Clark Kellogg's Guide to March Madness

March Madness is moving from a brisk jog to an all out sprint now! Pedal to the metal and full throttle! Here… We… Go!

It’s time for the captivating and confounding drama; the enlightening and illuminating storylines, and the crowning of a champion 21 days from now. Twelve days of games. From 68 teams to One Shining Moment.

I’m so excited and grateful to be part of one of the best sporting events on the calendar, because it always, always delivers!

STARS ON MY RADAR

Johni Broome, Auburn. Dominating presence and double-double production delivered in almost a deferential style.

Walter Clayton Jr, Florida. Super smooth scorer and playmaker who plays with unflappable calm and swag!

Cooper Flagg, Duke. Has been as advertised. Highly skilled with a motor and moxie at both ends of the court that belies his youth.

Kam Jones, Marquette. Crafty and fearless with a change of pace dribble that is uncanny and lethal.

Mark Sears, Alabama. His game is made for March and depending on Grant Nelson’s status, he might have to go straight “ham.”

JT Toppin, Texas Tech. Possesses the rare combination of terrific touch and a second jump that’s quicker than a hiccup!

Alabama’s Mark Sears — made for March.

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HIDDEN GEMS

P.J Haggerty, Memphis. Scores at every level while attempting eight free throws per game and bringing “much in the clutch”.

Otega Oweh, Kentucky. One of the most consistent and versatile double digit scoring wings in college basketball this season.

Emanuel Sharp, Houston. Underrated as a defender and a laser as a shooter.

Bennett Stirtz, Drake. A stat sheet stuffer who’s per game averages are 19 points, 6 assists, 4 boards, 2 steals and 39 minutes per game!

Graham Ike, Gonzaga. Has averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per game for his career on close to 58 percent shooting, and is right on those numbers this season.

BRACKET BREAKERS

Akron. I expect the Zips to board with the Cats, and they can score on just about everybody! CoachJohn Groce got the OU Bobcats to the Sweet 16 as a 13 seed back in 2012 .

Drake. Slow Style plus Stirtz = second round.

Gonzaga. Tenth straight Sweet 16 likely goes through Houston. Have the grit to grind and will embrace going “back to the future” as a rare underdog.

UNC. Playing and defending better … believing more … dangerous.

Yale. I believe the Bulldogs will rebound with the Aggies and keep them off the free throw line. The keys to victory.

Akron’s Sharron Young cuts down the net after the Zips clinched the MAC regular season championship.

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VALUTILITY

Think “velcro”guy. A player who does useful, valuable things that contribute to winning, if not individual acclaim.

Tavion Banks, Drake. Plays bigger than he is and provides inside and perimeter scoring. Is also a versatile defender and good rebounder.

Elijah Hawkins, Texas Tech. The consummate point guard in setting up his teammates, being the defensive catalyst, and scoring when necessary.

Sion James, Duke. Provides an anchoring presence as a physical defender, steady ballhandler and good decision maker.

Dallin Hall, BYU. His most noteworthy stats are he’s second on the team in assists, third in minutes and seventh in scoring. Valutility personified!

Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee. Typically defends the other team’s best perimeter scorer and is 3rd on the team in mins and rebounds.

FINAL FOUR

Michigan State. Been too long for coach Tom Izzo and Sparty not to be in the Final Four. Freshman guard Jase Richardson’s star continues to rise.
Florida. I think this team has the best combination of backcourt and front-court potency and versatility in the field.
Duke. See Florida. Youth the only difference. Although Duke’s youth is different!
Clemson. This team is built to win close, physical games and has Elite Eight experience in key returning players from last year. Also wanted to avoid being too chalky.