March Madness 2011 Bracket: Power Ranking the 50 Best Players in the Tournament
The NCAA tournament is matched by no other event in college basketball, drawing so many talented players into the same competition.
The best of the best always manage to carry their teams to the tournament, and some even manage to achieve greatness.
From the Magic Johnsons and Larry Birds, to the Michael Jordans and Carmelo Anthonys, the big stage and bright lights always separate the losers from the legends.
This year's tournament should do it again, but with a new set of wanna-be legends. The names for years to come will surely come from this group of young stars.
50. Yancy Gates, F, Cincinnati
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Yancy Gates has a bunch of upside for the Cincinnati Bearcats, but he's very inconsistent.
The junior has finished the season strong, but even that he did with inconsistency. In certain games, he shows the ability to score against anyone in the post. Then he'll turn around and get in foul trouble and play only 16 minutes all game.
He is a very gifted rebounder, pulling down almost seven boards per game. He plays very physical in the post, and he uses his massive frame to get position against taller players. The only thing that Gates lacks is a basketball IQ. Sometimes he seems lost or out of sync with the rest of the game.
If Cincy is serious about getting far in the tournament, they will surely need some spectacular play from Gates, which may be harder than one would think.
49. Tre'Von Willis, G, UNLV
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Tre'Von Willis is the most talented player on the Rebels. He leads UNLV in scoring and he is second in assists. He only scores 13.5 points per game, but the offense generally runs through him, and he helps spread the ball around.
Willis helped lead the Rebels to a great start to the season, but people forgot about them after a few losses and they are cruising into the tournament under the radar, which makes them a sleeper. They've also picked up some good out-of-conference wins against Wisconsin and at Kansas State.
Willis isn't the most consistent player in the country, but he is capable of breakout games. We'll see if he can take the Rebels past Illinois to start out the tournament.
48. Jimmy Butler, G, Marquette
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Jimmy Butler has been instrumental in Marquette's run to the tournament. He's been solid all season, but it's his consistency that makes him so great.
Outside of his 30-point performance against Cincinnati, he hasn't had any huge games. He's only scored below 10 points twice all season, though. He has begun to emerge as Marquette's go-to player, especially after his 19 point, 10 rebound and eight assist performance in the must-win game against Providence in the Big East tournament.
Butler will surely play well for the Golden Eagles, but a big performance from Butler wouldn't shock me in the slightest. He seems poised to explode at any minute, and what better stage for a senior than the NCAA tournament?
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47. Kevin Jones, F, West Virginia
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Jones has stepped up so much for West Virginia lately.
Jones had a double-double in four of the Mountaineers' last five games, including wins over Notre Dame, Connecticut and Louisville. His 25 points and 16 rebounds in the Louisville game led all participants in both categories.
Jones isn't the best scorer on the roster, but he may be the most consistent. He averages 13.1 points and he leads the team in rebounding, averaging 7.4 per game.
Jones isn't a star, and he won't be taking the last shot, but he will definitely put the Mountaineers in a position to win the game.
46. Stephen Gray, G, Gonzaga
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Stephen Gray is the leader on a Gonzaga team that hasn't had as much success as normal. He plays more minutes, scores more and he has more assists than anyone else on the Bulldogs' roster. Late in the season, he has really emerged as the best player on the team and the one who everyone turns to in late-game situations.
Since the departure of Matt Boldin after last season, Gray developed his ball handling and his defense, which has been evident in the box scores and on the court. Gray's assists have increased by one per game, and his steals have increased by almost as much.
Gray hasn't been used as much down the stretch, but his ability to show up in big games has a precedent, as he scored 35 in the game against San Diego State earlier this season. If Gonzaga needs a shot late, Gray will most likely be the one to take it.
45. Darius Morris, G, Michigan
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Morris has been great this season for the Wolverines. He has taken the role of leader and ran with it. In fact, towards the end of the season, his play was a main reason Michigan made the tournament.
Morris is leading the young team in points and assists. His 6.7 assists per game is good for the best in the Big Ten, a conference stacked full of amazing point guards. He isn't the greatest shooter, but his ability to distribute to those who can shoot is a good way to make up for that.
Morris will have to be huge for the Wolverines in the tournament, given they'll meet the No. 1 seed in their second game if they can get past Tennessee in the first.
44. Justin Harper, F, Richmond
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The senior forward from Richmond has really stepped up his game this season. After losing in the first round last season, Harper has gone on a tear for a team that was run by teammate Kevin Anderson last season.
Harper only averaged 10 points last season, but this year, he has upped his average by seven points to 17.6 per game. His rebounds have increased in his extended playing time as well.
Harper has done a great job of giving Anderson a good second option, which the Spiders utilize very well. Justin Harper will surely perform well in the tournament, as no one wants two straight years of losing in the first round.
