NCAA Bracket 2012: Breaking Down the Top Players in Each Region

Some of the finest young ballers in the country will be on display in the coming weeks as the 2012 NCAA Tournament gets into full swing.

As we saw last year with Kemba Walker and UConn, one gifted player can often lead his team on a magical run to the title. And while every team is obviously talented, only a few have a player capable of ripping off a Walker-like rampage.

So which players are most likely to carry their team to the title this year? Let's look at the top candidates.

East Region

Best player: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Jones (West Virginia), J'Covan Brown (Texas), Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin)

Sullinger is one of the most dominant big men in the country. This season, he averaged 17.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while leading the Buckeyes to a 27-7 record.

Sullinger has great footwork around the rim and can finish with either hand. He's also got a feathery touch on his jumper and more go-to post moves than most NBA bigs.

I'm expecting Sullinger to have a dominant tournament. Look for him to lead Ohio State to the Final Four before jumping to the pros.

West Region

Best Player: Draymond Green, Michigan State

Honorable Mentions: Isaiah Canaan (Murray State), Bradley Beal (Florida), Casper Ware (Long Beach State)

Another dominant big man from the Big Ten, Green is perhaps the most unique player in the country. The 6'7" 230-pound forward is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds a game while also handling point guard duties from time to time.

He's proven throughout the year that he's one of the most versatile and talented players in the country. Don't be surprised if he leads Michigan State all the way to their third NCAA title.

South Region

Best Player: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

Honorable Mentions: Jeremy Lamb (UConn), Cody Zeller (Indiana), Perry Jones III (Baylor), Tu Holloway (Xavier)

If Anthony Davis doesn't win every national player of the year award, then the system is seriously flawed.

The athletic center with the pterodactyl wingspan is averaging 14.3 points, 10 rebounds and a ridiculous 4.7 blocks per game. He impacts the game more than any other player in the country, as he's a one-man wrecking crew on defense and his offensive skill set is always expanding.

Kentucky is the runaway favorite to win the national title, thanks in large part to Davis. I'd be shocked if he doesn't put together one of the more memorable tournament performances in recent history.

Midwest Region

Best Player: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Honorable Mentions: Thomas Robinson (Kansas), Tim Hardaway Jr. (Michigan), Doug McDermott (Creighton)

Barnes is a lethal scorer, capable of raining in buckets from any spot on the court. This season he's putting up 17.2 per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from behind the arc.

He's dropped 20-plus points 13 times this season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him rip off a few more scoring explosions in the Big Dance.

Barnes has the talent and ability to lead Carolina to some historical feats. If his head is right, he will be unstoppable in the tourney.