Final Four 2012: Jared Sullinger and Stars Who Must Shine Bright

The 2012 Final Four of men's college basketball kicks off this weekend, and each team is counting on its star players to dominate. 

Some are going to fare better than others, and some are much more relied upon than others. Of the four teams, the Louisville Cardinals don't have a mega star, but that doesn't mean they're doomed by any means. 

They play great team ball, and they'll definitely give the Kentucky Wildcats a big challenge. That being said, here are three star players that must shine bright in the 2012 Final Four. 

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State 

The Buckeyes played against Kansas earlier in the year and lost. In that game, though, they did not have Sullinger. 

This time around they do, which means the Jayhawks have a very tough task ahead of them. Of all the star players in the Final Four, Sullinger is the one who is being counted on the most. 

Should he flop, Ohio State is toast. 

I highly doubt Sullinger will fail to show up, especially considering the fact he's extremely motivated to beat a team that he was unable to face earlier in the year. 

Look for Sullinger to crash the boards with great intensity, resulting in a lot of easy buckets. He'll be on point against Kansas because he thrives under pressure.

Anthony Davis, Kentucky 

Now is certainly not the time for Davis to start acting like a freshman. Is it possible that he chokes? Absolutely, but it's very doubtful. 

If Davis is a no show, it puts a lot of pressure on the rest of the Wildcats. Don't get me wrong, they're talented across the board, but a poor showing from Davis would result in everyone suffering. 

Kentucky feeds off Davis, but if the big man is can't get it together, the Wildcats may be sent home early. This is exactly why Davis has to be on his A-game against the Wildcats' arch rival. 

If Davis didn't shine the first time Kentucky faced Louisville, the Cardinals would have won the game. Davis is a beast on the court, and while it's unlikely he'll flop, he needs to come out strong to let everyone know he's going to be tough to stop all game long. 

Thomas Robinson, Kansas 

With the expectations of Sullinger excelling this weekend, that means Robinson has to thrive as well. 

The Jayhawks' top forward will be going toe-to-toe with Sullinger throughout the game, and Kansas needs him to match the Buckeyes' top player score for score. 

Both players get a ton of looks during the game, and because they're so talented, they have very little trouble succeeding. With so much on the line, though, Robinson has to step up and be that powerful force all over the court.

Robinson had no problems against the Buckeyes earlier in the year, but with Sullinger on the court this time, Kansas is relying on Robinson to help get the job done.