Erik Stevenson (West Virginia)
The NCAA Tournament is about to begin, at 18:40 hours with Texas A&M vs Southeast Missouri State the curtain of a unique stage rises and with a sequel second only to the Superbowl in America. The charm of this competition is recognized but for many players it is a fundamental moment of transition: it means the end of one’s collegiate career; a particular moment after five seasons spent on university fields improving to have a future in the world of basketball which – in 99% of cases – ends with the bitter tears of a defeat. I take you to a preview of the players ready for their last March Madness dance and that we will (probably) see in the Old Continent next summer.
Nelly Cummings (PG – Pittsburgh #11) The Panthers have thrown away the victory of the regular season in the ACC that could have given a better seed but certainly this does not affect the season of their point guard. After contributing to two appearances at the Colgate tournament, he chose to transfer to one of the most prestigious conferences, confirming that he can be a factor in directing (4.8 assists per game, mainly arming his department colleague Burton, another at the farewell pass) but remaining always able to strike out on his own when needed. A good combination of talent and maturity.
Erik Stevenson (G – West Virginia #9) If Bob Huggins really managed to discipline him he could have a very interesting career; over 15.5 average with the best career percentages from the field (not from the line where he recorded 98.4% in 2021/22%) to which must be added playmaking and leadership skills that should not be underestimated. Physically expendable in multiple roles, his strength will never be his constancy: 16 points in 3 games and then plays 4 to 25 on average, all in the same month. Capabilities are not discussed on the head, confirmations are awaited.
Matt Bradley (G/A – San Diego State #5) Swingman with an important physical structure who, despite the good season of his university, saw the numbers drop, while remaining the top scorer of the Aztecs; nothing to worry about but a detail that probably causes him to be permanently removed from the NBA notebooks. Solid shooter from beyond the arc (38%) and valid defender in a team whose fortunes depend precisely on how he protects the basket (only one game in the season in which he has conceded more than 80 points) denotes an important ability to be able to influence both sides of the field, given that in Europe it will not go unnoticed.
Jalen Slawson (A – Furman #13) The return of the Paladins to the Tournament undoubtedly bears the author’s signature of this wing capable of filling the scoresheet in every single positive entry; the percentage from beyond the arc (up to 39%) combined with his propensity for the role of facilitator (3.2 assists) make him a versatile and useful player in every situation to which we must add the valid defensive attitude: over 7 rebounds and 1.6 in steals and blocks, a total player who could consecrate himself in the Old Continent.
Osunniyi (C – Iowa State #6) A rim protector who after his years in St. Bonaventure went to protect the iron of the Cyclones; An elite intimidator, 3 average last season, he has athleticism with a quickness that doesn’t make him look bad even when called on the perimeter. On an offensive level he is a good roller but currently has few options to scare the opposing defenses despite having started, timidly, shooting from outside (3/12 this season). If for the NBA he is too light in Europe he seems to be the perfect prototype of the modern and athletic center.
From me Hodge (P – Missouri #7) Originally from the British Virgin Islands, he left Cleveland State to follow his mentor and will be rewarded with his second appearance at the Tournament; elite defender, 2.5 steals per game that can be used as a calling card, and with a poisonous long shot (40% out of 7 attempts per game) he seems the perfect 3&D identikit. He is skilled at playing off the ball but can manage the game as a secondary handler, the strong point remains the counterattack after having snatched the unfortunate direct opponent from the dribble.
Jarkel Joiner (PG – NC State #11) Recruited by Ole Miss to guarantee the NBA prospectus and his team mate Terquavion Smith did not disappoint expectations by composing a backcourt average of 34 points and 8 assists to be divided equally; talent and leadership are top notch as is the ability to manage possessions which rarely lead him to lose the ball. He doesn’t particularly shine for the physical component and in defense he limits himself to the minimum wage, but if he is trusted he can repay with clutch plays.
Desmond Cambridge (G/A – Arizona State #11) He arrives at the tournament with the Sun Devils and the first obstacle is the Nevada Wolfpack he left in the summer; a season with ups and downs but in which he became the hero of the campus for the prayer with which he decided the derby with Arizona. Quite reliable scorer, able to move off the ball and out of blocks, he represents a constant danger. By playing more off the ball and less in isolation, he halved his turnovers, a good sign of growth in view of a move to Europe.
John Walker (A – Texas Southern #16) One of the Tigers pillars in their third consecutive appearance at the tournament, wiry and able to move in the spaces has recorded a dangerous drop in the percentage from beyond the arc (from 42% to 26%) but remains a player able to read situations and be productive. The long levers allow him to be a constant nuisance to his opponents, a good level intimidator (1.2 blocks per night) he lacks the physicality to make a big rebound but the material for a profitable European career is all there.
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