Sweet 16 2012 Predictions: 5 Players Who Will Have Breakout Games

The NCAA tournament is a time for lesser-known players to shine on the national stage.

These men have not gotten the headlines for most of the season, but the next few weeks can change their careers for the better.

Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State

It is hard for someone who started the tournament with a 31-point game to "break out," but fans should brace themselves for another huge game from Deshaun Thomas.

Outside of Yancy Gates, Cincinnati does not have a lot of size up front. This means that the Bearcats will need to focus on Jared Sullinger, while Thomas is free to use his athleticism to his advantage.

Do not be surprised to see another 30-point performance from him.

Scott Wood, North Carolina State

Robbie Hummel of Purdue was able to light up Kansas in their third-round matchup for 26 points by using his size and shooting ability.

Scott Wood can have similar success as one of the best shooters in the country. Standing at 6'6", he can get his shot off over most wing defenders on the Jayhawks while the big men are focusing on C.J. Leslie and Richard Howell.

Vander Blue, Marquette

This one is a bit of a reach, but this is one area where Marquette has a huge advantage over Florida.

Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker are undersized guards, so Vander Blue should be able to use his athleticism to get to the rim and score if Marquette's other weapons are ineffective.

D.J. Cooper, Ohio

If Kendall Marshall is unable to play next weekend, Stilman White will have to take over the primary point guard responsibilities.

While that slows down the North Carolina offense, it also hurts on defense.

White is not as quick as Marshall and could struggle to contain a talented point guard like D.J. Cooper, who has already scored 40 points in this tournament.

Pierre Jackson, Baylor

While Perry Jones III continues to be absent in big games, Pierre Jackson is at least being aggressive for his team.

Jackson has averaged over 13 shot attempts per game in his last six, and the misses are sure to fall eventually.

Baylor needs someone to take charge down the stretch, and it seems like Jackson will be that guy.