2023 March Madness 10 best players by region: South

6. Jalen Slawson, G, Furman

Slawson is the top player from a small school in the South region. The fifth-year senior forward was named the Southern Conference’s player of the year after being named the conference’s defensive player of the year a season ago. He averaged 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Paladins while helping the team secure the conference tournament championship.

In addition to his conference honors, Slawson was also named a finalist for the Lou Henson award. Given his ability to impact his team both offensively and defensively, if Slawson can get going 13-seed Furman could be a dangerous underdog that could make a Cinderella run.

OH MY JALEN SLAWSONpic.twitter.com/YA1Da7ij4T

— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) November 12, 2022