It's back. March Madness is finally back. It kicked off with a bang Thursday night in the First Four -- two one-point games and another that went to overtime -- and it will only get better in the weeks ahead. After a long wait, we'll be glued to the TV.
So will the Pistons.
Detroit is poised to pick in the top five of the draft for the first time in nearly 20 years. If the season ended today, the club would be guaranteed to pick in the top six, with a 40 percent chance of picking in the top three and a 14 percent chance of picking first.
Wherever the Pistons land, it's a good bet their next first-rounder is about to play a prominent role in the NCAA Tournament. So here are five players to watch this month who could be destined for stardom in Detroit.
1. Cade Cunningham, freshman guard, Oklahoma State
The Big-12 Player of the Year is also the consensus No. 1 pick. He's an offensive dynamo who's drawn comparisons to Luka Doncic. He can score, he can distribute, he can handle; he'd immediately become the centerpiece of the Pistons' rebuild.
First-round matchup: (4) Oklahoma State vs. (13) Liberty, Friday, 6:25
2. Evan Mobley, freshman center, USC
If Cunningham is a lock to go No. 1, Mobley is the favorite to go No. 2. The Pac-12 Player of the Year is the epitome of the modern big man, a long, wiry athlete who can attack a defense in a variety of ways. It's no mistake he's been compared to Anthony Davis.
First-round matchup: (6) USC vs. (11) Drake, Saturday, 4:30
3. Jalen Suggs, freshman point guard, Gonzaga
It's hard to find a flaw in Suggs' game, aside from a streaky three-pointer. Otherwise, he's everything you'd want in a point guard. Suggs and Killian Hayes would give the Pistons two high-end talents to build around at the game's most important position.
First-round matchup: (1) Gonzaga vs. (16) Norfolk State, Saturday, 9:20
4. Scottie Barnes, freshman forward, Florida State
Pistons GM Troy Weaver has an affinity for players like Barnes, long, versatile athletes who know how to defend. That's not to sell Barnes short offensively. He has the tools and IQ to give teams headaches in the NBA from numerous positions.
First-round matchup: (4) FSU vs. (13) UNC Greensboro, Saturday, 12:45
5. James Bouknight, sophomore guard, Connecticut
Finally, a "veteran" college player. Bouknight isn't quite a top-five pick, but a big tournament could vault him into the discussion. He's got major bounce and an array of offensive moves. Guards from UConn have a knack for getting hot in March.
First-round matchup: (7) UConn vs. (10) Maryland, Saturday, 7:10
