Minnesota Timberwolves fans should closely watch five NBA Draft prospects playing in March Madness as the team prepares for its draft pick in June. While the priority remains securing a playoff run, the draft presents an opportunity to address key needs, particularly at point guard. The Timberwolves’ late first-round pick, acquired through a trade with the Detroit Pistons, could land them a player with high upside. Christian Anderson, a guard for Texas Tech, stands out as a potential fit. At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, his size may initially raise concerns, but his skills as a playmaker and shooter make him a compelling option. Anderson averages 8.2 three-pointers per game, converting 42.5% of his attempts, and ranks in the 99th percentile for assist percentage. His ability to thrive in pick-and-roll situations and his poise as a floor general position him well to fill the Wolves’ point guard void. While his late first-round projection may seem risky, his all-around talent could justify a late selection. Tyler Tanner of Vanderbilt offers another small guard option with a strong defensive profile. Despite his 6-foot frame, Tanner averages 2.4 steals and ranks in the 99th percentile for defensive metrics. His playmaking ability is equally impressive, with a 28.9 assist percentage and 37.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Tanner’s combination of defense, ball-handling, and shooting makes him a versatile player, and his team’s strong SEC tournament run could elevate his draft stock. Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 guard from Iowa, represents a taller alternative for the Wolves. While he may be a mid-first-round prospect, his size and skill set make him a safer option compared to smaller guards. Stirtz’s potential to develop into a reliable starter aligns with the team’s need for depth and consistency.#minnesota_timberwolves #detroit_pistons #tyler_tanner #christian_anderson #bennett_stirtz
NCAA Tournament’s 15 Most Intriguing Players, from Star Freshmen to Key Subs As March Madness tips off, how these players perform will determine if their teams keep dancing. Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images It’s not just the top players in the NCAA Tournament who give reason to tune into the madness this March. Plenty of others are intriguing for one reason or another. Do they rise to play their best during the most important time of the year? Can star freshmen deliver on the biggest stage? Can players climb up (or tumble down) draft boards or compensate for injured teammates? Over the next three weeks, we’ll find out. The Athletic presents, in alphabetical order by last name, the 15 Most Intriguing Players of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas It’s impossible to predict how freshmen will play on college basketball’s biggest stage, but if there’s a young guard who can put a team on his back and deliver a deep run, it’s Acuff. He had the highest scoring game of any power conference player this season (49 points vs. Alabama, albeit in a double-overtime loss), so don’t be surprised if he goes off when the Razorbacks need it most. Christian Anderson, Texas Tech The second-best player for the Red Raiders is now the de facto option with JT Toppin lost for the season to a torn ACL. How good can Anderson, who already plays the most minutes of anyone in the tournament (38.2 per game), be for a team that will need his heroics? He has one of the prettiest shots in hoops, but without a true big man to pull defenses to the paint, how many good perimeter looks will he get? Robbie Avila, Saint Louis (12.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.1 apg) The player famous for wearing sports goggles finally gets his shot in the NCAA Tournament.#darius_acuff_jr #ncaa_tournament #robbie_avila #march_madness #christian_anderson
