NCAAB

10 Players Who Can Take Over the 2019 NCAA Tournament

Brett Oswalt  —  @bRo14thekid Mar 18th, 2019
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Ja Morant, Murray State

Just in case you thought four players wasn't enough in the loaded West, the Racers' Ja Morant makes it five -- two from mid-majors at that. But Morant is far from a no-namer, gracing SportsCenter highlights on the regular and commanding a top-five spot in most mock drafts.

For a 6'3" guard, the sophomore's length and hyper-athleticism has him being compared to one Russell Westbrook -- and that's not a giant stretch. Morant is averaging 24.6 points, 10.1 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per game this season.

In the Ohio Valley Conference, competition isn't its stiffest, but Morant has had big games against power-five schools. In meetings with Alabama and Auburn (the latter a tourney team), he averaged 31.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals. Now, he has had his issues with turnovers -- 5.2 a game -- but the versatile point guard maintains a 33.6% usage rate and is still number one in points produced (862) and assist rate (51.6%).

For NBA scouts and fans alike, Morant and Markus Howard clash in the Round of 64, so unfortunately one will be eliminated off the bat. Enjoy them while you can.

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