Yesterday I broke down all of the Sweet 16 match-ups, so today I'm going to break down the key players on each team. These players have been a very important component of their teams throughout the year, and will have to fit their role close to perfection.
Midwest:
University of Northern Iowa: Ali Farokmanesh- Farokmanesh is the hero of this tournament so far not just for Northern Iowa, but for fans across America. After hitting the game winning shot against UNLV in the first round and sticking a dagger in Kansas with a gutsy three Farokmanesh is becoming a household name. One of four Panthers averaging between 9 and 12 points in the regular season, Farokmanesh has led his team in scoring both post season games with 17 and 16 points. If UNI wants to continue their dream run Farokmanesh is going to have to continue to score, and hit clutch shots at the end of the game.
Michigan State: Korie Lucious- After 2009 Big 10 player of the year went down with what appears to be a torn Achilles which will keep him sidelined for some time, Michigan St. needs backup Korie Lucious to step up. Lucious filled in well after Lucas went down scoring 13 points and dishing out 5 assists in 27 minutes of play against Maryland. Lucious hit his biggest shot of the game as time expired, a 3 pointer that gave Michigan State the lead, and sent them into the Sweet 16. If the Spartans want to move on to the Elite 8, Lucious is going to have to limit his turnovers, and probably score in double digits while shooting a high percentage.
University of Tennessee: J.P. Prince- Earlier this year when Tennessee pulled off an upset over Kentucky they relied much on 20 points from Prince on 6-10 shooting from the field. If they want to compete against a tough nosed Buckeyes team that features superstar Evan Turner they are going to need an inspired performance by Prince. Prince is long and lanky, giving him all of the tools that make him very difficult to guard and he the Vols are going to have to exploit every match up problem they can, and that's just what Prince could be.
Ohio St.: Evan Turner- Ohio State has possibly the best college basketball player in the country in Evan Turner and he is more than capable of carrying them all the way to the Final 4. Turner is averaging 20 points 9 rebounds and 6 assists per game, which is absolutely essential to the Buckeyes. With Turner injured earlier this season the Buckeyes won 3 games against BAD teams (Presbyterian, Delaware St., Cleveland State) and lost their other 3 games to quality opponents (Butler, Wisconsin, Michigan). With Turner on the court, Ohio States entire offense will run through him, so as Turner goes so does Ohio State. One key for Turner is to take care of the ball, he coughed it up 9 times in his previous game.
West:
Syracuse: Wes Johnson- Johnson is hands down the best player on this Syracuse team. Much like Turner, without Johnson Syracuse wouldn't be near the team they are. Johnson is posting averages of 16.5 points, 8.5 points, and 2.3 assists per game and is a very well rounded player. If Syracuse doesn't want to fall to an upset bid like fellow number one Kansas they definitely need Johnson to step up and be willing to take over the game.
Butler: Matt Howard- If Howard can get going down low against the Orange odds are that Butler has a great chance to pull off the upset. Howard has struggled against teams with talented bigs and guys that can bang with him down low. In Butler's 7 point loss to Georgetown earlier this year Howard scored only 9 points and fouled out after going only 1 for 9 from the field. For the Bulldogs to win they need Howard to stay out of foul trouble, not force the issue, and shoot a high percentage from the field. If Howard does all of those things don't be surprised if Butler is in the Elite 8.
Xavier: Jordan Crawford- Crawford is hands down the Musketeers best player, averaging 20.2 points per game. If Kansas State can lock down Crawford the way they held Jimmer Fredette in check this game won't even be close. Crawford who is famed for dunking on Lebron James at a summer camp has come into his own this year. In addition to his 20 points per game he is posting 2.9 assists, 4.8 boards, and 1.4 steals per game. Crawford shoots 46% from the field and if Kansas State can't slow him down, Xavier will move on.
Kansas State: Jacob Pullen- Pullen is one of the most electric guards in the country, and can score at will. Pullen put Kansas State on his back and carried them through the BYU game scoring 34 points while shooting 7 for 12 from three. Pullen and back court mate Denis Clemente are an explosive back-court tandem who will be tough for any team to stop, whether they use a zone or man defense. If Pullen comes out of the gates hot, you could see one of the best performances of this tournament and a Wildcat team headed to the Elite 8.
