4 Hidden gem March Madness players the Rockets should have their eyes on

Many Houston Rockets fans have gotten used to watching the NCAA March Madness tournament.

They're not necessarily invested in teams. It's more likely that they'll be invested in players. The Rockets have picked in the lottery for four straight seasons. Even casual fans in Houston have grown accustomed to keeping an eye on the most talented players in the world.

This year is no exception. Granted, it should be the first time the Rockets pick outside of the top 5 in a while. Barring a tremendous stroke of luck, the Suns are likely to send them a pick on the periphery of the lottery.

That leaves them with no shortage of intriguing players to watch. The Rockets could trade up with their excess assets, but it feels more likely that they'd trade down. With that in mind, it's worth keeping an eye on a fairly wide rang of prospects.

Here are 4 under-the-radar prospects you may not have considered yet.

1. Carter Bryant, Arizona

If Bryant even qualifies as "under the radar", he may not for long.

In his Wildcat's tournament game against Akron, he had 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal. Bryant looked like an archetypical NBA wing. At 6'8", he's flashed defensive versatility and potent athleticism.

There is speculation that he may return to Arizona for a sophomore campaign. As it stands, Bryant is typically mocked outside of the lottery. If he spent another year in college, he may be able to raise his stock.

Let's assume he does declare for 2025. If so, Bryant will still turn heads. This is a player the Rockets could look to target in a trade down, or even justify reaching for if they like what they see.

2. Adou Thiero, Arkansas

By contrast, Thiero is likely to stay under the radar. In the Razorback's next contest, he'll be returning from a hyperextended knee. Legendary coach John Calipari has indicated that he'll be on a minutes restriction.

That's unfortunate for Thiero. It's unfortunate for the Razorbacks. It may not be so bad for the Rockets. If they like this kid, they could trade (way) down in the draft, pick up some assets, and walk away with a young player they like.

There's plenty to like about Thiero. He's a portable 6'8" wing who can defend multiple positions. He's not as offensively polished as Bryant - questions about his jump shot are persistent - but he may be a more aggressive defender. This is a player who could endear himself to Ime Udoka.

3. Danny Wolf, Michigan

It's hard to say the same about Wolf. If not for concerns about his defensive viability, he'd likely be in lottery conversations.

His offensive skillset is dazzling. Wolf is a 7'0" combo big who can space the floor. He's also a gifted passer. Wolf is a boom-or-bust prospect. His athletic limitations could be so severe as to limit his NBA minutes, but if he can overcome them, he has star potential.

That also makes him a questionable fit alongside Alperen Sengun. If the Rockets take Wolf, fans will know they're strictly in best player available mode. Still, he could be the stretch big the team has been missing in 2024-25. If Wolf compliments Amen Thompson, he could have a future with the team.

4. Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas

Did somebody say stretch big?

For that matter, did somebody say hidden gem? Ivisic is sometimes mocked outside of the first round. He's the ultimate trade down candidate for the Rockets.

There is a lot to like about him. Ivisic has a high feel for the game. He looks like a potential dribble hand-off hub for the Razorbacks. Ivisic is also 7'2" and shooting 37.9% from long-range this year. What exactly is keeping this kid out of the lottery?

Mobility. Ivisic does profile as the type of big man who could struggle to defend the pick-and-roll in the NBA. That said, he should be a solid stationary rim protector. The Rockets already survive with Sengun at the 5. It feels likely that Ime Udoka's defensive schemes could offset Ivisic's weaknesses, and his ability to space the floor could unlock a lot of possibilities for the team.

Rockets fans should keep an eye on him.