3 Players Rockets fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament

The Houston Rockets have been making a strong push at the finish line for the play-in tournament, as the team has won six in a row. This push has made both the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers sweat it out, as the Rockets are just two and a half games back of the final slot in the Western Conference.

Whether or not they make it is besides the point, because these last 14 games will allow their players to play in high-stakes games, which their current core has never had. Jalen Green has been absolutely sensational of late, nabbing Western Conference Player of the Week and averaging 26.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 40 percent from deep, and 62.2 percent true shooting over the last nine games.

The Rockets will look to the 2024 NBA Draft to build upon their current young core, and have the Brooklyn Nets' first-round draft pick, which is a great pick to have, considering Brooklyn's eighth-worst 26-43 record. With the NCAA men's tournament finally upon us, let's take a look at several prospects worth monitoring for the Rockets. 

Honorable Mention: Kel'el Ware

Kel'el Ware has become a nightly lock for a double-double. In fact, Ware has posted 20 point- 10 rebound performances white regularly. 

His scoring has picked up this season, with averages of 15.9 points, 58.6 percent from the field, and 42.5 percent from deep this season. By comparison, last season Ware averaged 6.6 points, 45.7 percent from the field, and 27.3 percent from deep.

Ware has been in full force offensively, seeking to destroy the opposition on every possession. 

Ware has thrived as both a floor spacer, as he's made 42.5 percent from deep this season (1.3 attempts) as opposed to 27.3 percent from three as a freshman (1.6 attempts). Ware is also excellent as a rim-runner and lob threat.

Granted, his motor and passion hasn't always instilled confidence, and with Indiana passing on the NIT tournament, he won't be able to eradicate those in tournament play, like those who actually made the list.