2016 NCAA tournament: 68 players to watch

Finally.

With March Madness upon us, the field is set, and teams are ready to make the trip to play their respective opponents. Now that we know which teams will partake in the tournament, let's take a look at the players to watch from every team:

1. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma

Easily one of the NCAA's most dangerous players, Hield is the catalyst for an Oklahoma team that wants to go all the way.

2. AJ Hammons, Purdue

Purdue hasn't played its best basketball this season, but as long as Hammons continues to contribute, the Boilermakers have a fighting chance in the tournament.

3. Brandon Ingram, Duke

Projected by many to be a top pick behind LSU's Ben Simmons, Ingram is a standout prospect with a lot more to his game.

4. Brice Johnson, North Carolina

One coach said about Johnson: "He plays like a senior should play." That's high praise in the sense that he does everything right on the court, and off it as well.

5. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State

Valentine has been the go-to guy for Michigan State, and he continues to make his case for national player of the year. For his size, he has tremendous coordination and a plus ability to shoot the ball.

6. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame

When Jackson needed to be helped off the court after pulling his hamstring in late January, it was clear Notre Dame needed its star. All season he's been the guy, and he'll continue to do so in the tournament.

7. Dillon Brooks, Oregon

Oregon went from a football school to a basketball school in a hurry thanks to Brooks leading the Ducks into the top 10. With so much parity this season, he could very well lead his team to a title run.

8. Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga

Sabonis isn't as physically gifted as the rest of the pack, but the reason he stands out is because he's smart, and he knows how to contribute.

9. Fred VanVleet, Wichita State

He isn't too big, or too strong, and he started the season hurt. But when VanVleet is playing, Wichita State has a chance to win every game.

10. Gary Payton II, Oregon State

Oregon State's superstar, Payton has been hovering around 16 points per game, 7.6 boards, and 5.3 assists all season. When he's on, Payton can take over a game.

11. Georges Niang, Iowa State

Iowa State's success over the last five years has been in large part due to the contributions of Niang. The senior is the team leader, and he'll look to close out his college career in style.

12. Jakob Poeltl, Utah

Poeltl serves as one of the more dominant post big men in the game. He's proven to be athletic and physical because of his size.

13. Jalen Jones, Texas A&M

The Aggies could be a sleeper in the Big 12, and Jones averaged 15.7 points and 7.1 rebounds, making him an impact guy down the stretch.

14. Tyler Ulis, Kentucky

Ulis works very hard, he's a court general, and his leadership can guide Kentucky back to glory. It also helps he's a plus player on offense and defense.

15. Jarrod Uthoff, Iowa

Iowa stunned the football world, and the Hawkeyes are doing it again on the court. No one on the roster stands out as much as senior Uthoff, who is averaging close to 20 points as he tries to lead Iowa to March glory.

16. Josh Hart, Villanova

Hart is the leader of a Wildcats team that could end up on top. The junior leads the team in points per game, while averaging 7.2 rebounds to round out his game.

17. Kris Dunn, Providence

Dunn continues to make his case as one of the best point guards in college basketball. Not to mention, he makes his Providence teammates look very good.

18. Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia

Brogdon is the leading scorer on a very good Virginia squad. He'll play a pivotal role for the Cavaliers in a very winnable tournament.

19. Melo Trimble, Maryland

Trimble is likely turning pro following the season, and because the league is so wide open, he has an opportunity to lead Maryland to an NCAA championship in what could be his final season.

20. Wayne Selden Jr., Kansas

One of the most physically imposing players in college hoops at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Selden is trying to show NBA teams he has the basketball skills to match his physical tools. The tournament will be telling of his ability to perform when it matters.

21. Sheldon McClellan, Miami (FL)

For a shooting guard, McClellan has good size, and from a physical standpoint, he's pretty gifted. This season he's averaging 15.7 points while trying to make an impression on NBA teams.

22. Trevon Bluiett, Xavier

Bluiett is a good all-around player who is the catalyst of an Xavier squad capable of making a run. This season he's averaging 15.2 points, 6.4 boards, and 2.4 assists.

23. Yogi Ferrell, Indiana

Earlier this season, Ferrell broke the all-time school record for assists. It goes without saying that Indiana needs him. Not to mention, he leads the team with 17.1 points per game.

24. Allonzo Trier, Arizona

After missing some time this season, Trier led the Wildcats to some big wins. If Arizona wants to make it deep into the tournament, it'll depend on Trier, who ls averaging 14.6 points.

25. Devin Williams, West Virginia

Williams is a do-it-all player for the surging Mountaineers. After a productive sophomore season, he bettered himself just a touch, making him an interesting follow all season.

26. Rico Gathers, Baylor

Although he plans to pursue a football career once he's done at Baylor, no one in school history has been better at pulling the ball down. Expect Gathers to pull off the tournament of his career.

