Tyus Jones Named 2015 NCAA Final Four's Most Outstanding Player

Teams win championships, but individuals step up and own pressure-packed moments.

That is exactly what freshman point guard Tyus Jones did Monday night on his way to the Most Outstanding Player award in Duke's 68-63 victory over Wisconsin in the national championship game.

With the Badgers leading 51-47 with 11 minutes left, Jones put the Blue Devils on his back. He made an incredible and-1 runner in the lane, hit a monumental go-ahead three-pointer with just over four minutes remaining and had ice water in his veins on the free-throw line in the closing moments. 

In all, Jones scored 13 of Duke's final 21 points and came through on the sport's biggest stage. He finished with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field, 2-of-3 shooting from three-point range and a perfect 7-of-7 shooting from the free-throw line. He also added five rebounds and an assist and played solid perimeter defense late in the second half.

With confetti falling over the stage, Jones credited his teammates and coaches for his performance.

"My teammates and the coaching staff, they've given me confidence. They believed in me and trusted in me all year. There wasn't a moment they doubted me," he said according to The Associated Press  via ESPN.com.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports praised the Duke point guard for a dominant performance:

Evan Daniels of Scout.com pointed out that Mike Krzyzewski's first step to this title was landing Jones and Jahlil Okafor on the recruiting trail:

Now it is only natural to wonder what's next for Jones after such an incredible performance, especially since it is almost impossible to top what we saw Monday night. Chad Ford of ESPN and Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated suggested the NBA draft may be in his immediate future:

It's not difficult to envision someone with Jones' leadership and ability to play well in the biggest moments thriving at the NBA level. Every time Duke needed a monster play, Jones made it, whether via a three-pointer, a drive to the basket or a critical defensive stop. 

Those skills certainly translate to the next level, as does the clutch gene he demonstrated all season.

Of course, Duke fans would love to see him go for a repeat in 2016.