East:
Kentucky: John Wall- John Wall is the most talented player in NCAA Basketball this year. He is following the likes of Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans as point guards that John Calipari has coached that have jumped to the NBA after one season, and he might be the most talented yet. Wall is averaging more assists per game at 9 this NCAA Tournament than anyone else, and his distribution is a large part of the reason Kentucky wins. Wall is so quick that it is hard to guard him straight up so if he continues to draw double teams Kentucky needs him to continue to find open shooters. Wall has the ability to take over any game at will, which is something we haven't seen him do much this year, but could come at any time. Look for Wall to get out and run on the less athletic Cornell, and don't be surprised if he puts up his biggest numbers this tournament.
Cornell: Jeff Foote- The Big Red's 7 foot Senior is the rock that they revolve around. He will have a tough match-up down low in DeMarcus Cousins who is one of the elite big men in all the NCAA. If Foote can play solid and hold his own against Cousins down low the Big Red might actually stand a chance.
Washington: Quincy Pondexter- Qunicy Pondexter is one of the most loved players in Washington basketball history. On Senior night the fans absolutely went crazy for Pondexter who will no doubt find himself in the NBA next year. Pondexter is averaging 19.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game and is the driving force behind the Huskies offense. Quincy has hit a game winner against Marquette in the opening round of the tournament, and if Washington can keep it close again their is little doubt in who they will go to.
West Virginia: Da'Sean Butler- Butler is the engine that makes this West Virginia team run, and they run like a well oiled machine. Butler is leading the team with 17.5 points and 3.3 assists per game while chipping in a not to shabby 6.3 boards. Coming out of a Big East tournament in which he hit not one but TWO game winning shots Butler's confidence is sky high, and look for that to shine through in this match-up with the Huskies.
South:
Duke- Kyle Singler: Kyle Singler is one of the most versatile players in all of America and its no surprise that his team is still in this tournament. Singler can score in a variety of ways; he can post you up, hit the 3, or beat you off the dribble. Singler is having a great year statistically averaging 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game and so far this tournament he has upped those averages. If Singler is shooting the ball well, he is a near unstoppable player, and if you can't stop him you can't stop Duke.
Purdue- E'Twaun Moore: E'Twaun Moore is clearly the go to guy in this Purdue offense since their loss of Robbie Hummel. Moore is averaging 16.4 points per game, but his points have become even more valuable since their second leading scorer went down with a torn ACL. In an embarrassing loss to Minnesota in the Big 10 tournament Moore was 1 for 14 from the field, never got to the free throw line and only scored 2 points. Moore's terrible performance absolutely crushed Purdue's offense as they only scored 42 points in the loss. If E'Twaun isn't getting to the basket and the foul line, and making those shot, you can consider Purdue's season over.
Baylor- Ekpe Udoh- The transfer from Michigan has completely changed the face of this Baylor Bears team. They went from a team that just tried to outscore you to a team that can slow the game down and come up with some big stops on the defensive end. Ekpe is going to be charged with shutting down Omar Samhan in the Sweet 16 match up against St. Mary's and after setting the Big 12 record for shots blocked in a season he is completely capable of doing just that. Udoh is also averaging 13.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, and the Bears will need to get him going on the offensive end to help open up shots for guards LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter.
St. Mary's- Mickey McConnell- In an 80-61 loss to Gonzaga earlier this season McConnel flat out didn't show up. He played 33 minutes, missed all 5 of his shots, turned the ball over 4 times and didn't score. If the Gaels want to be a tough Baylor Bears team they can't have their second leading scorer (14 ppg) not show up. McConnell needs to come out ready to shoot the ball and shoot it often against a Baylor zone that has shown that it can be beat if the other team knocks down the open 3, and McConnell hits 51% of his threes. If McConnell gets hot, the Bears will be headed home to Waco well before they want to be.
If all of these players play up to their potential we will be in for another incredible round of games that will include an array of wild finishes.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Breaking Down the Sweet 16
After 4 days of buzzer beaters, overtimes, and upsets the field for the second weekend of the "Big Dance" has finally been set. After nearly every bracket has been decimated and the tournament favorite got sent home early the college basketball experts will spend the next four days breaking down each and every match up. Even though I'm far from an expert, I'm going to do my best to break down the eight sweet sixteen match ups.