43. Kendall Marshall, G, North Carolina
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Marshall made all the difference for UNC this season. Ever since he became the starting point man for the Tar Heels, they've played out of their minds.
The main impact he has in games is his passing ability. He leads the ACC in assists at 5.8, but in assists per 40 minutes played, he is easily the best in the country at 9.9. Many people think he is the best passer in the country. He would much rather dump off a pass and get an assist than score himself, which is why he's so dangerous.
When Marshall is running the point, he opens up things for other players who wouldn't normally be there. He can anticipate cuts and moves so he can deliver the ball before defenders even know it's coming their way. Harrison Barnes has certainly benefitted from Marshall's play.
Marshall needs to keep playing smart, because the Tar Heels really don't have another viable point guard option on the team. Even if they did, Marshall is head-and-shoulders above anyone else they could put on the floor.
42. Corey Fisher, G, Villanova
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Corey Fisher has talent out the wazzoo, and he's shown it at many times this season. However, everyone thought that Fisher would absolutely shine as the leader for Villanova this season, which he hasn't done. He just has issues with consistency.
For instance, late last month, Fisher had a 34-point game against DePaul, but then followed it up with two completely lackluster games in which he scored eight points and two points against Syracuse and St. John's. Fisher hasn't been able to win games against big opponents this season, which is something his predecessor, Scottie Reynolds, did.
Fisher is still a great point guard, averaging almost five assists per game, but he just hasn't been the force people thought he would be.
41. Peyton Siva, G, Louisville
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Siva is one of the best defenders in the Big East and he's proved to be a very productive point guard as well. His perimeter defense is almost unbreakable, as he can shut down just about anyone (excluding Mr. Walker, of course).
His athleticism is one of his best tools, and he can run with the fastest players in the nation. The things that really made Siva excel this season were his increased minutes and the development of his court vision.
He still tries to make too many flashy plays, which may get him in trouble eventually, but Siva has really impressed as a true point guard. He doesn't score a ton of points, but he is fourth in the Big East in assists with 5.3 per game.
With a young Siva running the point, the Louisville Cardinals have plenty of things to be happy about, including a possible run in this year's tournament.
40. William Buford, G, Ohio State
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William Buford doesn't get a whole bunch of the spotlight on a team full of great players, but his skill is nothing to overlook.
Buford has lots of skill on the offensive end, and without having to share the backcourt with a player like Evan Turner, he's been able to showcase his true talents. While his scoring hasn't increased without Turner, his role as an integral offensive piece has.
Buford handles the ball well, but more importantly, he shoots terrifically. If Jon Diebler wasn't on the team, he'd be the best shooter for Ohio State. He's so dangerous from outside, but if the defense overplays him, he can blow right by the defenders and attack the rim.
Buford will undoubtedly add some needed support to the Sullinger train this March, but we'll see how much attention he'll get for it.
39. Markieff Morris, F, Kansas
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Although he has the same face as his brother Marcus, Markieff isn't the same person. He has merits all his own that are worth recognizing. He may not be the Big 12 Player of the Year, but he did lead the Big 12 in rebounds during the regular season, beating out his brother.
Markieff may not be as offensively gifted as Marcus, but he is still physically imposing and he still scores a bunch for Kansas. Along with his 8.2 rebounds per game, Morris scores 13.6 points per game and adds in a block and almost a steal per game. He also led the Big 12 in field-goal percentage this season, as he works mainly cleaning up other people's missed shots.
Markieff may not get as much recognition, but he is certainly a powerful post man in his own right.
38. Demetri McCamey, G, Illinois
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McCamey is the leader on the inconsistent Illinois squad. He isn't the inconsistent one, though, as he delivers assists as well as scoring in the majority of his games.
McCamey, who led the nation in assists last season, has evolved into more of a scorer this season, but he leads the Illini in both categories. While he doesn't normally put up tremendous numbers, Illinois could definitely use them, as they have fallen on some less-than-impressive efforts this season.
37. Austin Freeman, G, Georgetown
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Freeman, a selection to this year's All-Big East first team, has been the best offensive producer for a Georgetown team that has been all over the place this season.
Part of the reason Georgetown is so inconsistent is because Freeman is inconsistent. He averages almost 18 points per game, but usually he scores above or below that mark, usually never near there (he's only scored 16-to-20 points five times this season).
However, Freeman's pros outweigh his cons. He regularly has monster scoring games in which he will absolutely blast other teams and single-handedly carry the team to victory. The Hoyas will need to see that side of Freeman if they want to advance in the tourney this season, which they failed to do last year.
36. John Henson, F, North Carolina
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Henson is a sophomore who has really come out of his shell this season. Last year, he was long, lanky, not powerful and awkward. He's still long, lanky and could afford to add more strength, but his awkward stage is gone. He has emerged as one of the best defensive players in the country.
