2023 March Madness 10 best players by region: South
8. Reece Beekman, G, Virginia
Another standout ACC guard, Beekman鈥檚 statistics may not wow with just 9.4 points, 5.3 assists and three rebounds a game, but where he gets his work done is on the defensive end. Typically tasked with guarding the opposing team鈥檚 top threat, Beekman ranked near the top of the ACC in steals averaging 1.8 for a Virginia defense that ranks first in the ACC in scoring defense and fourth in opponents鈥� field goal percentage.
Given his penchant for defense, the 6-foot-3 guard was named the conference鈥檚 defensive player of the year and earned all-ACC third-team honors. Leading a strong Cavaliers defense, expect Beekman to lead the charge for the four seed in its match against Furman.
Reece Beekman has entered the first round conversation as one of the best defenders in college basketball while efficiently shouldering a bigger offensive load for undefeated Virginia. ESPN analysis and mock draft update:
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress)
