We’re entering the final stretch of February, and that can only mean one thing: March Madness is just around the corner, as the nation’s best teams battle it out in the most exciting and unpredictable tournament in team sports.
Needless to say, this sets the stage for some epic performances and heartwarming stories. David vs. Goliath and all the countless stories we’ve seen go down in this tournament over the years.
And as we all know by now, no basketball team can be successful without their team pulling the strings of offense. For this reason, today we are going to talk about the top 5 goalkeepers to watch in this upcoming tournament.
Terquavion Smith – North Carolina State
Trequavion Smith is already expected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft, which speaks volumes about his talent. He could be a top 20 pick even though he’s not as small as some of the other prospects, and it all has to do with his ability to drop picks from all three levels.
Smith is a bit of a tweener, and he needs to bulk up to be successful in the pros. It’s an elite extra-arc shooter and a constant threat in the lanes for picking up steals. Smith isn’t a strong defender on the ball, but he does have the offensive skills to turn heads day and night.
Isaiah Wong – Miami
While mostly used as a shooting guard, Isiah Wong’s size? – Or not? – makes several NBA scouts think he’d be better suited to play in one if he decided to go pro. He has elite handles and is a very smart and creative player, as well as one of the most underrated playmakers in his class.
Wong has a nice bag of moves to create class and get to the edge, especially his quick first step. Also, he’s gotten bigger and stronger this season, which has helped him avoid settling into long-distance jumpers, which are far from his expertise.
Jaden Bradley – Alabama
One thing is certain: Jaden Bradley is going to make it to the NBA. Whether it’s in the 2023 or 2024 NBA Draft is yet to be determined, but it’s too good for not making it to the big league. Considered a five-star recruit, he engineered the Alabama Crimson Tide offense, leading them to #1 in the AP rankings.
Bradley is an outstanding athlete with elite speed and stability. He’s a bit of a tweener at only 6’2”, which might hurt his prospect as a rookie in the NBA, but he makes up for it with top-notch strength and hustle on both ends of the floor.
LJ Cryer – Baylor
The Baylor Bears have been very solid this season and according to Iowa basketball betting The odds are one of the favorites for the NCAA Tournament. A lot of that had to do with LJ Cryer’s offensive outbursts. He’s a box office hit and one of the most dangerous shooters in the country, a guy with unlimited range and a green light to take as many shots as he wants when he gets hot.
He’s a tough athlete, an undeserving defender, and a guy who will find ways to get to the scoreboard even when his shot doesn’t go flat. He’s not your average pass-first type and can be overly aggressive at times, but it’s impossible for him to stop when he gets into the area.
Braden Smith – Purdue
Braden Smith is the real definition from a public floor. He’s the extension of the coach in the hardwood, and he’s truly the elite at picking off opposing defenses in real time and splitting up their combos right before their eyes. He’s got a basketball IQ to turn a pro, though size might not help him.
Smith is an excellent type of pass guard. He’s a master at setting up his teammates and giving them the ball where they need it to thrive, and he’s a guy who often makes the right plays at the right time. This Boilermakers can make a lot of noise, so don’t sleep on them in March.