For many players who want to turn professional in the U.S., the journey starts in college, and there’s no bigger stage to present your resume than the NCAA Tournament.
The annual postseason tournament kicks off today, with 16 First Round games starting later this evening. While many top pro prospects won’t kick off until Sunday when the Second Round gets underway, there are a few players that many at the top level will be watching closely today.
Among those set to play this weekend include MAC Hermann Trophy front-runner Fabian Herbers, U.S. Men’s National team forward Jordan Morris and Georgetown defender Joshua Yaro, arguably the nation’s most talented player.
Here are some of the top players you should keep an eye on during the NCAA Tournament:
Fabian Herbers (Creighton) – Creighton’s chances of winning the NCAA title are as high as anyone’s as long as Fabian Herbers is available. The junior forward is the front-runner to win this year’s MAC Hermann Trophy, which is annually awarded to the best college player. He has racked up 15 goals and 12 assists in 20 games this year.
Julian Buescher (Syracuse) – Syracuse earned a No. 6 seed for winning the ACC championship, and no other player was more influential for the Orange this year than Julian Buescher. Recording eight goals and eight assists in 21 games, the sophomore midfielder is one of the most highly rated midfielders across the country.
Jordan Morris (Stanford) – By now, many U.S. Soccer supporters know that Jordan Morris is a special talent at the collegiate level. His play so far with Stanford has proven just as much. Despite playing five fewer games than many of his teammates, Morris has a team-leading eight goals this year. He has also assisted twice.
Abu Danladi (UCLA) – UCLA sneaked into the playoffs after a below-average regular season campaign, but the problem was not in the offense. Abu Danladi is one of a trio of attacking talents for the Bruins, but the sophomore forward’s ability to be creative makes him stand out. His six goals this season are third on the team, but his 10 assists are second to none.
Joshua Yaro (Georgetown) – Joshua Yaro is widely regarded as the best defender, and possibly the best player, in the nation. He is a sure-fire bet to a high overall pick in the offseason MLS SuperDraft, should he decide to enter. His pace and athleticism make him difficult to break down, which is what Georgetown hopes not to see if it is to win the NCAA title this year.
Jonathan Campbell (North Carolina) – Senior centerback Jonathan Campbell stands at 6-foot-2 and will attempt to lead North Carolina to its first NCAA title since 2011. Campbell may arguably be the most intelligent player in the tournament, but his size and strength make him a powerful presence in the defense and in the attack — akin to former Tar Heels and current FC Dallas centerback Matt Hedges.
Mael Corboz (Maryland) – Maryland’s season has not played out like many predicted, but the Terrapins are Big Ten champions once again. Senior midfielder Mael Corboz is a big reason for that. The defensive midfielder has not matched his goal total from a year ago, but he still is a key influence for the Terrapins’ attack, having assisted nine goals this year.
Jack Harrison (Wake Forest) – Wake Forest head coach Bobby Muuss told SBI earlier this season that freshman Jack Harrison was a “game-changer,” and it’s becoming quite apparent how much of a playmaker he is with each and every game. The former Manchester United youth player started in all 19 of the Demon Deacons’ games, leading the team in goals and assists with eight and 11, respectively.
Callum Irving (Kentucky) – Kentucky has a tough road ahead of it, but the Wildcats may arguably have the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Callum Irving has started in all 18 games for the Wildcats this season and has a 0.61 goals against average with 10 shutouts. At the beginning of the campaign, the senior netminder was chosen as one of SBI’s Top 30 College MLS Draft Prospects.
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Who would you add to this list? Which player(s) will you be keeping an eye on during this year’s tournament?
Share your thoughts below?
not many americans on the list. doesn’t that hinder teams from picking them up a bit? or a guy like leo stolz last year was picked up high and im not sure if he made any appearances for first team at all. worth using a 1st team roster spot on?
You may think it hinders teams from picking up a player, but then you look at a guy like Cyle Larin, who graduated from UConn last year and broke the rookie scoring record in MLS this season. He’s Canadian, yet I think a few teams around the league would like to have picked him.