Under-the-radar players who could stand out during March Madness
The NCAA Tournament produces new household names each year, and with the field wide open this season, it could be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory. There's no shortage of compelling storylines, from schools making their first appearances in the Big Dance to players facing their former teams.
Here are three underrated players with the potential to make their mark in the 2023 NCAA Tournament:
Tucker DeVries, guard/forward, Drake
The 6-foot-7 sophomore DeVries turned down offers from Oregon, Creighton and Iowa State to play for his father and has become a star in the Missouri Valley Conference.
This season, DeVries led the Bulldogs to a 27-7 record while averaging 19 points per game and shooting 38.7% from behind the arc, earning conference player of the year honors. Although the percentage is modest, DeVries is a high-volume three-point shooter, averaging 6.8 attempts per game.
DeVries isn't just a sharpshooter who excels in catch-and-shoot situations; he's also capable of creating his own shots. A reliable defender, he's averaging 4.7 defensive rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. His skills and versatility should seamlessly translate to the next level, making him an intriguing NBA Draft prospect.
No. 12 seed Drake is a popular mid-major upset pick in this year's tournament as it faces Miami, the fifth seed in the Midwest Region. Hurricanes star forward Norchad Omier, who suffered an ankle sprain last week, is likely to be limited, which could give Drake enough of an edge to advance.
Bryce Hopkins, forward, Providence
A storybook matchup awaits Hopkins in the first round against his former Kentucky Wildcats team.
During his time at Kentucky, Hopkins averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in only 6.4 minutes per game. Feeling he was playing under HC John Calipari's "microscope," Hopkins transferred to Providence in April 2022. This season, he's leading the Friars in points (16.1), rebounds (8.5) and minutes (34.8) per game.
Hopkins, an All-Big East first-teamer and Karl Malone Award finalist, is one of three players in the conference to lead his team in points and rebounds.
Calipari recently said his team "smiled" upon hearing it'd be facing Hopkins, and while the Wildcats familiar with his skill set, they cannot underestimate him. Saint Peter's upset the Wildcats last year, and if Hopkins delivers a strong performance, Kentucky could be sent packing in the Round of 64 for the second consecutive season.
Nick Smith Jr., guard, Arkansas
While some may have yet to become acquainted with the freshman, he's among the country's most talented players.
The No. 1-ranked recruit in the class of 2022, according to 247Sports, Smith didn't play much for the Razorbacks this season after suffering a knee injury in mid-December. As opposed to sitting out the season as many highly touted draft prospects do when injured, Smith returned to the lineup last month.
In 14 games this season, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 14 points and two assists per game, shooting 39.1% from the field. Even though he's a streaky shooter, and his shot selection isn't the best, he uses his speed and elite ball-handling skills to penetrate defenses and get to the rim.
Arkansas faces Illinois in an No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup, with both teams amid rough patches. The Razorbacks have one win in their last five games, while the Fighting Illini have won one of their last four.
Smith's already sure to be a lottery pick, but if he leads Arkansas into the second weekend or further, he could get selected in the top five in June's draft.
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