NCAA Bracket 2015: Game-Changers Who Will Decide Duke vs. Wisconsin

The Kentucky Wildcats didn't play to their strengths offensively in the second half of their national semifinal game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Thus, their undefeated season went by the boards.

In Monday's national title game, the Duke Blue Devils—who knocked off the Michigan State Spartans earlier on Saturday—must run their offense from inside out to beat Wisconsin.

Jahlil Okafor's size and skill level close to the basket make it near impossible for any team to guard him without sending a double-team. This skill set makes him the single biggest game-changer in the national title game.

If Okafor gets the rock early and often, it will give Duke an opportunity to put Wisconsin in foul trouble. That was something Kentucky never did. It took just 10 free throws the entire game. Okafor's presence on the block can create free-throw opportunities for himself as well as his teammates who cut to the basket if he gets double-teamed.

Quinn Cook, Duke

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The player who has helped to prevent the Duke offense from becoming stale is Quinn Cook. His outside shooting and the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim have been big.

Against Michigan State, Cook had 17 points. He's averaging 15 points per game in the tournament and playing with a wealth of confidence. Duke needs him to continue to play big to take pressure off Okafor to carry the team offensively.

Sam Dekker, Wisconsin

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If you're looking for the player who has helped his draft stock the most in the NCAA tournament, it's Sam Dekker. Coming into the tournament, he looked like a late first-round pick. Through five games in the Big Dance, Dekker has the look of a mid-to-late lottery pick. Take a look at the jump his three-point shooting has taken since the tournament began, per ESPN Stats and Info:

Dekker had 16 points on Saturday against Kentucky. Three of them came on a pretty step-back move that gave Wisconsin a three-point lead it wouldn't relinquish.

On Monday, Wisconsin will need Dekker to be as clutch as he has been throughout the tournament.

Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin

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It all starts with Kaminsky for Wisconsin. Like Okafor, he's able to open up so much for his teammates. What's more, he has proved to be an excellent passer out of the post. Against Kentucky, Kaminsky had 20 points and 11 rebounds to pace his team. Those stats should have really gotten the attention of anyone who doubts his ability to play at the next level.

Against Duke, Kaminsky must take advantage of the Blue Devils when he gets a smaller man on him in the post. Duke will likely do its best to avoid putting Okafor on him. Whether it is against Justise Winslow or Amile Jefferson, Kaminsky has to make his possessions count.

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