At this time a year ago, few people outside the Big 12 knew about Markquis Nowell. The 5-foot-8 point guard was a key player for Kansas State, but he hadn’t played particularly well in some of the team’s biggest games and struggled in his team’s first-round loss to TCU in the Big 12 tournament.
And then the NCAA tournament began. By the time Kansas State got to its Elite Eight matchup against Florida Atlantic, Nowell — who would score 30 points in a Wildcats loss — had become a must-see player. That’s how quickly everything can change in the college basketball postseason.
While this regular season failed to produce many fireworks, that provides a bigger opportunity for players to have breakout performances in March and enjoy some of the attention Nowell and others attracted last season.
So, Jeff Borzello, John Gasaway and Myron Medcalf are here to offer their takes on the players in each league who could seize the moment and become stars in the postseason.
Johnell Davis, Florida Atlantic Owls
The nation should already be familiar with Davis, who starred on FAU’s Final Four team last season — and he’s even better this season, hitting the 30-point mark three times. He nearly single-handedly took down Arizona back in December, going for 35 points, and bailed FAU out with 34 in a win against UTSA in January. He’s performed on the biggest stage, has improved as a shooter, and he has the confidence to take — and make — big shots.
Honorable mention: David Jones, Memphis Tigers
Say what you want about Memphis’ performance in AAC play, but the Tigers have won seven of nine and still have more talent than any other team in the league. Plus, Jones, who ranks sixth in the country in scoring, and teammate Jahvon Quinerly, have a history of hitting game-winners. — Borzello
Quinton Mincey, UMass Lowell River Hawks
Sure, Vermont’s the favorite in the America East Conference, and rightly so. But Mincey is one of the toughest players to defend in the league. The senior is coming off an 18-point performance on the road at Vermont and is averaging 22 over his four most recent outings. While the 6-7 Mincey keeps opponents honest with his 3-point range, he inflicts most of his damage inside the arc.
Honorable mention: Aaron Deloney, Vermont Catamounts
Mincey may have scored 18 against Vermont, but Deloney rang up a career-high 33 in that same game. — Gasaway
RJ Davis, North Carolina Tar Heels
As half of the greatest partnership in college basketball along with girlfriend Deja…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at www.espn.com – NCB…