The best current NBA player from every Sweet 16 team left in the NCAA Tournament
By Ben Handler
11. North Carolina State Wolfpack: Caleb Martin
The last team on the list and the only double-digit seed to make it out of the first weekend of the tournament alive is the Wolfpack. They don’t have a clear-cut winner, so I’m giving it to Martin based on his unprecedented performance in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals when he inexplicably morphed into Michael Jordan for two weeks.
Martin has been a solid NBA role player and a good defender, but his performance in that series simply defies logic and trumps anything that any other NC State player has done. Martin’s twin brother Cody has a similar game and resume, but he’s wasting away in Charlotte.
Dennis Smith Jr. has turned into a good defender, but he’s more a draft bust than a hit. It’s nice to see TJ Warren back in the league but he’s well past his prime. Omer Yurtseven and Terquavion Smith are intriguing prospects, but right now it’s Caleb Martin and his playoff magic that stand out.
The best player in school history is Naismith Hall of Famer and Denver legend, David Thompson, who led the school to an undefeated season and a national championship. Other former stars include Tom Gugliotta, Thurl Bailey, Spud Webb, and Vinny Del Negro.