NCAA Bracket 2012: Future NBA Stars Who Will Have Biggest Final Four Impact
A field of 68 NCAA tournament hopefuls has been trimmed down to four as the Big Dance shifts to New Orleans for the final three games. Each team that has reached this point was helped by big performances from their star players.
Let's take a look at some future NBA sensations who will need to dominate if their team is going to cut down the nets and claim a national championship. For a complete look at the bracket, visit the official NCAA website.
Anthony Davis
It was clear right away that Davis was going to be something special. In his first two collegiate games, he scored 37 points and blocked 12 shots. His dominance in the paint continued throughout the entire season, boosting his draft stock in the process.
Kentucky's biggest weakness is depth. The Wildcats rely heavily on their starting lineup, which means Davis can't afford to get into foul trouble. You know a savvy veteran coach like Rick Pitino will have his players attacking him at every opportunity early on.
The Wildcats have made it look relatively easy so far, but they need two more dominant showings from Davis in order to run the table. It wouldn't surprise anybody if that's exactly what happens.
Thomas Robinson
Kansas head coach Bill Self deserves a boatload of credit for his team's Final Four run. While other coaches are out searching for players who play right away, he's able to find gems like Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor who slowly, but surely, develop into stars.
After averaging less than three points per game as a freshman, Robinson has improved in virtually every area. He's even started to knock down mid-range jumpers with more consistency, which will only broaden his appeal to NBA teams.
His ability to transition from role player into main offensive threat has allowed the Jayhawks to exceed expectations this season. A couple more big games will give Kansas its fourth national title.
Jared Sullinger
This time last year Sullinger was the star freshman expected to lead his team to a championship, but Ohio State fell short of its goal. The big man has been on a mission ever since, which is why he remained a Buckeye for another season.
He's made improvements, most notably on defense, in his second college season. The hype surrounding his NBA future has died down a bit since last year, but he's still capable of becoming a very reliable post player at the next level.
The Buckeyes are two wins away from getting the title many people expected last year. They need Sullinger to be aggressive from the opening tip in both games to make it happen.
