Final Four 2012: William Buford and Star Players Who Have to Play Better

There are multiple players still breathing in the Final Four that have been carried by their teammates.

I’m not talking about the fifth-year senior that averages one minute a game. I’m talking about outstanding talents that haven’t played up to the lofty expectations placed upon them.

Here are three guys that are lucky to be here and now have to take full advantage of their second chance.

William Buford-Ohio State

The senior guard has been the glue-guy for the Buckeyes and almost shot his team out of the second weekend. In two games he shot a combined 4 of 20 from the floor while also committing five turnovers.

Buford has to keep shooting and ensure the dangerous Kansas backcourt has to exert plenty of energy on the defensive end of the floor. If his shot isn’t falling, Buford has to become more of a play-maker that penetrates the lane and find open looks for the rest of his teammates.

Kyle Kuric-Louisville

The Cardinals' leading scorer was completely shut down in their first meeting against Kentucky. John Calipari instructed his defense to never sag on Kuric, even when Peyton Siva used his dribble-drive to get into the lane. He finished with two points.

This time around Kuric, has to move without the ball better and improve upon an NCAA tournament to forget. After averaging 14 points during the regular season, Kuric is averaging 9.5 points while shooting 35.1 percent from the floor.

Kuric is the measuring stick for the offense, considering the team is 11-1 when he’s made three of more three-point shots.

Marquis Teague-Kentucky

The freshman has been wildly inconsistent this season, but the point guard has to take care of the ball against Siva and the razor-sharp Louisville defense. He has committed 11 turnovers in the tournament, and you can bet that the Cardinals full-court press will be looking to add to the total at every chance they get. 

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