The improbable run by a relatively unknown Saint Peter’s University from New Jersey has officially taken over March Madness. The Peacocks took down Purdue, the No 3 seed last Friday, 67-64, to become the first-ever 15-seed to advance to the Elite Eight. “It’s not just a Cinderella story,” declared Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey. “It’s David vs. Goliath.” Win or lose against North Carolina later tonight, the story of the Jesuit co-ed basketball team might not come to an end just like that as there could there be a place for their leading players in the NBA?
A historic year for the underdogs 🙌#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/9RahKa3ok0 — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2022
Who Amongst the Peacocks Stand an NBA Chance? And with every Cinderella story comes Cinderella – the one player on the fan-favorite team that everyone freaks out over. This year, for St. Peter’s, that player is none other than Doug Edert. Edert stopped 20 and 13 points off the bench in each of the Peacocks’ first two games, respectively. He’s leading the team in scoring so far and doing it all with the type of swagger that people love. Dude has even made a name for himself off the court, signing an endorsement deal with a fast-food chain in the midst of his team’s amazing run. And why not? The run is capturing the hearts of basketball fans everywhere, so now’s the time to run with it.
"We're happy… but don't mistake, we're not satisfied" Doug Edert believes Saint Peter's belongs in the Elite 8 pic.twitter.com/XegmHm4uCF — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 26, 2022
Daryl Banks III Another major name that needs to be mentioned is Daryl Banks III. Edert may be the sparkplug scorer off the bench, but Banks is the Peacocks’ go-to guy when they need a bucket, as he is leading the team’s score chart. Banks is a 6’3” guard that just knows how to work with the basketball in his hands. He’s a very capable three-point shooter, although he usually prefers to take the ball inside the three-point line. If he continues to turn heads in the tournament, there’s no reason for him not to get an invite to the NBA’s pro day or even the draft combine. It’s more likely for Edert because of his great shooting, but Banks has a shot, too.
Daryl Banks III balled out for Saint Peter's as they STUNNED Kentucky! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bfh4N0ix9L — theScore (@theScore) March 18, 2022
KC Ndefo and Shaheen Holloway Also deserving of a mention on the Peacocks’ roster is KC Ndefo. He’s a 6’7” forward who showed out in their win over Murray State in the second round. He is showing some defensive chops, but before even getting a chance at the NBA, Ndefo would probably have to leverage an offer from a better Division 1 school where he could get more reps. But lastly, the coach of Saint Peter’s, Shaheen Holloway, deserves a shoutout, too. He’s a former professional basketball player who played in various leagues around the world. With how well he has coached this team to victory, expect him to get some offers from other major colleges. And maybe one day he could even work his way up to be an assistant coach in the NBA. Already, there has been talk that Holloway might leave when the season ends, perhaps for the head coach’s job at Seton Hall University, his alma mater. There has also been talk that some St. Peter’s players might follow.
For the people in the back 🗣🗣🗣@PeacocksMBB Head Coach Shaheen Holloway 🦚#MAACHoops x #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/k01KgISo3w — #MAACSports (@MAACSports) March 26, 2022
Why so Noteworthy? The Peacocks have won zero national championships and have zero players in the NBA at present. Matter of fact, the last Peacock to suit up in the league was Rich Rinaldi, who played in seven games for the 1973-74 Capital Bullets. But all that might just change in the near future due to the on-going heroics of the Saint Peters’ personnel (players and coach alike) The school is tiny. The players are small. It makes no sense. Yet this is what March Madness is about, right?
Two have been here before, two are elite for the first time 🔥#Elite8 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/eKdTfsH951 — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2022