NCAA Tournament 2012: 15 Seniors Poised to Lead Their Team to a National Title

As we inch closer to the wonderful time of the year that is March Madness, analyzing all the players in the possible bracket will be a topic of keen interest. Will this year hold another surprise squad such as VCU, or will it be dominated by the more powerful programs and the higher seeds?

A main factor in a team's success is the experience and poise that leads it. Seniors who remain at a university and forego the NBA time after time are most often the key to a big-time program's victory down the stretch in the Big Dance, making them an invaluable resource to coaches and younger players.

In honor of the loyal members of this senior class, we take an in-depth look at the 15 "old guys" who still have it in them to take their team all the way to New Orleans and emerge with the NCAA Championship in hand.

Tyshawn Taylor

When it comes down to it, Kansas is basketball. The superstars for the Jayhawks go down in history as some of the best to play the sport, and the ones who win championships end up as legends.

While Tyshawn Taylor isn't the leading scorer for KU due to the amazing play of teammate Thomas Robinson, he is more than certainly the leader. He has solid experience playing in three tournaments to date and gives Bill Self an on-the-court presence that not many squads have.

Leading the Jayhawks in assists with five per game and then owning second in points with just around 17 per game, Taylor has the potential to blow up in the Dance. Keep an eye out for him and his storied program. 

Tyler Zeller

The big forward heading up the Tar Heels is a stronger blip on the college basketball radar than most give him credit for. He stands in the shadow of the sophomore superstar Harrison Barnes, supporting this team through the thick and thin of ACC play.

Owning possibly one of the coolest names in the sport, Zeller is second on his team in both points and rebounds, adding 15 and 10 per game, respectively. His superior ability to understand defenses and control the paint has allowed UNC to once again threaten for the title this postseason.

Garrett Stutz

Running a team that has really shown up this season, Garrett Stutz and Wichita State are blowing up the mid-majors. The Shockers have "shocked" pretty much everyone, looking at a pretty high seed considering how weak their conference is.

Stutz and his crew may mostly be seniors, yet his skills have him leading the team in both points and rebounds with 14 and eight per game, respectively. While this is a small program with not a lot of success on the basketball court historically, this experienced group of men, led by this stunning senior, know how to craft an upset.

Ramone Moore

As the Owls have elevated their program over the course of the season, their first-place stature in the Atlantic 10 is mostly due to the play of this outstanding senior. Ramone Moore has shown up this season with a passion, looking to carry Temple deep into the Dance.

His 18 points per game leads the team, while he's also dishing out three assists a game, good for second. A threat from almost anywhere on the court, Moore has to be considered one of the nation's most sound players overall.  

Jordan Taylor

Having a big-time senior year so far, Jordan Taylor of Wisconsin has been a true impact player in the Big Ten. While owning some tough losses and sitting at fourth in the conference as of now, the Badgers and company are still poised to go all the way with a little luck and some solid leadership.

This guard is leading his squad in both points and assists, knocking down around 15 points per game and dishing just over four assists.

Just as he was last season, Taylor will once again be a huge threat to opposing teams in the tournament. Watch out for Wisconsin to be looking for a slot in the Final Four this postseason under the guise of their talented senior.

Rob Jones

The giant running the Gaels is more than just a quality player—he's also a solid leader. His on- and off-the-court activities have him as one of the nation's best, a real boost for this bubble team that needs some inspiration.

Rob Jones owns a rare double-double in this list, pulling down a team-leading 11 rebounds per game as well as sinking in 15 points. St. Mary's, while owning some tough losses as of late, will always have Jones to bring them back in and challenge for the national championship.  

Drew Gordon

The Lobos have truly surprised out of the MWC this season, putting up only four losses on the year. Guided by the overachieving senior in Drew Gordon, New Mexico is ready to steal the conference title and head to the Dance with a ton of momentum.

Gordon has led his team all season in rebounds, pulling down just under 11 each game on the year while placing second in points as he has added around 12 per game. Most recently, this forward knocked down 27 points in the Lobos' 20-point win over UNLV. 