Henson can block shots like no one's business, and his long, athletic frame gives him the ability to cover ground extremely well. His athleticism is also beginning to show itself on the offensive end. He has developed his jump shot well this year, and while he's still not super powerful, he's beginning to work in the post a lot more.
Henson can afford to have some fun blocking shots against a very small Long Island team in the Tar Heels' first game, but if UNC wants to advance further in the tournament, he'll need to perform well for the Tar Heels.
35. Scotty Hopson, G-F, Tennessee
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Hopson is a player who many people are very up and down about. He's shown this season and throughout his career that he has all the talent to be one of the best players in the country. However, he just isn't one of the best. He often takes plays off, and his attitude isn't always the best.
When he plays like he should, Hopson is easily the most dangerous player on the Tennessee roster. He's been more consistent this season, and he is averaging over 17 points per game. Hopson was also named to the SEC second team this season. He has only scored below 10 points three times all season, but there have only been two in which he's scored more than 24.
Hopson's potential isn't containable. He just needs to access it and use it. If he does, Tennessee could do some damage in this tournament.
34. Kalin Lucas, G, Michigan State
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Although the Spartans have struggled as a team this season, Kalin Lucas may not be the problem. He's managed to step up his scoring output this season by almost three points per game.
Lucas is so quick it is hard to guard him. He can get to the rim easily and finishes well also. While his assists have gone down this year, he is still a good passer who sees the floor well and finds people with ease. He's a very good shooter as well.
If the Spartans rebound in the NCAAs, Lucas will certainly be a huge part of it.
33. Isaiah Thomas, G, Washington
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Isaiah Thomas has been the driving force behind this Washington team all season. He has done an excellent job of improving his game in his junior season. He managed to keep his scoring game intact while almost doubling his assists (3.2 to 6.0). He leads the Pac-10 in that category by 1.5 assists per game.
Thomas hit the shot against Arizona in overtime that gave them the Pac-10 championship and an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament (not that they would have missed it). He is the guy the Huskies want to have the ball in the late seconds of the game and he has flourished in that role.
All of these things, and the kid is only 5'9" at best. He may be small, but he plays like he's big.
32. Khris Middleton, F, Texas A&M
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Khris Middleton appeared out of nowhere to lead his A&M team to an NCAA tournament berth. He has nearly doubled his points per game since last season, and his assists and rebounds have significantly increased as well.
Middleton is one of two players for Texas A&M who scores more than 10 points per game, and he always shows up for the Aggies' big games. However, he tends to disappear at times, which could be problematic for Texas A&M in the tournament.
31. Chandler Parsons, F, Florida
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The SEC Player of the Year is excellent at what he does. Parsons doesn't score as much as many people would think, but he rebounds and passes extremely well for a big man. At 6'10", Parsons is the Florida Gators' leading assist man and rebounder.
He shoots very well for his size, and he is very quick too. It seems like he's a shooting guard in a power forward's body. Parsons is a leader more than anything. He is the most recognizable player for the strong Gators team, and it seems like they don't lose often when Parsons is playing well.
He won't put up more than 20 points in a game (he hasn't all season), but if you watch him play, you'll know why Parsons is so important to his team.
30. Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
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Zeller has drastically improved from his sophomore to his junior season. He's always had plenty of potential, but never utilized it due to injuries and lack of playing time, etc. Now he's the Tar Heels' second-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder as well.
Zeller is excellent around the rim. He can finish near the basket, and he has a great turnaround hook shot that hits more than it misses. He doesn't play super physical, but he's not afraid to use his body either, which helps him get to the line, which he does a lot.
He's a very quick big man as well. He runs the floor as well as anyone in the country, which gives him plenty of scoring opportunities in the North Carolina system. He's solid enough on the defensive end that people won't drive it straight at him or near him as well.
29. Tristan Thompson, F, Texas
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The Big 12 Freshman of the Year has given the Longhorns a much-needed inside presence this season, making them a very well rounded team. His presence is enough to cause opposing players to avoid the paint.
Thompson is a terrific rebounder and shot blocker, and very few players can match his athleticism in the post. He has soaring potential, and his offensive game has increased all season to a point where now he is one of the the Longhorns' best offensive options.
28. Ashton Gibbs, G, Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh's go-to shooter has become such a dangerous offensive threat. Having developed from his awkward freshman stage, Gibbs is now one of the most feared shooters in the Big East. He can score from anywhere on the floor, but his long-range shots are what most people fear the most.
Gibbs shoots 48 percent from behind the arc. When Pittsburgh lost to Connecticut in their first game of the Big East tournament, it wasn't Gibbs' fault, because he was having an amazing day. He showcased everything in his repertoire, scoring 27 points off of 10-of-13 shooting and hitting 6-of-7 long-range shots.
