NCAA Bracket 2012: Draymond Green and Sizzling Seniors Poised to Make Deep Run

Today’s college basketball isn’t as fun as years past because of the lack of seniors.

Ultra-talented, yet pampered and whiny underclassmen dominate the sport these days and leave school the moment you buy their jersey.

However, there are still examples of guys that value their education and stick with their four-year commitment. These are guys that understand how big of a deal the NCAA tournament is, and who want to ensure they leave a lasting mark on their school.

Here are five stud seniors capable of strapping a team on their back and carrying them far into the month of March and possibly even April. 

Draymond Green, Michigan State

He is the best senior leader in the entire West region and has a tournament-tested coach who’s one of the greatest of all time.

The 6’7’’ Saginaw native is averaging 16.2 points and an impressive 10.4 rebounds per game. He is the biggest reason why the Spartans are the most dominant rebounding team in the conference. Green never gives up and has exceptional technique when it comes to boxing out.

He is more than capable of making the game-winning shot with the game on the line and is a tremendous vocal leader that the rest of the team has the utmost respect for.

I like Michigan State to reach the Final Four, solely because of one of the best player’s we’ve seen in the sport in the last five years. 

Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas

He has logged a ton of minutes for the Jayhawks over the years, but has finally become the No. 1 option on offense. He is shooting a blistering 48.9 percent from the field this season, while averaging 17.2 points and 4.9 assists.

As long as he keeps knocking them down at a similar rate, there is no question Kansas will be alive and well at the Final Four in New Orleans.

Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

The Tar Heels are overflowing with talent, but it’s the hard-working Zeller that is the heart and soul of the squad. His 16.4 points and 9.2 rebounds this season have helped him drop the “soft” label that plagued him early in his career. He is now one of the most feared post players in the country.

Zeller has to stay out of foul trouble to ensure the Tar Heels don’t get upset early. 

Kris Joseph, Syracuse

It’s been a wild ride for Joseph, but now he finds himself as the best crunch-time scorer on a team that’s more than capable of winning the whole tournament.

He averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds, but faded a bit down the stretch. If he does that in the NCAA’s, it’s going to be upset city for the ‘Cuse. 

William Buford, Ohio State

Buford is a model for consistency. He has averaged between 14.4 and 14.8 points per game over the last three seasons. His voice in the locker room is a very underrated aspect of what he brings to the table. The way he treats some of the young guys in the huddle and on the floor in tense moments is going to be a huge factor.

The Buckeyes are a fragile team that feeds off Buford.

Jared Sullinger can’t do it alone—he needs a ton of help from his senior leader. 

For your printable NCAA Bracket, click here

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