Dee Bost

One of the most talented players in the SEC, Dee Bost has led an underachieving Mississippi State team this season to fourth in the conference. In spite of that, however, the Bulldogs still pose a major threat to any opposition come the Dance.

The senior point guard easily has enough potential to rock this squad into the title game. He leads MSU with five assists per game and puts up 16 points as well, second on the squad.

With the conference tournament approaching fast, Bost and company are the only team in the SEC with any chance of upsetting the coveted Kentucky Wildcats. 

Mike Scott

The Cavaliers aren't usually a basketball power, but this season Virginia, led by Mike Scott, has been one of the surprise programs in the ACC. His solid play all season has allowed UVA to snare fourth place in a shallow conference.

Leading the team in both rebounds and points with eight and 17, respectively, Scott has been more than impressive in his final season on the hardwood. This senior forward has created a flurry of attention for the Cavaliers and should continue to do so come the NCAA Tournament.

Kris Joseph

The Canadian phenomenon has truly impressed this season for the Orange, leading his team to their one-loss record and first place in the Big East. As the leading senior starter for 'Cuse, Kris Joseph is poised to take the Orange and their massive amounts of talent to their second championship of the century.

As the third-leading rebounder with five per game, as well as owning the scoring title for the team with 14 points a game, the forward has structured his play to not only show off his talents, but also help his entire squad succeed.

The Orange are, obviously, a group to keep your eye on, and this senior should hold the center of your attention.  

Bernard James

Another one of the ACC's surprise squads, Florida State has been more than a threat on the hardwood. The defeat of the highly explosive Blue Devils and the all-powerful Tar Heels has the Seminoles sitting at a unique third place in the conference, and most of that credit is due to the leadership of Bernard James.

A veteran of the US Air Force, James came to FSU looking for a degree and may emerge as one of the country's best basketball recruits. His eight rebounds have him leading the team, while he is also second in scoring at 10 points a game.

Full of upset potential, James and the Seminoles are gunning for a shot at the title.

Draymond Green

As per Spartan tradition, MSU is a threat on the hardwood like no one else in the Big Ten. Helping to continue the storied past of Michigan State is the big senior forward Draymond Green, a true force in the post.

The only player on this list to make an impact on all three major statistical categories, Green leads his team in both points and rebounds with 15 and 10 per game, respectively. In addition to that, he is second in assists with just under four per game.

The Spartans will once again be the team to beat from the north, with Green being the player you have to shut down to do so. 

Jason Clark

As the Hoyas have regained their footing as a power in the college basketball world this season, their resurgence is mostly due to the superb play of their senior point guard, Jason Clark. Holding a strong position as fourth in the Big East and ready to possibly steal the conference tournament title, G-Town is no squad to underrate.

Clark has, so far, done most of his work by adding points to the scoreboard. Leading the team with 15 per game, he is as quick as he is accurate. Watch for Georgetown to be more than a threat come the Dance as their strong play in the backcourt tears opposing teams apart.    

Marcus Denmon

Coming into the season, Marcus Denmon was one of the leading candidates for player of the year. While he may not be ahead of the pack anymore, his superb play has allowed the Tigers to stand at first place in a very tough Big 12 as they head into the conference tournament.

Leading his squad with a huge 17 points per game as well as ranking second in rebounds with five, Denmon is a powerful force on the hardwood. Missouri is considered the team to beat right now in the Midwest and, as the Dance approaches, may just hold on to that title during their journey to New Orleans.

Darius Johnson-Odom

Marquette has consistently performed at a high level in the Big East, holding on to third place right now as conference play approaches its end. Just a little bit into the season, I predicted Darius Johnson-Odom to be the top candidate to replace Kemba Walker and he has, so far, done well by my guesstimate. 

Dropping just under 19 points per game to lead the Golden Eagles, Johnson-Odom is in the best position of his young career. This senior guard can be unstoppable when he gets his motor going.

As the Big East tourney grows nearer, I personally look forward to seeing him take apart the competition just has he has all season long. Then, as Marquette makes its way into the Dance, expect some heavy momentum to carry them possibly all the way to the title.