Through the Regional Finals of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Kansas F Andrew Wiggins, UConn G Shabazz Napier and Creighton F Doug McDermott have shaped up as the most sponsor-oriented prospects in the tourney, according to data from SponsorHub. The data, which is collected via a proprietary platform that incorporates both social media reach and emotional resonance in order to assess sponsor value, shows that Wiggins is the player who has connected to the largest audience. He also had the top ranking among players in terms of reach and favorability (combination of most-loved and most-reacted-to). Napier ranked No. 1 overall among players in total reach. Michigan G Nik Stauskas also performed well in some categories, ranking No. 1 in terms of players that provide the most enjoyment as well as among players offering the best balance of reach and emotional impact (SponsorHub).
NCAA MEN'S TOURNAMENT: SPONSORHUB PLAYER LEADERBOARD
|
CATEGORY |
DEFINITION |
TOP-RANKED |
LOWEST-RANKED |
Enjoyment |
Level of pleasure with athlete |
Michigan G Nik Stauskas |
Duke F Rodney Hood |
Excitement |
Level of enthusiasm with athlete |
Oklahoma State G Marcus Smart/
Wichita State G Fred VanVleet |
Duke F Jabari Parker |
Affection |
Level of fondness with athlete |
Syracuse F C.J. Fair |
Ohio State G Aaron Craft |
Gratitude |
Level of appreciation for athlete |
Syracuse F C.J. Fair |
Ohio State G Aaron Craft |
Anger |
Level of displeasure with athlete |
Syracuse F C.J. Fair |
Kentucky F Julius Randle |
Disappointment |
Level of nonfulfillment with athlete |
Wichita State G Fred VanVleet |
Duke F Rodney Hood |
Fear |
Level of unease with athlete |
Syracuse F C.J. Fair |
Duke F Rodney Hood |
Humiliation |
Level of shame with athlete |
Syracuse F C.J. Fair |
Kansas F Andrew Wiggins |