During March there are players who can emerge from mid-major programs and suddenly find themselves on the radar of high major programs and in some cases NBA scouts. This list focuses on players with translatable traits: size, athleticism, shooting, and defensive tools, that project beyond their current level.

These aren’t necessarily the biggest stars in the tournament.  But these guys are contributors who possess physical tools or skill combinations that could translate to the high major level or even NBA draft conversations down the line.

11.6 PTS | 6.5 REB | 51.7% FG | 41.6% 3PT | 2.0 STL

Graves is one of the most intriguing freshmen in mid major basketball. At 6'9 with a powerful frame he has a physical but skilled interior game and can even knock it down from deep.

Statistically he has been extremely efficient, posting a top 20 offensive rating, ranking inside the top 100 nationally in offensive rebounding percentage, and placing top 10 in steal percentage.

Graves is comfortable stepping out and knocking down open threes off the catch (41.6%), but much of his effectiveness comes around the rim where he uses his size and footwork to create space. Graves' short floater and turnaround is the strongest part of his offensive game. Defensively he is very disruptive, averaging 2.1 steals per game, and has great hands and strong anticipation for a player his size. After winning WCC Sixth Man of the Year, Graves looks like a player whose physical tools and efficiency could translate well to a higher level.

15.8 PTS | 2.9 REB | 2.4 AST | 49% FG | 40% 3PT

Hammond is a polished scoring guard who has quietly put together one of the most efficient offensive seasons in the WCC. The 6'4 sophomore is comfortable creating his own shot, particularly in the mid range where he shows  good touch on floaters and runners.

He shoots 40% from three (52-130) and is capable of scoring both off the catch and off the dribble. Hammond plays with great pace and control, and is great at getting to his spots.

Most recently he dropped 24 points against Gonzaga in the WCC Championship. Hammond’s efficiency, and shot making make him a player who could easily see attention from high major programs if he chooses to go into the portal

17.7 PTS | 4.7 AST | 45% FG

Wilkins has quietly been one of the best freshman guards in the country. The only reason he hasn’t received more national attention is because of the star freshmen currently dominating NBA draft discussions.

At 6'5 with a long frame and strong ball skills, Wilkins is a true three level scorer. He can knock down threes, create separation off the dribble, and finish at the rim. He’s put up multiple high 20 point games and a few 30 point performances throughout the season.

Not only a scoring guard he has a top 40 assist rate, and can be a playmaker while facing a lot of attention from opposing defenses. I project Wilkins to be one of the most sought after guards in the transfer portal and could very well be playing high-major basketball next season.

14.8 PTS | 10 REB | 1.3 BLK | 1.2 STL

Dowd is an athletic and physical forward who produces at a high level on both ends of the floor. Averaging a double double, he impacts the game with his rebounding, defense, and scoring, 

At 6'8 and 225 pounds, Dowd plays with real physicality. He runs the floor well, finishes above the rim, and defends multiple positions. His defensive activity shows up in the box score with both steals and blocks.

While his three point percentage has dipped slightly as the season has progressed (34.5%), he has shown real ability to stretch the floor, and has more than 10 games knocking down 3+ threes. As a junior with size and athleticism, Dowd feels like the type of forward high major programs target in the portal.

He recorded 23 points and 13 rebounds in the Sun Belt Championship. He can project as an athletic 3 and D prospect if he continues to progress. Could be another guy High Major teams scoop up in the portal.  

16.8 PTS | 7.9 REB | 43.4% 3PT

After previous stops at Duke and Virginia, TJ Power has finally found his rhythm at Penn. The 6'9 wing is one of the best shooters in the entire tournament, knocking down 43% from three on strong volume.

Power put the country on notice in the Ivy League Championship, where he exploded for 44 points, 14 rebounds, and seven three pointers, including a clutch pull up three to force overtime.

With his size and shooting ability, Power can simply shoot over defenders. He also shows strong footwork and scoring instincts around the basket. His size, outside shooting, and offensive versatility makes him a dangerous tournament player.

16.1 PTS | 5.8 REB | 3 AST | 52% FG | 41% 3PT

Falslev is one of the most well rounded guards in the Mountain West. At 6'4 and 200 pounds, he scores , rebounds and consistently makes plays on the defensive end. He averages 2 steals per game this season (1.9 for his career) and ranks top 25 nationally in total steals. Falslev has also developed into a legitimate threat from deep, and is shooting 41% from deep this year. 

