Wooden Watch: Zach Edey and Co.
Another week, another article about Zach Edey.
In a recent loss against No. 17 Indiana, Edey showed up with 26 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Purdue will still likely be a No. 1 overall seed in the Big Dance as the Selection Show approaches next Sunday.
Notable Names:
Jaime Jaquez. Jr, G, UCLA
The most underrated team heading into March Madness is the UCLA Bruins. Currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, the Bruins are led by experienced senior Jaime Jaquez Jr. UCLA made a deep run into the Final Four in 2021 and are destined to get back.
Jaquez Jr. leads the Bruins with 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as UCLA sits at 25-4. The 6-foot-7 guard has scored 20+ points in 10 of the Bruins 29 games. He’ll look to bring the Bruins back to the Final Four, and hopefully even a National Championship.
Keyontae Johnson, F, Kansas State
The Florida transfer, Keyontae Johnson has been playing like an All-American this season for the Wildcats. With potentially the Coach of the Year, Jerome Tang, Johnson has led K-State to a 23-7 record and second place in the Big 12.
Johnson averages 17.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Kansas State will likely land as a No. 2 overall seed in the Big Dance. Watch out for the Wildcats as they could be dancing and make a sneaky run.
Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette
Marquette?
And just like that, Shaka Smart has led the Golden Eagles back to where they belong as a Top-25 team in the country. Likely set to win the Big East conference, Marquette is lined up to be a No. 3 seed in the Big Dance.
Guard Tyler Kolek is quietly the Big East Player of the Year and has the opportunity to catch national media attention in March. Kolek posts 12.6 points, 7.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game, but his impact is not quantified by the statistics.
Kolek’s playmaking and shot-creating ability is among the best in the nation and should propel Marquette deep in the tournament.
Jasper Abrahams is a first-year student studying communications. To contact him, please email jpa5778@psu.edu.