27. Isaiah Taylor, Texas

A team guy who might be the fastest point guard in college hoops, Taylor is a dynamic scorer with the ability to dish the ball, while logging more than 30 minutes per game.

28. Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin

Not only is he one of the most entertaining players off the court, he's boosted his numbers big time from a year ago. Hayes is averaging 16.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

29. Derrick Walton Jr., Michigan

Another player who's upped his game in a year, Walton plays more minutes than anyone on the roster. In that time he averages 12.3 points, 5.7 boards, and 4.1 assists.

30. Jameel Warney, Stony Brook

Stony Brook is headed to its first NCAA tournament on the shoulders of the reigning America East player of the year and defensive player of the year.

31. Wade Baldwin IV, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has on its hands a very versatile and dynamic player in Baldwin. At 6-foot-10, he's strong, athletic, and has exceptional defensive potential.

32. Tre' McLean, Chattanooga

In the absence of Casey Jones, McLean has carried Chattanooga all season, punching in averages of 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists en route to a five-loss season.

33. Melvin Johnson, VCU

VCU has under-performed this season, but Johnson has stood out as the go-to guy for the Rams. When the going gets tough, he'll be looked upon to lead the charge.

34. Isaiah Miles, Saint Joseph's

Miles has been a pretty low-key player for the past four seasons. This year he put it all together, notching 18 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

35. Joel Bolomboy, Weber State

Weber State very quietly put together a solid season in the Big Sky, and it wouldn't have happened without Bolomboy, who averaged team highs in scoring (17.9) and rebounds (12.8).

36. Gary Clark, Cincinnati

A versatile forward who does a lot of things well, Clark is the leader of a Cincinnati squad poised to make its mark to cap off the season.

37. Julian Jacobs, USC

A high-flyer with the ability to take over a game, USC's Jacobs knows how to throw off an opponent. On top of his scoring prowess, he also has a knack for pulling down rebounds and dishing off assists with ease.

38. Shaq Harrison, Tulsa

Harrison has been such an important player for Tulsa ever since arriving on campus, as his squad has made the postseason tournament in all three of his seasons.

39. Kelan Martin, Butler

In his second season at Butler, Martin is a new player. After averaging 7.1 points as a freshman, he's broken out for 16.2 points this year, adding 6.7 rebounds.

40. Thomas Walkup, Stephen F. Austin

As a senior, Walkup has gotten increasingly better every year since his freshman season. All his numbers have gone up consistently, as have his minutes. Walkup is punching in 17.3 points, 6.9 boards, and 4.6 assists per game.

41. Michael Gbinije, Syracuse

This season, Gbinije has only gotten better in an attempt to prove that last year's success wasn't a fluke. He's the Orange's leader, making him an interesting prospect down the road.

42. Wes Washpun, Northern Iowa

When the going got tough against Evansville, Washpun drained the exact same shot from the top of the key twice in less than a minute. The second was a buzzer-beater, being the type of catalyst only a handful of teams possess.

43. Shonn Miller, UConn

The Cornell transfer has found a nice home at UConn, as the graduate transfer is holding his own with 12.6 points and 5.5 boards per game facing his toughest competition yet as a college athlete.

44. Isaiah Whitehead, Seton Hall

A unanimous First Team All-Big East pick, Whitehead has emerged as an elite point guard. The sophomore is averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 assists. and 3.3 rebounds for the Pirates.

45. Josh Hagins, Arkansas-Little Rock

Few games go by in which Haggins isn't scoring in double digits. The senior guard is boasting 13 points per game, as well as 4.7 assists and four rebounds.

46. Justin Sears, Yale

Yale is back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1962. Sears is the go-to guy on the roster, averaging 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

47. Dwayne Sutton, UNC Asheville

After losing four of the first six games of the season, there were some questions about the Bulldogs. Sutton led the charge and stepped up, posting 12 points per game while doing it on the rim, too, averaging a team-high 7.8 rebounds.

48. Quenton DeCosey, Temple

This is the final run for DeCosey, and he's making the most of it. The senior plays a key role for the Owls, sitting at 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

49. Jaylen Brown, Cal

As the season came to a close, Brown showed his worth. The projected top-five draft pick shows tremendous upside on both ends of the court.

50. Chris Flemmings, UNC Wilmington

After falling into a bit of a slump near the end of the season, Flemmings closed it out hot, scoring 21 in a win over Northeastern. For the season he's averaging 16 points and 5.9 rebounds.

51. Chris Horton, Austin Peay

Horton is making sure his last college season is a memorable one, as the senior is averaging a double-double, scoring 18.9 points while notching 12 rebounds.

52. Marc Eddy Norelia, Florida Gulf Coast

Of all the teams in college, Florida Gulf Coast might be the biggest Cinderella. Leading the way is junior Norelia, who does it all, averaging 17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds.

