5 gamers to look at in March Insanity

March Insanity has arrived, and there’s probability my bracket will already be busted by the point you learn this.

In case you’re in the identical boat, however are nonetheless searching for causes to look at, there are a lot of gamers who may doubtlessly find yourself on the Celtics subsequent 12 months.

The Celtics don’t have any concrete holes on the roster, nevertheless it by no means hurts so as to add dependable on-ball defenders, deadly shooters or versatile bigs. Listed here are 5 guys (no burgers and fries, sorry), plus 5 bonus gamers, who may slot in properly with the Celtics.

Photograph by Andy Lyons/Getty Photos

Baylor Scheierman, Creighton

Scheierman, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound guard/wing, is averaging 18.4 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the Bluejays, whereas capturing 44.8 p.c from the sphere and 37.2 p.c from 3-point vary.

He’s a sweet-shooting lefty, who’s a menace each time he touches the ball, however he may have an effect on the sport in different methods. Scheierman began his profession as a standout at South Dakota State, transferred to Creighton two years in the past and has turn into a family identify since. He’s the one participant in Division I historical past with no less than 2,000 factors, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 3-pointers. Not too shabby.

Protection within the NBA is a little bit of a priority, however the third-team All-American might be a weapon off the bench. I do know, I do know, the Celtics have already got sniper Sam Hauser; however including much more capturing to a roster with elite playmaking by no means hurts.

Oso Ighodaro, Marquette

Let’s keep within the Massive East, the place Ighodaro, a 6-foot-11, 235-pound huge, is a reputation to know. He’s averaging 14 factors, 6.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 0.9 steals for the Golden Eagles.

He would slot in properly with Joe Mazzulla’s system – a fleet-footed defender who can guard a number of positions successfully and excel within the decide and roll. Ighodaro doesn’t shoot 3’s, however he has nice footwork down low and would supply a mandatory submit presence long run.

One factor that stands out about Ighodaro is his effectivity. He’s a profession 62.8 p.c shooter – that’s onerous to do in school, particularly when opposing defenses are game-planning largely to cease you. Suppose Rui Hachimura, however barely taller and barely much less versatile offensively.

Johni Broome, Auburn

Broome, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound huge, began his profession at Morehead State and has since emerged as top-of-the-line gamers within the Southeastern Convention. He’s placing up an absurd stat line of 16.2 factors, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals, whereas capturing 54.4 p.c from the sphere and 35.1 p.c from 3.

Calling him a lights-out 3-point shooter can be a stretch, however he’s absolutely able to protecting defenses trustworthy within the NBA. Broome, additionally a lefty and likewise a third-team All-American, has a medium-high ground and medium-high ceiling, and he might be a steal within the second spherical.

I’m not saying Auburn is going to beat UConn, nevertheless it’s one of many few groups that has a probability to beat UConn, and Broome is a significant purpose why.

Photograph by Alex Slitz/Getty Photos

Jamal Shead, Houston

Shead, a first-team All-American, has been arguably the very best guard in school basketball this season. His stats (13.1 factors, 6.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and a couple of.3 steals) are spectacular, however his protection actually units him aside.

He’s an NBA-ready on-ball defender who can present minutes off the bench as a rookie to fluster the opposite workforce’s level guard. Shead, who’s 6 ft, 2 inches, 200 kilos, performs his greatest within the largest moments and has a knack for delivering within the clutch.

The one official concern is his capturing. He’s a 29.9 p.c 3-point shooter, in order that’s definitely not a energy, however he makes up for it along with his smarts, motor and flexibility. He may complement Payton Pritchard properly off the bench.

Alex Karaban, UConn

Karaban, a Southborough native, is able to symbolize Massachusetts within the league. He contributed on UConn’s championship workforce a season in the past and has maximized an expanded position this 12 months on a workforce that’s greater than able to repeating.

He’s as much as 13.9 factors, 5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per recreation, whereas capturing a ridiculous 50.1 p.c from the ground, 39.5 p.c from 3 and 88.9 p.c from the road. Karaban, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound ahead, is an elite ground spacer, has a excessive basketball IQ and is aware of how one can each mix in and stand out.

He has an opportunity to exit as a back-to-back champion, following a stellar two-year profession, and make a complete lot of cash. I’m positive he wouldn’t object to enjoying for his hometown workforce.

Bonus choices

I advised you there can be 5 extra! Trey Alexander (Creighton guard), DaRon Holmes (Dayton huge), Pelle Larsen (Arizona wing), Tyler Kolek (Marquette guard) and Harrison Ingram (North Carolina wing) all may slot in properly with the Celtics.