Kentucky vs. Kansas: Anthony Davis Will Seal Most Outstanding Player in Win

It's easy to predict that the Associated Press Player of the Year will also take home the NCAA tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. I know I'm not exactly going out on a limb here.

But if Anthony Davis has another big game for the Kentucky Wildcats, he'll have absolutely earned the honor.

Davis' impact on this tournament has been unmistakable. In five tournament games thus far, he has averaged 15.2 points, 11.6 rebounds and 4.6 blocks.

Plus, his defensive presence alone makes attacking the paint for opposing players a risky proposition, and he's probably discouraged a huge number of potential shots. That type of impact on a game is priceless for Kentucky, and it takes Davis' worth far past his already incredibly impressive numbers.

Davis has a tough matchup against Kansas, likely facing center Jeff Withey for much of the game. Withey has been splendid from a defensive perspective in the tournament, averaging 6.4 rebounds and 5.4 blocks per game. If you take away a dismal performance against Purdue, those numbers become 7.5 rebounds and 6.2 blocks.

Impressive stuff from the seven-footer. He'll make life difficult offensively for Davis.

But Davis doesn't need to be a scorer to be Kentucky's most important player. If he can control the boards against Withey and Thomas Robinson, discourage Kansas from driving the line and force them to shoot from the perimeter (which most certainly isn't its strength), the Jayhawks will be in trouble.

I think Davis will do just that, compiling another complete game and solidifying himself as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. His ability to control the paint can't be ignored, and while I believe Kentucky's other players will shine more offensively for the Wildcats, the freshman will make his presence felt in a big way one last time before turning pro.

Player of the Year, the tourney's Most Outstanding Player award, a National Championship and the first pick in the NBA draft—it sure looks like it's shaping up to be one hell of a year for Anthony Davis, isn't it?

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets will remain Linsane in tribute.