Midwest: (9) University of Northern Iowa vs. (5) Michigan State- UNI is the Cinderella of not just the Midwest but possibly of the whole tournament after knocking out overall number one Kansas. Northern Iowa might actually be seen as a favorite after MSU lost the 2 time big ten player of the year and heart of their team Kalin Lucas. Ali Forukmanesh is the hero of this tournament so far hitting a game winning shot against UNLV in the first round and hitting a three against Kansas that turned into a dagger. This game could swing either way, if Michigan St. wants to knock off the cinderella they need to hit the offensive glass hard, play pressure D and force turnovers, and of course find Forukmanesh at the end of the game.
(6) Tennessee vs. (2) Ohio St.- After losing All SEC performer Tyler Smith for legal troubles earlier this season Tennessee has clawed their way into the Sweet 16. Ohio St. who has Naismith award contender Evan Turner better not sleep on the Vols though because they have been known to show up at their best for the big games. Although Pearl has never advanced the Vols past the Sweet 16 he had them knocking off two number one teams earlier this year (Kansas and Kentucky) so they can play with anyone. Ohio State has great balance with four players averaging over 12 points per game and that will be tough for the Volunteers to contain. However if the Tennessee can force the issue by putting end to end pressure on turnover he will cough up the ball (9 Turnovers vs. GT), and his back court mate William Buford followed suit by turning it over 5 times himself.
West: (1) Syracuse vs. (5) Butler- While at first glance it looks like Butler is completely over-matched you have to look no further than playing Georgetown within 7 points earlier this season after shooting only 31.1% from the field. A big question for this game is will Arinze Onuaku be able to play and if so will he be able to contain the Bulldogs big man Matt Howard, if so the odds of Syracuse winning are great. While Syracuse is much more athletic than this Butler team, if Butler can contain Wes Johnson and have their big three (Howard, Mack, Heyward) play a good game they will find themselves in it throughout. The stars are going to have to align for Butler to beat this talented and athletic Syracuse team, but don't be to surprised if they do. Butler needs to maximize each possesion, slow the pace of the game, and contain Wes Johnson if they want to have any chance of winning this game.
(6) Xavier vs. (2) Kansas State- Look for this game to be a run and gun shoot out with both of these teams averaging around 80 points per game over the course of the year. Kansas State has two of the best guards in the nation in Dennis Clemente and Jacob Pullen who did a great job of containing Jimmer Fredette when they played BYU. Now Kansas States guards will be charged with shutting down Xavier's leading scorer in 6'4" Jordan Crawford. Crawford, the transfer from Indiana, is averaging 20 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and nearly 40% from three point land. Even if the Wildcats can't slow Crawford down, don't count them out because Pullen (19.2 ppg) and Clemente (16.3 ppg) can score with anyone in America. While the guard match up will be intriguing, this game could be decided down low with the winner of the Jamar Samuels and Jason Love match-up coming out on top.
East: (1) Kentucky vs. (12) Cornell- Cornell has absolutely dominated the first two games of this tournament winning both by double digits. While some people might see this as a game that Kentucky will dominate running all over the slower paced Big Red, that is far from the truth. Cornell played Kansas in Lawerence, and hung tough with the then undefeated Jayhawks, losing only by 5. Kentucky is going to look to get out and run on the less athletic Big Red, but look for Cornell to slow the game down and keep it closer than most expect. An interesting matchup in this game will be between Cornell's 7 footer Jeff Foote who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game, and UK's Freshman DeMarcus Cousins who is putting up 15 points and 10 rebounds a contest. If Foote can be solid down low and possibly outplay Cousins that would be key to keeping Cornell close in this game. If the Big Red can successfuly slow down the pace, take care of the ball, and rebound well maybe, just maybe they can keep their Final 4 hopes alive.
(11) Washington vs. (2) West Virginia- Look for a great game between these two teams because both of them have been playing out of their minds lately. West Virginia has won eight games in a row and Washington has won nine straight, both winning their respective conference tournaments. Washington has two incredible leaders in Isaiah Thomas and Quincy Pondexter who can play with anyone in the country. West Virgina has followed the hot hand of Da'Sean Butler who hit two game winning shots in the Big East tournament while carrying them to the championship. West Virginia is going to be a very tough match-up for the Huskies because the Mountaineers have 3 guys averaging over 12 points per game. If the Huskies are going to stay in this game, they will have to step it up on the Defensive end and limit the number of open shots Butler gets, have another double digit performance from Matthew Bryan-Amaning.
