Best players to watch in men's NCAA Tournament: Alabama's Brandon Miller, Purdue's Zach Edey among stars

March is the time for stars to shine – which means you need to pick your bracket at least somewhat based on individual play.

Teams win titles, and we know that. But standout play from one or two regulars can go a long way this time of year. NCAA Tournament history is full of stories about players who got hot at the right time, put teams on their backs and took them on deep runs, some all the way to the national championship (we're looking at you, Kemba Walker, and the 2011 NCAA title).

Below you'll find 15 players who have the ability to do the same. Maybe they won't dance all the way to Houston, but their play will be critical in how long their teams can survive the Madness. Most are on the radar of NBA scouts, but some are looking to draw more eyeballs. All have the ability to take over a game.

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Max Abmas, Oral Roberts

Basics: 6-0, 175, Sr., G

Stats: 22.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists

He's special because: The two-time Summit League player of the year, Abmas is the best true mid-major player in the tournament. He's a lethal outside shooter who's hit 117 3s this season (fourth most in Division I) and averages 3.55 makes per game (fifth-best in DI). Teams that let him get hot from outside pay the price.

Marcus Carr, Texas

Basics: 6-2, 175 lbs, Sr., G

Stats: 15.9 points, 4.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds

He's special because: The Longhorns have a balanced attack but will go the way of Carr, who can score but also loves to set up teammates. Texas hasn't been to a Final Four since 2003, and did it then with the play of another stellar point guard, T.J. Ford – their stats, by the way, are eerily similar.

Zach Edey, Purdue

Basics: 7-4, 290, Jr., C

Stats: 20.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.3 blocks

He's special because: The most dominant player in college basketball, his size gives teams fits. He's recorded a double-double in 26 of 33 games this year, tied for most in college hoops this season.

Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Basics: 7-0, 230, Fr., C

Stats: 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals

He's special because: One of only two Duke players to start every game this season, he's a gifted passer who's playing his best basketball at the right time (ditto for his team). He won ACC Tournament MVP honors after averaging 19.7 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 24-of-36 (.667) from the field.

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Keyonte George, Baylor

Basics: 6-4, 185, Fr., G

Stats: 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds

He's special because: The Big 12 freshman of the year, George is an NBA lottery pick in waiting who’s scored 20 or more in 12 games this season for the Bears, a Baylor record. He hasn't played great the last few games, but he'll be eager to make a statement early in his first NCAA Tournament.

Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana

Basics: 6-9, 245, Sr., F

Stats: 20.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 57.9% FG

He's special because: In the last 30 years, there's only been one high-major player to finish his career with more than 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 250 blocks and 200 assists. That guy's name is Tim Duncan. Jackson-Davis, who has started every game of his career (124 and counting) already has 2,211 career points, 1,124 rebounds, 260 blocks and 265 assists. There might be better players, but there is none more outstanding.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA

Basics: 6-7,  225, Sr., G/F

Stats: 17.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 47.4% FG

He's special because: The best all-around player in the conference can do whatever his team needs, whenever it needs it and is praised for his steady play. With Bruins guard Jaylen Clark sidelined for the tournament with an Achilles injury, Jaquez's contributions and efficiency become even more important.

Tyler Kolek, Marquette

Basics: 6-3, 190, Soph., PG

Stats: 13.3 points, 7.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 48.3% FG

He's special because: The Big East player of the year, Kolek is one of the best distributors in the country. His ability to direct the offense and make sure the Golden Eagles get the best shot possible is a big part of why Marquette is a Final Four favorite.

Brandon Miller, Alabama

Basics: 6-9, 200, Fr., F

Stats: 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 45.5% FG

He's special because: Miller isn't just the best freshman in the country but maybe the best overall player in the country. His long, lanky frame and athleticism will translate immediately at the next level, and he can score from all over. He also seems to crave the big moment.

Jamal Shead, Houston

Basics: 6-1, 195, Jr., G

Stats: 10.3 points, 5.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds

He's special because: He has to be. If American Athletic Conference player of the year Marcus Sasser is out for an extended period of time, more responsibility will fall to Shead. One of Houston's greatest strengths is its balanced scoring attack, which means Shead's role becomes even more important in making sure the ball is in the right player's hands at the right time. He'll also need to up his scoring production.

Jalen Slawson, Furman

Basics: 6-7, 215, Sr., F

Stats: 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists

He's special because: The consensus 2023 Southern Conference player of the year and last year's conference defensive player of the year, he's also a finalist for the Lou Henson award, given annually to the midmajor player of the year. He does everything for the Paladins, which could spell trouble for Virginia, among others.

Drew Timme, Gonzaga

Basics: 6-10, 235, Sr., F

Stats: 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists

He's special because: The Zags' all-time leading scorer, he's a crafty player who uses his basketball IQ and terrific footwork to get to the basket, even when it looks like he has nowhere to go. He's also a seasoned veteran who has seen pretty much anything a defense can throw at him. No matter how you try to defend him, he will find a way to score.

Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky

Basics: 6-9, 260, Sr., F

Stats: 16.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, 56% FG

He's special because: Talk about an elite rebounder. Tshiebwe leads the country in rebounds per game, and earlier this season grabbed 24 boards vs. Georgia. He’s a likely second-round draft pick looking to move up the draft board this postseason, and he's playing his best basketball when it matters most: He's scored 20 or more in four of his past eight games.

Azuolas Tubelis, Arizona

Basics: 6-11, 245, Jr., F

Stats: 19.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 57.5% FG

He's special because: The Pac-12’s leading scorer and rebounder throughout the regular season, he came all the way from Lithuania to play for the Wildcats. He's always a threat to get a double-double, and he's a highly efficient scorer.

Jalen Wilson, Kansas

Basics: 6-8, 225, Jr., F

Stats: 20.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists

He's special because: The unanimous Big 12 player of the year, he led the conference in scoring, rebounding and double-doubles this season (12). He's nearly doubled his scoring average from last season, and has improved and developed year after year.

Follow Lindsay Schnell on Twitter @Lindsay_Schnell.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2023 NCAA Tournament's best men's players to watch