Players/Teams to look out for in March

1. Michigan State/Cassius Winston

• How do I not start with Winston? He lead his team to the final four last year, beating the #1 seed Duke. The preseason player of the year is averaging 18 points and over 6 assists a game. He ranks in the top 5 in scoring, assists and steals in the Big 10. They lost two key players in Nick Ward and Matt McQuaid last year, but are still ranked inside the top 25. They have been up and down this year but are coming off two big wins against Iowa and Maryland. They finish the season against Penn State and Ohio State. Winston, the all-time assist leader in the Big 10, is poised to make it back to the final four.

Markus Howard, Marquette

Howard is the leading scorer in the nation and averaging 27.3 points per game. He is the all-time leading scorer in the Big East. He has had over ten, 30 point games and has also scored 50 points in a game against USC this season. The obstacle will be if the team surrounding him can contribute enough. The Golden Eagles have only one other player averaging over 10 points. Marquette hasn’t won a tournament game since 2013 and lost to Murray State last year. The question is, can any of Howard’s teammates step up?

Luka Garza, Iowa

Luka is a monster. This is the hardest working player you may ever watch. He is in contention for the Naismith player of year, and according to ESPN’s Dan Dakich, Luka is the favorite. He doesn’t take a play off, and has lead the Iowa Hawk Eyes in scoring and rebounding this year. He is averaging 23 points and 9 rebounds, leading the Big 10 in scoring, and fourth across the nation. Iowa is a well-coached team and has shooters around Luka. They lost to Tennessee in last year’s tournament but are positioned for a 4 or 5 seed this year. Look for Luka Garza to assert himself come tournament time.

Myles Powell, Seton Hall

Personally, this is my favorite player to watch in college basketball. Powell loves to shoot the three and when he is feeling it can shoot almost from half-court. He is second in scoring in Seton Hall history and ranks only second behind Markus Howard in the Big East. They should be a two-seed if they continue to win down the stretch. This team is experienced, has shot blockers, and is well coached. They have plenty of size inside, and with Powell running the point, I don’t know how many teams can out score them. Powell is averaging 21 points and 4 rebounds. Expect the Pirates to at least make to the Sweet 16.

Florida State Seminoles

The Seminoles are number one in the ACC at 24-5. This may be the most athletic team in the country. They play up to 10 different guys every game. They will be able to stay fresh during the madness by having the deepest bench in the country. Florida State is the best team in the ACC, and is currently on pace to be a two seed in March. Individually, their guards, Devin Vassell, Trent Forrest and M.J. Walker all average over 10 points. I believe the X-factor is RaiQuan Gray. He can catch the ball at the top of the key, turn and face and score against anyone. I have the Seminoles getting into the elite eight and possibly the final four depending on match-ups. They lost to #1 seed Gonzaga in last year’s sweet sixteen but are ready to make the next step.

Auburn Tigers

The Auburn Tigers are 15th in the nation and are coming off a final four run from last year. The Tigers are lead by Bruce Pearl at head coach. They are second in the SEC and are 24-5. The Tigers are expected to be a 4 or 5 seed in the tournament. Can they make another final four run? Yes. They have key players back from last year in Samir Doughty and J’Von Mckormick. Their biggest win came at home against Kentucky. Don’t sleep on the Tigers.