NIT 2012: Power Ranking Best Players Left in Tournament

The NIT semifinals have it all. There are high seeds, low seeds, star players and teams from every corner of the country. Even though the tournament doesn't receive the same recognition as the Big Dance, the quality of play should be high.

Let's take a look at the three best players who are still fighting for a chance to cut down the Madison Square Garden nets.

1. Terrence Ross

A potential lottery pick in the NBA draft, Ross has been tearing apart defenses all season after a disappointing freshman campaign. He arrived at Washington to a lot of hype, and he's finally lived up to the billing of a potential star.

Ross has been on fire throughout the tournament, scoring at least 23 points in every game. Add in his ability to defend just about any guard in the country and willingness to work for rebounds, and it adds up to a versatile player NBA teams will covet.

Since the Huskies are so heavily reliant on guard play, they can't afford an off-night from Ross. He's been facing that pressure all season, however, and has usually been up to the task.

2. Chaz Williams

Massachusetts wouldn't have reached this point without Williams' terrific play. He hasn't garnered many headlines playing in the Atlantic 10, but he can literally do it all. Even though the Minutemen are a deep team, Williams usually stands out.

He's averaging 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals to exhibit his all-around ability. Defenses have been attempting to figure out how to stop him all season, but since he can beat you in so many ways, it's a difficult task.

Maybe if Williams can lead Massachusetts to the NIT title, he'll finally start to get some more respect. He certainly deserves it after the season he's had.

3. Tony Wroten

Another Washington star, Wroten has served as Ross' sidekick. A dynamic duo that few other teams can match, they give the Huskies an immediate advantage over every other remaining NIT team. Getting support from their teammates will be the key, though.

Wroten plays a different style of offense, which actually helps him work better with Ross. He's more of a driving guard who likes to get into the paint instead of relying on a lot of outside jumpers. His only true weakness is free-throw shooting.

He can help boost his own NBA draft prospects with a strong showing at the Garden, so look for him to be attacking the rim with ruthless abandon right from the opening tip against Minnesota.