March Madness 2012: 5 Most Impactful Players of the Sweet 16

The stars are out at this year’s Sweet 16. Every team has at least one recognizable player on their squad that has gotten your attention.

But some are more important to their team than others.

North Carolina can afford to lose Kendall Marshall and still beat upstart Ohio. Terrence Jones can have an off night and Kentucky will be just fine—same for Baylor and Perry Jones III.

But not for these five.

The following stars are absolutely essential for their team’s dream of reaching the Elite Eight.

1. Jared Sullinger, F—Ohio State

After reminding fans about Greg Oden’s incredible freshman year last season, Sully took a slight step back this season. He isn’t as aggressive because teams are being more physical with him when he catches the ball in the post.

That’s going to be a problem against Yancy Gates and the Bearcats.

Sullinger has to do a better job of holding his ground and drawing the foul. The Buckeyes are far too reliant on the three-ball when he’s out of the game. His rebounding and post presence will be the difference between surviving and getting bounced in the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season.

2. Tyshawn Taylor, G—Kansas

The senior is more important than National Player of the Year candidate Thomas Robinson because of his mental makeup.  

Taylor kept his team in-check when they were down big to Purdue by attacking the rim and getting teammates open looks. He is taking care of the ball and being the floor general that Bill Self expects out of his senior. Players look at their point guard in times of panic, as Taylor showed up in a huge way last weekend with the pressure mounting. His teammates lean on him.

Besides, if Taylor struggles, the lack of guard depth for the Jayhawks is going to sink their battleship.

3. Yancy Gates, F—Cincinnati

Without Gates the Bearcats are nothing but a bunch of defensive-minded guards. He is the only legit threat in the paint and has been an outstanding rebounder during his senior season (9.1 RPG).

If Gates gets into any sort of foul trouble against Sullinger the ‘Cats are going to be destroyed inside.

4. Anthony Davis, F—Kentucky

Davis was saddled with foul trouble in their Dec. 10 game against Indiana, and it resulted in only six points and four shot attempts. He was almost non-existent and that’s one of the main reasons they fell to the Hoosiers.

His defensive presence in the paint hasn’t been seen in college since the days of Shaquille O’Neal. He is a true game-changer. The nation’s block leader must stay out of foul trouble to ensure Cody Zeller doesn’t go off.

If he doesn’t… the dream is over.

5. Jordan Taylor, G—Wisconsin

This is the most obvious one.

The Badgers have no offense to speak of without their senior sharp-shooting leader, and would get absolutely blown out if he were to get injured.

Taylor is everything for this overachieving Wisconsin team. 

Click here for the updated bracket

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.