53. Toddrick Gotcher, Texas Tech

Gotcher is the Red Raiders' catalyst, but he's in the news for something completely different. In the season finale, he proposed to his girlfriend at midcourt, so needless to say, an NCAA March Madness ring would look nice next to a wedding photo.

54. Dyshawn Pierre, Dayton

After missing half the season due to a sexual assault allegation, the Canadian returned to the Dayton lineup only to pick up where he left off. In the team's stretch run, he'll be looked upon to make an impact.

55. Josh Scott, Colorado

What makes Scott so good is that he can match up with any post man in college hoops. In his toughest challenge of the year, he held Utah's Jakob Poeltl to 6-of-12 shooting.

56. Aly Ahmed, CSU Bakersfield

The Roadrunners have five - yes, five - players who average double figures. Though it could've been anyone on the team, it's Ahmed who will lead the charge. The senior is averaging 12.9 points and 6.2 boards.

57. A.J. English, Iona

Iona has a secret weapon in English. The 6-foot-4 senior guard is averaging 22.4 points to go with 6.2 assists and five rebounds, and he's catching fire at the right time.

58. Quinton Chievous, Hampton

Potential Cinderella school Hampton will depend heavily on Chievous. The do-it-all senior is averaging 17 points to go with 11 rebounds. At 6-foot-6, 214-pounds, he'll be a force in the tournament.

59. Reggie Upshaw, Middle Tennessee State

Another team with multiple players in double-digit scoring, Upshaw leads the way. Not only does he log the most minutes in every game played this year, he's posting 13.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest.

60. Darian Anderson, Fairleigh Dickinson

A workhorse who knows how to get the job done, Anderson is a sophomore who's expected to carry the Knights in the tournament. He's not tall, but defenses have a hard time stopping him nonetheless.

61. Blake Hamilton, Buffalo

The junior is picking it up at the right time, posting yet another double-double in a win over Akron. Hamilton is averaging 13.1 points, seven rebounds, and 2.5 assists, making him an interesting follow this March.

62. Malachi Alexander, Holy Cross

No one on this team does anything in spectacular fashion - they all do the little things right. But the leader of that group is Alexander, who as a junior sparks the offense and gives them a chance to win.

63. Marvelle Harris, Fresno State

Harris is one of those players who can take over a game. The last time Harris was held to single-digit points was Feb. 3 against San Jose State. He's pretty good.

64. Adrian Rodgers, Southern

A No. 4 seed in the SWAC, Southern came out on top in the conference tournament thanks in large part to Rodgers, who over the course of the season has been playing a like a senior who is out there for a purpose.

65. Stefan Jankovic, Hawaii

Jankovic doesn't log a ton of minutes, but when he's on the court, Hawaii is better. Averaging 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds, he's also a decent shooter with a good touch from the free-throw line.

66. Mike Daum, South Dakota State

The Jackrabbits have a long road ahead, but if they're going to make an impact, Daum is the key. The freshman has been on fire lately, and the 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 15.2 points and 6.1 boards to go with it.

67. Michael Young, Pitt

With Pitt sneaking into the tournament, Young will have a chance to showcase his worth against the best talent in the country. This season, he's averaging 16 points and seven rebounds, while having a knack for coming up clutch.

68. Carrington Love, Green Bay

Green Bay is the type of team with no pressure to win. If it does, Love will most certainly be the guy who carries the Phoenix. This season the senior is averaging 17.7 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.8 boards en route to the tournament.

Allen has a knack for getting under the other team's skin (and sometimes tangled in their feet), but when push comes to shove, he makes the big plays when he needs to.

Monte Morris, Iowa State

Morris could turn pro after the season, but he'll have to have a big tournament. This year he put up 14.2 points, 7.1 assists, and four rebounds per game, all of which are career highs. That said, he might also be the best assist man in college.

Jamal Murray, Kentucky

Yet another freshman phenom in college hoops, Murray's scoring ability is nearly unmatched, and his aggressiveness to the hoops is second to none.

Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga

His minutes have gone up significantly since last season, and Wiltjer is proving to be a pivotal player in Gonzaga's quest for success. In the added time, he's upped his points, rebounds, and blocks per game.

Perry Ellis, Kansas

He's the oldest player on the Kansas roster, but he does things right. Ellis may not get drafted, but he's a difference-maker with the Jayhawks who makes his teammates better.

Bronson Koenig, Wisconsin

Koenig isn't the catalyst for Wisconsin and the Badgers aren't as strong as they were last year. But when it came down to it, Koenig was clutch when it mattered, so expect more of the same.

Tyrone Wallace, Cal

With all the hype surrounding Cal going into the season, the Golden Bears have only showed glimpses of putting it together. But if Wallace can perform alongside Jaylen Brown, the team has the tools to make a deep run into March.

Ben Bentil, Providence

A scoring and rebounding machine, Bentil is proof that the Friars are worse when he's not playing.