March is here. The madness of college basketball has arrived, ready to push us into Spring and the NBA Playoffs. The Big Dance is the proving ground where players are stress-tested in front of millions of eyes. Some players thrive in this environment, while others falter. A few games don’t override a body of work, but NBA scouts are watching, and a strong tournament has boosted the stock of many.
Player development has been at the core of the Celtics’ success this season, with Boston quickly reloading
their depth. They currently hold the 27th pick — one spot below where they selected Hugo Gonzalez. It’s remarkable for a team that many projected was set for a down year.
With the bracket locked and games starting today, here are five players to watch that Boston could consider when they’re on the clock in June.
Isaiah Evans | Wing | Duke
A year ago, Evans appeared on this list as a freshman playing a supporting role behind the eventual first overall pick, Cooper Flagg. His three point shotmaking stood out, paired with his comfort in a complementary role made him worth tracking. He elected to come back for his sophomore year, and the intrigue is definitely still there.
Evans’ three point percentage is down a bit this year, but it’s his shot profile, attempt rate and size that still makes him a dangerous marksman. He’s Duke’s 2nd leading scorer putting up 14.9 points per game. After ranking sixth in scoring and playing just 14 minutes per game as a freshman, he’s taken a clear step forward into a featured role.
His comfort as a movement shooter would make him an easy fit with Boston. The way he flies around screens, or ghosts them, is reminiscent of how the Celtics shooters operate. That utility paired with his elite 87% from the free throw line makes his shot a great bet to translate to the next level.
For a Celtics team that places a premium on floor spacing, a decisive and reliable off-ball weapon is an interesting option at 27.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (1) Duke vs. (16) Siena | 2:50 p.m. ET
Aday Mara | Center | Michigan
The 7’3 Spaniard Aday Mara has been one of the most impactful defensive forces in college basketball this season. He leads the NCAA in Defensive Box Plus/Minus, and block percentage, earning him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Mara is a massive individual, and controls the paint on both ends. An interesting wrinkle to his game is that he’s not just a rim-runner. He’s a skilled and creative passer as well, averaging 2.3 APG. The Celtics would value his short roll passing, and potential to serve as a playmaker in dribble handoff scenarios.
Whether he falls to 27 is certainly a question. But if the board breaks right, Mara could be a game-changing interior presence to bolster the Celtics center rotation. It would also be fun to reunite him with fellow Spaniard Hugo Gonzalez.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (1) Michigan vs. (16) Howard | 7:10 p.m. ET
Dailyn Swain | Wing | Texas
Texas had to survive the First Four just to get here, beating NC State on Tuesday night to punch their ticket as an 11-seed. Swain is flying under the radar a bit, but if he performs on this stage, he’ll be difficult to ignore.
He’s having an impressive breakout season after following head coach Sean Miller to Texas from Xavier. Swain is averaging 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds on 54.3% from the field, and 34.5% from three.
He’s been sensational driving to the hoop, ranking in the 92nd percentile on rim attacks. He also brings a high level of feel as a creator, emerging as Division I’s leading isolation scorer.
While there’s been real improvement with his jump shot each season, it’s a swing skill that could make it difficult for him to slide naturally into a lower usage role. However, his defensive floor is high. He’s a disruptor on that end, and uses his 6’8” frame to jump passing lanes and switch across multiple positions.
He might be a higher-usage player than Boston typically targets late in the first round, but if he can buy into a smaller creation role, his downhill scoring ability and athleticism would give the Celtics’ wing rotation a new layer of size and skill.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (11) Texas vs. (6) BYU | 7:25 p.m. ET
Morez Johnson Jr. | Power Forward | Michigan
Morez Johnson is the second member on this list from Michigan’s exciting frontcourt, which also includes projected first rounder Yaxel Lendeborg.
His season stats – 13.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 62.9% FG — don’t jump off the screen, but he’s got a level of strength and physicality that should make him capable of quickly handling a transition to the NBA.
At 6’9 he lacks some of the size to be full-time 5, but he could be a very interesting switch everything small ball option at times. He’s already proven capable of playing next to a 7-foot center as well in Mara, so the lineup options are not limited.
The Celtics have shown a willingness to play two bigs over the years. Johnson’s motor, defensive playmaking, and physicality make him a natural choice in that way. He provides something different than they have as a 4-5 hybrid, but that could be a welcomed addition and a boost to their defensive versatility.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (1) Michigan vs. (16) Howard | 7:10 p.m. ET
Amari Allen | Small Forward | Alabama
Allen is the quietest name on this list but a player worth watching nonetheless.
The Alabama freshman has a well-rounded game. He’s averaging 11.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.1 APG along with solid steal and block rates. His three-pointer sits at 36.5% on a smooth, repeatable stroke. He’s 6’7, plays within the flow of an NBA-style offense, and can handle himself on and off the ball on both ends.
Allen may not be the flashiest option, but he profiles as a player who adds value in a lot of areas. He’s not so different from some of the young talent already in Boston’s wing room, but if they reshuffle their depth in the offseason, Allen profiles as the type of plug-and-play piece who could step into minutes early.
Where to watch: Friday, March 20 | (4) Alabama vs. (13) Hofstra | 3:15 p.m. ET
