; she’s a force of nature. Blakes shattered the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record with a mind-boggling 55 points against Auburn last month. And that wasn’t a fluke; a mere two weeks prior, she had torched Florida for 53 points. This isn’t just flashes of brilliance; it’s consistent excellence. Averaging a stunning 23.2 points per game, Blakes sits seventh in the nation in scoring.
But her impact extends beyond individual scoring records. She’s a catalyst for team success. Remember Vanderbilt’s snapping of an eight-game losing streak against in-state rival Tennessee back in January? Blakes was instrumental, securing a crucial rebound and converting the game-winning put-back in the thrilling 71-70 victory. She continued to torment the Volunteers in the SEC tournament, leading the Commodores with a game-high 24 points as Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee twice in a season for the first time. Blakes’ offensive firepower, combined with her clutch performances, makes her a dangerous threat to any team’s March Madness aspirations. Her scoring bursts can turn the tides quickly, and her fearless approach is exactly what you want in a young player during the tournament. She is a player that will turn the tide of the game at any given moment.
2. Paige Bueckers: The Complete Package
Paige Bueckers is arguably the most complete player in college basketball today. "Complete" is almost an understatement. She can score with ease, orchestrate the offense with precision, and defend with tenacity. Bueckers possesses an unparalleled understanding of the game, anticipating plays, reading defenses, and consistently making the right decisions. Whatever role UConn needs her to play to secure the win, she embraces it wholeheartedly. She possesses both the basketball IQ and the work ethic to shine.
Her ball security is exceptional. Bueckers leads the nation with a remarkable 3.90 assist-to-turnover ratio. This statistic underscores her unwavering composure and decision-making prowess. In essence, Bueckers is rarely the reason her team loses. Opponents have to elevate their game and find a way to overcome her, because she will not give them an easy victory. Her all-around excellence and leadership make her a formidable opponent and a prime candidate to lead UConn deep into the tournament.
3. Ta’Niya Latson: The Unstoppable Scorer
That Ta’Niya Latson will score points is a virtual certainty. It’s her calling card. She currently leads the nation in scoring, averaging an impressive 24.9 points per game. A rare dip below double figures, like her nine-point outing against Duke in the regular-season finale, is an anomaly. (And, to be fair, the other instance occurred in a non-conference game where she only played 11 minutes due to an injury, still managing to score eight points.)
However, Latson’s danger lies not just in her scoring output. She’s a threat from every spot on the court. If a shot isn’t available, she seamlessly transitions into a playmaker, finding open teammates and dishing out an average of 4.7 assists per game. Moreover, she is disruptive on the defensive end, averaging 2.2 steals and recording 13 blocks this season. Latson’s versatility, her ability to both score and create opportunities for others, makes her a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Her consistency is also a huge factor as to why she is an asset to any team.
4. Harmoni Turner: March’s Rising Star
Don’t sleep on Harmoni Turner. This finalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award is having a spectacular March. Her scoring average for the month is just over 31 points per game. That includes a sensational 44-point performance against Princeton on Friday night, shattering her own Harvard record for single-game scoring and propelling the Crimson to the Ivy Madness title game.
Turner continued her dominant play in the championship game, leading all scorers with 24 points and drawing a crucial offensive foul late in the contest. Her efforts secured Harvard’s first NCAA tournament berth since 2007. Turner’s hot streak, her ability to consistently deliver in crucial moments, and her leadership skills make her a player to watch closely in the tournament. Turner’s determination to win at all cost makes her a top-tier player.
5. Hailey Van Lith: The Rebound
Hailey Van Lith faced significant criticism last year for not replicating her Louisville success at LSU. The criticism, however, was often misplaced, as Van Lith was asked to adapt to a new position and a system that didn’t cater to her strengths.
But she’s found a resurgence at TCU, reminding everyone why she was once considered among the elite players in college basketball. She’s averaging 17.9 points per game, and her 46% shooting percentage is a career best. Even more impressive is her playmaking ability. Her average of 5.3 assists per game is a remarkable 1.5 assists better than her previous career high. This showcases her improved decision-making and willingness to share the ball. Van Lith’s bounce-back season, combined with her tournament experience, makes her a potential difference-maker for TCU. Given the right opportunity, she can carry her team into the later stages of the tournament and remind everyone of her capabilities.
These six players, along with a host of others, are poised to electrify the NCAA tournament with their talent, passion, and unwavering determination. While JuJu Watkins remains a central figure, the tournament promises a showcase of diverse skills and captivating storylines. Buckle up – it’s going to be a wild ride.