Ten Minnesotans to watch in the NCAA men's basketball tournament

If Wisconsin makes it to the men's Final Four, there will be three Minnesotans playing key roles for the Badgers. For that matter, you won't have to look too far to find players from the state when the NCAA men's tournament begins Tuesday. Our list does include one former Gophers player.

KENDALL BROWN, BAYLOR • Freshman guard, 6-8 • High school: East Ridge

A projected NBA lottery pick like fellow Minnesotan Chet Holmgren, Brown has been a glue guy for the defending champion Bears. Throws down crowd-pleasing slams and defends multiple positions, but he has also expanded his game.

BRAD DAVISON, WISCONSIN • Senior guard, 6-3 • High school: Maple Grove

Mr. Badger returned for a fifth season to help lead his team to a co-Big Ten regular season title. He averaged a career-high 14.5 points, while also becoming the program's all-time leading three-point shooter.

STEVEN CROWL, WISCONSIN • Sophomore center, 7-0 • High school: Eastview

The most improved big man for Wisconsin after his scoring and rebounding jumped from 0.7 points and 0.8 rebounds per game last year to 9.1 and 4.5 as a starter this season.

Following in footsteps of former prep teammate Jalen Suggs, Holmgren went from prep to college All-America in his first season with the Zags. Had two games with more than 20 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks this year, playing alongside star Drew Timme.

JACOB HUTSON, LOYOLA CHICAGO • Sophomore center, 6-10 • High school: Edina

He averaged 5.1 points on 48% shooting and started 19 games this season, highlighted by a career-high 26 points in a victory over Arizona State in the Bahamas in November.

MICHAEL JONES, DAVIDSON • Junior guard, 6-5 • High school: Woodbury

One of the top shooters in the Atlantic 10, Jones had a 29-point game vs. Richmond earlier this year and scored 17 points in the rematch against the Spiders in Sunday's A-10 tourney final. Averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting 43.8% from three-point range.

Transferred from the Gophers and became a starting guard and third-leading scorer for first-year Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger, averaging 9.3 ppg. Highlight was a 30-point game vs. Memphis.

DAVID RODDY, COLORADO STATE • Junior forward, 6-5 • High school: Breck

Mountain West Player of the Year and a third-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, he averaged 19.4 points to lead the Rams to their first NCAA appearance since 2013. Fellow Minnesotan and Rams coach Niko Medved also received an extension through 2028-29.

RACE THOMPSON, INDIANA • Senior forward, 6-8 • High school: Armstrong

Considered transferring home to play for Gophers after entering the portal last spring, but he teamed with Trayce Jackson-Davis to lead Hoosiers to their first NCAA bid since 2016. Averaged 11.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg while starting all 33 games.

Turned into one of the best post threats and clutch performers for the Badgers this season, including 13 double-figure scoring games in Big Ten play. Averaged 11.4 ppg and 5.7 rpg.