Offensively he excels attacking the rim, finishing through contact and knocking down shots off the catch. His ability to contribute across the stat sheet and defend at a high level makes him one of the most complete players in the tournament. Elite defender, real offensive production. 

17.6 PTS | 49% FG | 36.6% 3PT

Collins is a dynamic scoring guard and can catch fire quickly. He’s averaging nearly 18 points per game while shooting efficiently from both the field and three point range.

Collins likes to elevate on jump shots, allowing him to shoot over defenders and get his shot off in tight spaces. He’s also an active defender with good athleticism.

Collins has recorded over a dozen 20 point games and even a 40 point performance against Davidson, the type of offensive explosion that can change a tournament game.

14.6 PTS | 8 REB | 55.7% FG | 37.5% 3PT

Lyles has taken a major leap this season, particularly as a shooter. After barely attempting threes earlier in his career, he has transformed into a legitimate perimeter threat, knocking down 45 of 120 attempts from three.

At 6'9 and 240 pounds, Lyles is a powerful and athletic forward who rebounds, runs the floor, and finishes above the rim. His improved shooting dramatically raises his ceiling.

He ranks top 60 in effective field goal percentage and top 65 in true shooting, while also rebounding at a high level. His physical profile and developing skill set resemble the type of versatile forward that can thrive at the next level. 

17.5 PTS | 5.5 REB | 50% FG

Johnson is one of the most physically advanced freshmen in mid major basketball. At 6'4 and 200 pounds, he plays with strength and downhill aggression.

He thrives attacking the rim and absorbing contact, using his frame to bully smaller defenders. Johnson also shows comfort operating in the mid range where he frequently pulls up off the dribble.

His combination of physical rim pressure and shot making inside 18 feet makes him difficult to guard and gives him intriguing long term upside. I wouldn't be surprised to see Johnson jump in the portal and play at a higher level next season.

13.2 PTS | 42% 3PT | 92.8% FT

Armstrong is one of the purest shooters in the country. He has knocked down 87 threes on 207 attempts, shooting 42% from deep, while also ranking among the best free throw shooters in the nation (92.8%).

He has 10 games with 4+ made threes, and his performance in the America East Championship (33 points, 7-9 from three) showcased just how dangerous he can be when he gets hot.

Players with this type of shooting profile can become March killers if they find a rhythm early in games. Armstrong can be a guy who can single handedly change an outcome of the game. 

16.4 PTS | 5.5 REB | 2.5 AST | 52.5% FG | 43.8% 3PT

Fuller has quietly produced one of the most impressive statistical profiles in the country. No matter the level, 16+ points on 52% shooting and nearly 44% from three is elite efficiency.

At 6'5 and 215 pounds, Fuller brings good size and strength for a college guard. He is a physical rebounder (5.5 per game) and contributes across the stat sheet. His ability to space the floor while also attacking downhill makes him a difficult matchup.

Defensively Fuller averages 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Fuller ranks top 70 in true shooting percentage and top 15 nationally in three point percentage, making him one of the most statistically efficient perimeter players in the country.

17.3 PTS | 40% 3PT on 200+ attempts

Harper is one of the elite shooters in college basketball. Shooting 40% from three on over 200 attempts is something to take note of. 

At 6'6 with strong athletic ability, Harper is much more than just a spot up shooter. He’s a scoring guard who can elevate over defenders and finish above the rim. His combination of shooting and athleticism makes him a dangerous weapon.

He forms one half of Tennessee State’s explosive backcourt alongside Aaron Nkrumah. Harper also contributes defensively, averaging over a steal per game. 

14 PTS | 5.8 REB | 1+ BLK

Johnson has been one of the most dominant big men in the Big West. At 7 feet and 240 pounds Johnson's physical presence is tough to stop. 

Johnson’s versatility stands out. Despite being a traditional interior scorer, he’s comfortable stepping outside and has attempted over 100 three pointers this season. While he’s only shooting around 31%, the willingness to stretch the floor shows confidence behind his shot. 

Johnson is also an 88.5% free throw shooter, which reveals a shooting touch for a player his size. His mobility and skill set will be interesting to watch against higher level competition.