Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech
It’s appropriate that the above picture is of Zhaire Smith dunking, because that’s where the majority of his points come from.
The freshman has come out of nowhere this season and is drawing looks from NBA scouts because of his defense and athletic ability.
Smith doesn’t bring much on the offensive end, but he’s a tough, explosive player that is an intriguing prospect.
It’s unlikely that Smith declares for the draft after this season, but he’s been mocked in the first round of several mock drafts.
Texas Tech is a three seed that not many people are talking about, but they play a tough style of basketball and have played a difficult schedule in the Big 12.
Smith doesn’t light up the stat sheet as he averages just over 11 points per game, but he is capable of producing some highlight reel plays and should be a player fans should keep an eye on as the tournament goes on.
Next, we’ll look at another underrated player on one of the most balanced teams in the country.