NBA Stars are Born and Raised in March

If anyone reading this article doesn’t believe Stephen Curry is one of the best basketball players in the entire world, please exit this page.

Now, if you have watched basketball, or know anything about it. For example, Stephen Curry is arguably the best player in the world currently, than we’re good.

Yes, yes I understand that Stephen Curry was a star at Davidson before his breakout run to the Elite Eight in the 2008. But the world didn’t know anything about the baby-faced assassin until Davidson shocked the world.

This article isn’t about Curry though. It obviously isn’t about the Davidson Wildcats, either. This article is about how very few people actually realize that NBA stars are made in March.

I’m sorry to say this, because I know everyone reading is going to disagree and become slightly angry, but the Duke Blue Devils have the best star in the entire 64-team field.

Grayson Allen, the most hated man in college basketball, very well may be the best. This 2015 NCAA Tournament breakout player has lead Duke to another dance and has become a force in college basketball along the way. It isn’t what the new Christian Laettner does during the regular season though. What makes him so good is what he does during March. Look, I don’t like Allen as much as the next guy, but he’s good.

In the 2016 Tournament alone, he has averaged 40 minutes per game and nearly 30 points. It’s terrible to admit if you’re not a Duke fan, but Allen has lead the Blue Devils to two Madness victories already and it wouldn’t surprise people if there was more coming.

On a happier note, one that’s not Duke related, Makai Mason is incredible. If you weren’t able to watch his short run in the NCAA Tournament, you missed out. It’s understandable to argue that Baylor, the team Makai Mason and Yale beat in the round of 64, doesn’t have the best track record in March. That isn’t a good enough argument. Mason played better than anyone in the opening round of the Tournament. His 31 points and 11-11 free throws was the best performance of the first round and gave Yale their first ever NCAA Tournament victory in a big way.

Although Yale wasn’t about to outlast Grayson Allen and Duke in the round of 32, Mason became nothing less than a star and a promising NBA prospect to say the least.

Mason is a perfect example of my ‘NBA players are made in March’ theory because he wasn’t even the top player on his team during the regular season. Senior forward, Justin Sears, controlled the Yale Bulldogs during the regular season, averaging 15.7 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game on his way to winning the Ivy League Player of the Year Award. But Sears took a back seat during Yale’s short run in March as all eyes were on Mason. I bet when the NBA Draft comes around it’ll be the same way.

SF Austin had their share of Madness glory this season as well when they defeated West Virginia in the round of 64 and came very close to doing the same to Notre Dame. During their single win run, the Lumberjacks found themselves dealing with much more media than expected due to the astounding play of forward/guard Thomas Walkup.

Besides Makai Mason’s 11-11 free throws, Walkup may have had the best opening round of the entire tournament. His 33 points and 9 rebounds gave Walkup one of the biggest names in college basketball for a four-day period.

This showing wasn’t for nothing though. Walkup definitely caught the attention of NBA scouts as he proved he can play a solid guard or small forward if needed. He is able to control the floor and score, which he does quiet efficiently. His ability to draw fouls is going to go a long way in his NBA pursuit and it’s easy to say that Walkup will most likely hear his name called in the Draft because of his short NCAA Tournament showing.

Then there’s the obvious Buddy Hield and Bryce Johnson. These guys showed all season they could dominate a basketball game. That hasn’t stopped them from performing in March though.

That’s the biggest problem with college stars. So many of them show their phenomenal skill during the regular season, but have a hard time leading their team come March. If I’ve learned anything as a sports fan, it’s that you can be a NBA star and not do well in March, but if you are a star in March, you will be a NBA star. This doesn’t mean the simple player who led their team. This is the guy like Grayson Allen who performs better than any other player on any one of the 64 teams.

When it comes to Buddy and Bryce, they are future stars. Anyone who doesn’t believe they’re in the top three players in college basketball doesn’t see their incredible talent and extraordinary intangibles. Both players lead their teams better than anyone in college basketball, as well as play better than anyone in college basketball.

Any team looking for a small forward/power forward in the draft would be a fool not to take Johnson if he leaves. His size is scary for defenders, which is complimented by his ability to handle the ball, shoot, and drive. What’s best about Johnson is he’s developed. He’s worked on his game through college to the point where he’s almost perfect at everything.

When it comes to Buddy Hield, I truly believe there isn’t a better player in college basketball. I’ve never seen other teams fear a player like they fear Hield. His shot is flawless and his athletic ability is as natural as the NCAA has seen.

Besides his play, his motto explains his promise: “Stay humble.” Buddy Hield’s motto is exactly like he plays. He shows emotion, but never frustration. Through any adversity, he knows how to keep his head and perform for his team. I don’t know why mock drafts don’t have Buddy in their top 5 players, but I do. This kid is one of the best players I’ve seen in a long time. It isn’t all regular season either. Hield’s ability to perform in March is what makes him truly special. If his future isn’t bright in the NBA, I don’t know any player in this year’s draft whose will be.

NBA scouts aren’t going to change their thoughts on players because of one article. I’m not asking them to (OK, yes I am). I’m educating the readers of this article. I’m allowing them to understand that NBA stars are made in March. Ask Gordon Hayward, Stephen Curry, Carmelo Anthony, and others. If you want to see talent that can compete in the hardest court in basketball, watch who competes in March, because there truly is nothing like the madness.