NIT 2012 Schedule: Key Players Who Must Dominate for Each Semifinal Team

Even though the NIT doesn't have as much star power as the NCAA Tournament, there are still several players worth tuning in to see. As the tourney shifts to Madison Square Garden for its final two rounds, those stars will get a chance to shine on a major stage.

Let's examine one player from each semifinal team who will need to have tremendous performances for his team to finish the job. For a complete look at the NIT bracket and remaining schedule, visit the official NCAA.com web site.

Washington: C.J. Wilcox

Wilcox is third on the Huskies in scoring behind Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten, but he's the team's most efficient outside shooter. He's already knocked down eight outside shots in the tournament and will need to maintain his hot shooting to keep Washington's hopes alive.

Defense is an underrated facet of his game. He has ideal size for the position at 6'5'', which allows him to defend the opponent's best scorer and even block some shots. He had four in a game against Marquette earlier in the season. If that doesn't illustrate his versatility, nothing will.

Minnesota: Julian Welch

Rodney Williams' contributions, while stepping up to fill the void left by Trevor Mbakwe, can't be overlooked, but Welch is vital to Minnesota's success. He helps in so many different areas, which makes him irreplaceable.

The junior guard has been coming off the bench lately, but that hasn't change his importance. Between three-point shooting, creating offensive opportunities for his teammates and providing an instant spark, he's the perfect sixth man.

Stanford: Chasson Randle

Stanford doesn't have as much back-end depth as the other teams remaining, which means Randle's play is even more important. The unheralded freshman has led the way for the Cardinal all season and that hasn't changed in the NIT.

He's scored at least 15 points in seven of his past eight games. It seems like his development continues with each passing game, which is scary considering how good he already is. Stanford needs him to keep growing under the bright lights of MSG to take home the title.

Massachusetts: Chaz Williams

Even though UMass relies on a pretty balanced scoring attack that features four players averaging in double digits, Williams is the go-to guy in crunch time. He's improved in virtually every category since transferring from Hofstra.

He hasn't disappointed in the NIT, hitting the 20-point mark in all three games. More impressively, he's done it while still shooting better than 50 percent from the field, proving he isn't simply a volume scorer. The Minutemen need Williams to keep playing at a high level.