As the college basketball season hits its most intense stretch, momentum becomes everything. Performances in late February and early March shape narratives, influence rankings, and redefine expectations.
For fans across the US, this is the point where individual brilliance starts separating genuine contenders from the rest. Certain players elevate their teams at precisely the right time, delivering efficiency, versatility, and leadership when it matters most.
In NCAAB, these late-season surges do more than fill highlight reels. They shift how analysts, fans, and oddsmakers view the road ahead. When consistency meets timing, momentum follows.
With conference tournaments approaching and the national spotlight growing brighter, several standout players are driving the conversation. Their impact is undeniable, and their form plays a significant role as March Madness odds begin to take shape.
Jeremy Fears Jr.
College: Michigan State
Jeremy Fears Jr. is gaining momentum as one of the most composed floor generals in the NCAAB. His high assist rate and strong assist-to-turnover ratio highlight a guard who values control as much as creativity.
Fears consistently puts teammates in scoring positions while keeping the offense organized, a trait that becomes increasingly valuable late in the season.
What separates Fears is his decision-making under pressure. He scans defenses, adjusts pace when needed, and rarely forces risky passes. That calm presence allows Michigan State to execute cleanly in close games.
Fans monitoring Fears through the lens of FanDuel March Madness odds notice that he pushes tempo when opportunities arise and slows it down when structure matters most.
For fans watching tournament readiness take shape, point guard play often defines success. Fears provides stability that travels well in postseason environments. As March approaches, his ability to manage possessions and elevate efficiency gives Michigan State a reliable backbone. Momentum favors teams with guards who lead, and Fears fits that role with confidence and consistency.
Nick Martinelli
College: Northwestern
Nick Martinelli represents a different but equally valuable form of momentum. Efficiency drives his impact. Shooting over 66% from the field, Martinelli ranks among the most efficient scorers in the country. NCAAB narratives show that that level of precision reshapes how teams approach offensive execution.
Martinelli thrives by making the right play at the right time. He scores within the flow, capitalizes on mismatches, and finishes possessions with authority. His shot selection reflects discipline, and that reliability stabilizes Northwestern during pressure moments.
For fans, efficiency translates directly into trust. Coaches lean on players who maximize opportunities without forcing action, and Martinelli does precisely that. As March approaches, his ability to convert high-percentage looks raises his team’s ceiling.
Momentum builds quietly through consistency, and Martinelli’s numbers signal a player peaking when the stakes rise.
Joseph (Dojo) Tugler
College: Houston
Momentum doesn’t belong exclusively to scorers, and Joseph (Dojo) Tugler proves that through defensive excellence and adaptability. Recognized as one of the most switchable defenders in the country, Tugler impacts every possession without needing the ball. In the NCAAB, defense often dictates tempo, and Tugler excels at controlling it.
His ability to guard multiple positions allows Houston to stay aggressive without compromising structure. Tugler closes passing lanes, challenges shots, and recovers quickly on rotations. These skills disrupt offensive flow and generate transition opportunities.
Fans watching late-season matchups notice how Tugler subtly but decisively changes games. Defensive momentum builds confidence across an entire lineup. When one player sets the tone, others follow.
As tournament pressure increases, teams rely on defenders who remain composed and consistent, making Tugler a critical piece as expectations rise.
Thomas Haugh
College: Florida
Thomas Haugh embodies the modern forward in the NCAAB. Standing 6’9”, he blends size with vision, functioning as an elite connector on the floor. His ability to score efficiently while facilitating offense gives Florida valuable flexibility during critical stretches.
Haugh reads defenses well, making quick decisions that keep possessions moving. He spaces the floor, attacks closeouts, and finds teammates in rhythm. That versatility allows coaches to deploy multiple lineup combinations without sacrificing balance.
Momentum favors players who elevate those around them, and Haugh consistently does precisely that. His presence simplifies the game for teammates, especially under pressure. As March approaches, versatility becomes a premium trait. Neutral courts and unfamiliar opponents reward adaptability, positioning Haugh as a contributor whose influence grows when margins narrow.
Trey Kaufman-Renn
College: Purdue
Trey Kaufman-Renn brings physical authority and refined footwork to the forefront of late-season discussions. As a dominant forward averaging high points and rebounds, he controls space in the paint with confidence. In the NCAAB, interior presence remains vital, particularly when games slow down.
Kaufman-Renn scores efficiently around the rim, uses angles effectively, and finishes through contact. His rebounding secures extra possessions and limits opponents’ second chances. That combination creates stability during tense moments.
Fans value players who deliver consistency inside when perimeter shots stop falling. Kaufman-Renn provides that anchor for Purdue. His footwork and positioning are also noteworthy, reflecting experience and poise.
As teams prepare for tournament environments, reliable interior production becomes invaluable, and his impact strengthens as the season approaches its defining stage.
Why Momentum Matters When the Bracket Beckons
Late-season momentum shapes everything that fans will experience during March. In the NCAAB, players peaking at the right time often define tournament narratives. The stars gaining traction now bring clarity to expectations and fuel excitement nationwide.
Scorers like Jeremy Fears, efficient finishers like Nick Martinelli, defensive anchors like Dojo Tugler, versatile connectors like Thomas Haugh, and interior forces like Trey Kaufman-Renn each represent different paths to impact. Together, they highlight how diverse skills converge during the most critical stretch of the season.
As conference tournaments unfold and national attention intensifies, these players influence confidence, matchups, and outcomes. Momentum isn’t accidental; it is earned through consistency and performance under pressure.
For fans following every development, these rising players make March more compelling, more unpredictable, and undeniably unforgettable.
