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What’s Next for the NCAA Championships’ Biggest Stars?

Sports Lifestyle

What’s Next for the NCAA Championships’ Biggest Stars?

Apr 1, 2024

It’s NCAA Championship season, and it’s also a prime time to get your brackets ready and keep an eye on your favorite college teams as well as the talent coming out of the divisions. You probably already have your favorite players, but there are lots of stars in the making who will showcase their performances on the hardwood and on camera. Here are some of the topNCAA basketball players this season on both the men’s and women’s teams — and where they might go from here.

Zach Edey

Zach Edey

Standing at 7'4", Purdue center Zac Edey is a force to be reckoned with on the court. He boasts impressive averages of 14.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, making him a dominant presence in the paint. Edey is also a big factor in Purdue's strong NCAA tournament run, and his size and rebounding prowess will be crucial if they want to make a deep run. With his NBA potential, Edey is projected as a first-round pick and could solidify himself as a future defensive anchor in the league.

Donovan Clingan

He’s not quite a household name, but when it comes to ranking NCAA basketball players, the junior forward for the UConn Huskies is making a name for himself. Aside from appearing in a Dunkin’ Donuts campaign, Clingan has showcased his abilities on both ends of the court, with an average of 12.5 points and 7.2 rebounds over the past season. He’s still got another year of college to go, but keep your eye on Donovan over the next few years.

Rob Dillingham

At just 19 years old, Rob Dillingham of the Kentucky Wildcats is a five-star recruit who’s already had a storied national team career, thanks to his agility and quickness, along with his penchant for scoring baskets. He has amassed 476 points in his inaugural NCAA season to date. The freshman, along with fellow Wildcat Reed Shepherd, is considered a top five prospect for ESPN’s NBA draft rankings.

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark

Let’s hear it for the girls! When you hear about the top NCAA women's basketball players, Caitlin Clark is always on the list. Not only has she taken her team to the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, Clark is the all-time leading scorer in the history of NCAA Division 1. The consensus among experts is that she’s the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Keep your eye on this Iowa Hawkeyes point guard during championship games and well into her professional career.

JuJu Watkins

USC’s JuJu Watkins is just behind Caitlin Clark in terms of scoring. The 18-year-old is already a star in her own right, and her carefully choreographed on-court routine is impressive, as she effortlessly executes Euro Step layups and easily defends drives to the basket. She’s still got a few years left in the NCAA, but Watkins' dominance and well-rounded skill set have cemented her status as a future superstar in the professional league.

Grant Nelson

Alabama’s Grant Nelson is projected to be a No. 2 pick in the NBA draft. Nelson's ability to score inside and find open teammates with his passing (2.0 assists per game) makes him a versatile threat. His arrival bolstered the Crimson Tide’s front court after losing a key player to the NBA, and his production will be crucial for the team’s success as they navigate the NCAA Championships.

You’ll definitely be hearing more about these young stars in the years to come. In the meantime, adjust your brackets, tune into your favorite games, and make sure you have the NCAA fan gear to see you through the next few weeks. Hibbett is your go-to HQ for all things NCAA. Shop online or in stores.

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