When it comes to basketball — or even athletic greatness — there are no seals of approval that could possibly carry more weight with a player, with the exception of Michael Jordan.

From the corner of the tiny Rutgers locker room at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the team’s two star freshmen were sitting practically shoulder to shoulder when they were asked each of them a natural question after the end of a disappointing season.

Madness frequently serves as a forum for high-profile NBA talents to showcase themselves on the sport's biggest stage. But this year might be even better than in year's past. Projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg — the anchor for a likely No.