5 Hidden gem March Madness players Nets should have their eyes on

Each and every year, March Madness serves as a showcase for overlooked talent — players who may not be projected first round picks but still possess skill sets that make them interesting prospects and entertaining watches if nothing else.

For an any team, including a rebuilding Brooklyn Nets franchise looking to maximize league-leading cap space and form a future contender, March becomes the perfect stage to pinpoint potentially cost-effective talent. Many players in the tournament, if they play well enough, have the chance to go from unheralded workhorses to legitimate NBA considerations.

Hidden Gems: March Madness

Caleb Grill, G, Missouri

Following stops at Iowa State and UNLV, Grill has settled in at Missouri, where his ability to stretch the floor and defend at a high level made an immediate impact. The do-it-all guard is no stranger to pressure-filled moments either, helping Iowa State to the Sweet 16 in 2022. His growth has relied heavily on relentless energy, coachability and a desire to impact winning without forcing high usage, invaluable traits in any team sport.

Grill’s combination of experience,, perseverance, defensive tenacity and perimeter shooting easily makes him a player with the potential to soak up some spotlight.

Bennett Stirtz, G, Drake

Let’s see what this floor general can do when the lights are brightest. Stirtz has a knack for controlling the pace and making the right reads, also understanding how to get his teammates involved while still generating a scoring threat himself. Where Stirtz’s athleticism may lack, his feel for the game makes up for it.

Guards who play under control, take care of the ball and make high percentage plays will always be able to make a strong case for themselves, especially if they’ve able to lead their team to a tournament run.

Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, F, UC-San Diego

Tait-Jones is a pure matchup nightmare. Strong enough to finish through contract, big enough to fight inside and skilled enough to operate on the perimeter, the Big West Player of the Year displays an abundant versatility that separates him from many forwards in the tournament.

If he can show consistency from three-point range, highlighting both his rebounding skill and defensive awareness as well, his stock could rise rapidly. Looking for dynamic wing players with the tools to fit multiple roles? Tait-Jones fits that bill.

Tyler McGhie, G, UC-San Diego

McGhie can shoots the lights out — one of the premier three-point specialists in college basketball. His shooting is a key factor in UC-San Diego’s offensive strategy and success, able to  stretch defenses, score efficiently from the perimeter and takeover games in an instant

His consistency and ability to perform under pressure could make a splash across basketball circles if his hot shooting continues through March. No chance you could list Tait-Jones here without mentioning McGhie.

Ian Martinez, G, Utah State

You can’t miss Martinez’s athleticism, agility and defensive intensity in the backcourt. His experience across different programs (Utah & Maryland) has contributed to his adaptability and understanding of different play styles, blossoming into a disruptive dual-threat option that constantly annoys any and all opposition.

Martinez is the type of high-energy guard that teams love to have, a menace that thrives in transition.

Putting reliable offensive efficiency on tape in the tournament would go a long way in terms of raising his stock as he continues to develop his game for a shot at the next level.