South: (1) Duke- (4) Purdue- Coming into this tournament there were experts all around the nation picking Purdue to fall in the first round to Sienna, and Purdue has used that as bulletin board material as they have clawed their way to the Sweet 16. However, Purdue is running into a well oiled Duke machine that could send the Boilermakers home earlier than they want. Purdue had an average offense before losing their best all around player Robbie Hummel, and now their offense will truly be exposed because Duke is the third most efficient Defensive team in the nation. Purdue is going to struggle to put up points this game which means they will have to keep Duke from lighting up the scoreboard which also will be tough. Duke has the second most efficient offense in the nation and it will be quite the feat for the Boilermakers to shut down the tandem of Scheyer, Singler, and Smith who average a combined 53.2 points per game. If Purdue wants to have any chance at making it to the Elite 8 they are going to have to neutralize Brian Zoubek on the offensive boards, because he is playing the best basketball of his career late in this season. The other key for Purdue is getting good penetration and finishing around the basket for their guards, most notably E'Twaun Moore.
(3) Baylor vs. (10) St. Mary's- This is a very scary match-up for Scott Drew's Baylor Bears. St. Mary's is a very well rounded team that can score inside and out. Omar Samhan is dominating this tournament averaging 30.5 points per game, so step one for Baylor's defense is to slow down Samhan, which is doable with Ekpe Udoh who set the Big 12 single season shot blocking record this year. If the Bears 2-3 zone can contain Samhan step two is to keep St. Mary's from getting the open three. Baylor has struggled with good three point shooting teams this year and St. Mary's shoots the fourth highest percentage from three in the nation, if they get hot, and Scott Drew won't bail on the zone it will be a long night for Baylor fans. The Baylor Offense however can keep them in the game with absolutely anyone, LaceDarius Dunn leads the attack averaging 19.4 points per game while Tweety Carter averages 15.1 and Ekpe Udoh adds 13.9 points a contest. For Baylor to win this game, they'll have to be willing to bail on their zone, take care of the basketball, and get Dunn, Carter, and Udoh going offensively.
After the first four days of tournament basketball nobody thinks they are a guarantee to move on. Look for more upsets, overtimes, and hopefully a few buzzer beaters to make this tournament even more incredible.
Midwest: (9) University of Northern Iowa vs. (5) Michigan State- UNI is the Cinderella of not just the Midwest but possibly of the whole tournament after knocking out overall number one Kansas. Northern Iowa might actually be seen as a favorite after MSU lost the 2 time big ten player of the year and heart of their team Kalin Lucas. Ali Forukmanesh is the hero of this tournament so far hitting a game winning shot against UNLV in the first round and hitting a three against Kansas that turned into a dagger. This game could swing either way, if Michigan St. wants to knock off the cinderella they need to hit the offensive glass hard, play pressure D and force turnovers, and of course find Forukmanesh at the end of the game.
(6) Tennessee vs. (2) Ohio St.- After losing All SEC performer Tyler Smith for legal troubles earlier this season Tennessee has clawed their way into the Sweet 16. Ohio St. who has Naismith award contender Evan Turner better not sleep on the Vols though because they have been known to show up at their best for the big games. Although Pearl has never advanced the Vols past the Sweet 16 he had them knocking off two number one teams earlier this year (Kansas and Kentucky) so they can play with anyone. Ohio State has great balance with four players averaging over 12 points per game and that will be tough for the Volunteers to contain. However if the Tennessee can force the issue by putting end to end pressure on turnover he will cough up the ball (9 Turnovers vs. GT), and his back court mate William Buford followed suit by turning it over 5 times himself.
West: (1) Syracuse vs. (5) Butler- While at first glance it looks like Butler is completely over-matched you have to look no further than playing Georgetown within 7 points earlier this season after shooting only 31.1% from the field. A big question for this game is will Arinze Onuaku be able to play and if so will he be able to contain the Bulldogs big man Matt Howard, if so the odds of Syracuse winning are great. While Syracuse is much more athletic than this Butler team, if Butler can contain Wes Johnson and have their big three (Howard, Mack, Heyward) play a good game they will find themselves in it throughout. The stars are going to have to align for Butler to beat this talented and athletic Syracuse team, but don't be to surprised if they do. Butler needs to maximize each possesion, slow the pace of the game, and contain Wes Johnson if they want to have any chance of winning this game.
