Brandon Miller, Alabama: Miller stood out as the best freshman in college basketball this season after arriving at Alabama as a five-star prospect. The 6-foot-9 wing's best skill is an excellent 3-point shot, but he can score in the mid-range or attack the rim. Few defenders in the country are equipped to handle him 1-on-1, and he's in position to be a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Miller's connection to a fatal January shooting that has former teammate Darius Miles facing a capital murder indictment is concerting and has turned the Crimson Tide into scandal-marred team. But Miller has continued to play at an elite level even while ensnared in controversy.
Jahmir Young, Charlotte: Young transferred from Charlotte to Maryland this season and promptly took a lead-scoring role for the Terrapins under first-year coach Kevin Willard. The 6-foot-2 guard struggled in the Big Ten Tournament, making just 6 of 28 shots in two games, but he's scored 20 or more points on nine occasions and is the type of player who could emerge as a big-time star in the Big Dance.
Terquavion Smith, NC State: Like Young, Smith is a serious scorer with no conscious when it comes to offensive production. He has the green light to attack and went off for 30 points in a must-win game for the Wolfpack against Virginia Tech in the second round of the ACC Tournament. Smith will go through cold streaks and the occasional unproductive game, but he always bounces back. He reached double figures in his first 23 games of the season and also impacts the game as NC State's leader in assists.
Kobe Brown, Missouri:Brown ranked as the SEC's second-most impactful offensive player behind Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe this season, according to evanmiya.com. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, he's become a matchup problem for opponents by improving his 3-point shooting to 44.7% this season under first-year coach Dennis Gates. With an elite 59.9% mark on 2-point shots and an 80.2% free-throw shooting percentage, Brown is a do-it-all forward primed to exploit opponents who have limited or no experience defending his versatile skill set.
Steven Ashworth, Utah State: Ashworth enters the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 8 nationally in made 3-pointers with 109 and is No. 6 in percentage at 44.3%. All told, he may be the best long-range marksman in the sport. The 6-1 guard has made at least one 3-pointer in all but one game this season and has made five or more on eight occasions. His excellent ratio of 4.5 assists per game compared to just 1.7 turnovers will also come in handy during a first-round matchup against a Missouri team that thrives off collecting steals.
Mike Bothwell, Furman: Bothwell is in his fifth season at Furman and is having his best season yet, averaging 18 points per game on 51.9% shooting. The 6-3 guard is the heartbeat of a program that is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1980. The Paladins are facing a stingy Virginia defense in the first round, but Bothwell is exactly the type of veteran guard who can navigate the challenge with composure to position the Paladins for a potential upset.
