One men’s player to watch for each mid-major NCAA Tournament team

Akron – Tavari Johnson A two-time All-MAC selection, a top-30 scorer in the nation and one of the league’s top defensive talents, 5-foot-11 Tavari Johnson is as scrappy as they come. Not only did he lead Akron in points and assists this season, but he’s 118th in the country in true shooting percentage by KenPom’s metrics. Don’t underestimate Akron or Johnson because he and the Zips will get downhill or out on the fastbreak in a flash.

Cal Baptist – Dominique Daniels Jr. If you aren’t already familiar with Dominique Daniels Jr. , I suggest you learn because this is one of the most electric players in all of college basketball.

Averaging 23. 2 PPG, fifth most in the nation, Daniels led the Lancers to their first ever WAC Championship title and the program’s highest win total at the Division-I level. This is a Cal Baptist team that smothers opponents with the 50th most efficient defense in the nation while Daniels fuels the offensive engine.

Furman – Alex Wilkins Alex Wilkins might only be a freshman, but this is one of the most dominant freshmen in all of mid-major college basketball. He finished All-SoCon Second Team in his first year of college. Dropped 34 points to lead Furman over UNC Greensboro in the semifinals of the conference championship and grabbed tournament MVP along the way.