(6) Xavier vs. (2) Kansas State- Look for this game to be a run and gun shoot out with both of these teams averaging around 80 points per game over the course of the year. Kansas State has two of the best guards in the nation in Dennis Clemente and Jacob Pullen who did a great job of containing Jimmer Fredette when they played BYU. Now Kansas States guards will be charged with shutting down Xavier's leading scorer in 6'4" Jordan Crawford. Crawford, the transfer from Indiana, is averaging 20 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and nearly 40% from three point land. Even if the Wildcats can't slow Crawford down, don't count them out because Pullen (19.2 ppg) and Clemente (16.3 ppg) can score with anyone in America. While the guard match up will be intriguing, this game could be decided down low with the winner of the Jamar Samuels and Jason Love match-up coming out on top.
East: (1) Kentucky vs. (12) Cornell- Cornell has absolutely dominated the first two games of this tournament winning both by double digits. While some people might see this as a game that Kentucky will dominate running all over the slower paced Big Red, that is far from the truth. Cornell played Kansas in Lawerence, and hung tough with the then undefeated Jayhawks, losing only by 5. Kentucky is going to look to get out and run on the less athletic Big Red, but look for Cornell to slow the game down and keep it closer than most expect. An interesting matchup in this game will be between Cornell's 7 footer Jeff Foote who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game, and UK's Freshman DeMarcus Cousins who is putting up 15 points and 10 rebounds a contest. If Foote can be solid down low and possibly outplay Cousins that would be key to keeping Cornell close in this game. If the Big Red can successfuly slow down the pace, take care of the ball, and rebound well maybe, just maybe they can keep their Final 4 hopes alive.
(11) Washington vs. (2) West Virginia- Look for a great game between these two teams because both of them have been playing out of their minds lately. West Virginia has won eight games in a row and Washington has won nine straight, both winning their respective conference tournaments. Washington has two incredible leaders in Isaiah Thomas and Quincy Pondexter who can play with anyone in the country. West Virgina has followed the hot hand of Da'Sean Butler who hit two game winning shots in the Big East tournament while carrying them to the championship. West Virginia is going to be a very tough match-up for the Huskies because the Mountaineers have 3 guys averaging over 12 points per game. If the Huskies are going to stay in this game, they will have to step it up on the Defensive end and limit the number of open shots Butler gets, have another double digit performance from Matthew Bryan-Amaning.
South: (1) Duke- (4) Purdue- Coming into this tournament there were experts all around the nation picking Purdue to fall in the first round to Sienna, and Purdue has used that as bulletin board material as they have clawed their way to the Sweet 16. However, Purdue is running into a well oiled Duke machine that could send the Boilermakers home earlier than they want. Purdue had an average offense before losing their best all around player Robbie Hummel, and now their offense will truly be exposed because Duke is the third most efficient Defensive team in the nation. Purdue is going to struggle to put up points this game which means they will have to keep Duke from lighting up the scoreboard which also will be tough. Duke has the second most efficient offense in the nation and it will be quite the feat for the Boilermakers to shut down the tandem of Scheyer, Singler, and Smith who average a combined 53.2 points per game. If Purdue wants to have any chance at making it to the Elite 8 they are going to have to neutralize Brian Zoubek on the offensive boards, because he is playing the best basketball of his career late in this season. The other key for Purdue is getting good penetration and finishing around the basket for their guards, most notably E'Twaun Moore.
(3) Baylor vs. (10) St. Mary's- This is a very scary match-up for Scott Drew's Baylor Bears. St. Mary's is a very well rounded team that can score inside and out. Omar Samhan is dominating this tournament averaging 30.5 points per game, so step one for Baylor's defense is to slow down Samhan, which is doable with Ekpe Udoh who set the Big 12 single season shot blocking record this year. If the Bears 2-3 zone can contain Samhan step two is to keep St. Mary's from getting the open three. Baylor has struggled with good three point shooting teams this year and St. Mary's shoots the fourth highest percentage from three in the nation, if they get hot, and Scott Drew won't bail on the zone it will be a long night for Baylor fans. The Baylor Offense however can keep them in the game with absolutely anyone, LaceDarius Dunn leads the attack averaging 19.4 points per game while Tweety Carter averages 15.1 and Ekpe Udoh adds 13.9 points a contest. For Baylor to win this game, they'll have to be willing to bail on their zone, take care of the basketball, and get Dunn, Carter, and Udoh going offensively.
After the first four days of tournament basketball nobody thinks they are a guarantee to move on. Look for more upsets, overtimes, and hopefully a few buzzer beaters to make this tournament even more incredible.
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