Check out which players could take on big roles in March and become household names before the season concludes.

One of the best parts about college basketball’s final month is when the nation realizes the sport’s breakout players.

From players like Ja Morant to Jimmer Fredette, every year has its stars that become beloved during March Madness and cement their legacies into college hoops’ history books.

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—March Madness bracketology | bubble watch
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Because we can hardly wait for this year’s iteration after the canceled 2020 tournament, we decided to pull together the players most likely to become household names next month.

Grayson Murphy, Belmont

When you’re running the show for a 24-1 team, it’s just a matter of time before the nation knows your name. Murphy, a 6-2 junior guard, is an excellent two-way player, recording one of college basketball’s highest scoring efficiencies while tallying 2.2 steals a night.

Consistency is the name of Murphy’s game. He’s started each of his last 89 appearances with the Bruins and has recorded at least nine points, five assists, four rebounds and 1.5 steals per game the last three years. If Belmont pulls off an upset or two in March, Murphy figures to play a pivotal role in making it happen.

Chandler Vaudrin, Winthrop

If you’ve read work from the Heat Check CBB staff before, you’re likely already familiar with the Winthrop guard. If not, we’ll happily introduce you to the Eagles star.

Vaudrin is a 6-7 floor leader who is one of the elite assist men in the country, dishing out 6.7 assists per game while ranking 22nd nationally in assist rate. In Winthrop’s up-tempo attack, Vaudrin stays under control and knows when to attack or dish it to the open guy. He uses his frame to size up defenders, and it often translates to a kick-out perimeter attempt, a dump-down pass to a big man, or a trip to the free-throw line.

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Eli Boettger
Eli Boettger

Heat Check CBB founder, editor