Gibbs is essential in the Panthers offense, and him playing well could mean the end for anyone standing in Pitt's way.
27. Keith Benson, C, Oakland
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Keith Benson's abilities are mainly the reason that Oakland is so good this season. The senior is drawing a lot of attention from NBA scouts because of his offensive and defensive abilities.
Offensively, Benson is easily the Grizzlies leading scorer. He averages 18 points per game and adds over 10 rebounds per game as well, averaging a double-double. However, on top of all that, Benson is the nation's second-leading shot-blocker.
Benson has played plenty of good opponents in the post this season, so watch out for an upset alert over struggling Texas as Benson puts the team on his back.
26. Rick Jackson, F, Syracuse
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Jackson has been a monster this season. The Orange big man averaged a double-double in the Big East this season, with 13 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. He dominates inside on the offensive and defensive ends because he is both extremely physical and athletic.
Jackson won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year as well. Jackson is one of the best shot-blockers in the country, averaging 2.5 per game as well as 1.3 steals.
His defensive abilities are an amazing anchor in the middle of the Syracuse 2-3 zone, and he makes it even more effective by shutting down close attempts at the basket.
25. Dwight Hardy, G, St. John's
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Dwight Hardy is just one of the pieces on the St. John's team that surprised so many people this season. His play down the stretch made people consider him for Big East Player of the Year. Although he didn't win it, he did win the Most Improved Player in the conference.
Hardy's stats increased in every statistical category except for his three-point shooting percentage, which has only gone down three percentage points. His points are up from 10.5 to 18.0, and he's added an assist and a rebound onto his averages as well.
Hardy will need to play well if the Red Storm are going to advance, seeing as D.J. Kennedy will be out for the remainder of their season.
24. Marcus Denmon, G, Missouri
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Marcus Denmon started off the season on a tear for the Missouri Tigers, but the Tigers still fell off a little bit. However, Denmon is still putting up very impressive numbers for a dangerous team that made it in as an 11 seed.
An excellent defender, Denmon steals the ball almost twice per game. He is also the Tigers' leading scorer, with over 17 points per game. He really shines as a point guard, which is very difficult to do on a team full of guards.
Missouri is a very dangerous team that could surprise some people in the tournament due to their low seeding.
23. Kenneth Faried, F, Morehead State
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Kenneth Faried is a monstrosity. There is no other way to describe the nation's leading rebounder. He pulls down over 14 rebounds in a game on average! He hasn't been held under seven rebounds in a game all season, and he regularly has games with 20 or more rebounds.
Faried is an athletic freak, and he is almost as scary around the rim with the ball. He averages almost 18 points per game.
His attitude is the thing to watch out for. He takes it personally if he doesn't get a rebound, so he'll fight every second of the game to best the other big men.
22. Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky
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Knight was one of the best freshman point guards in the most recent classes, and he's proved it all season. Earlier this year, he had to prove himself as a passer and a ball-handler when Terrence Jones was playing so well for the Wildcats.
When Jones began to cool down, though, Knight just stepped up his own game. He passed Jones as the Wildcats' leading scorer and he is third in the SEC. He still leads the Wildcats in assists as well, as he was third in the SEC in that category as well.
Knight leads a very young, but very good, team into the NCAA tournament this season, and behind his play, the Wildcats may be able to go far in the bracket.
21. Preston Knowles, G, Louisville
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Louisville came out of seemingly nowhere this season to compete for the Big East title, and much of that thanks belongs to their sensational guard, Preston Knowles.
Knowles is a scorer. Everyone knows that is what he does best. What everyone doesn't know is how he's going to score. He can blow by defenders, knock down any open jumper on the court, or create a shot for himself that no one would see coming.
When Knowles is hot, he is one of the scariest players in the nation, let alone the Big East.
20. Brad Wanamaker, G, Pittsburgh
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Brad Wanamaker is just the next in the line of Jamie Dixon's developed talent. Wanamaker wasn't a huge recruit, but Dixon has developed him into one of the best point guards in the country.
Wanamaker can pass, score, defend and rebound surprisingly well. While he only scores 12 points per game on average, he pulls in five rebounds and dishes out five assists as well. He can also adjust his game to what the Panthers need him to do, the sign of an excellent player.
Pittsburgh is a very good team this season, and much of that credit is due to Wanamaker's play at the point guard position.
19. Tu Holloway, G, Xavier
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Tu Holloway wasn't projected to be the Musketeers best player this season, but he has gladly stepped into that role with the absence of Jordan Crawford.
Holloway only averaged 12 points per game last year, but this season, he's stepped up his scoring to a little over 20 points per game. In addition, the 6'0" guard adds on five assists and five rebounds per game on average.
These are great stats, and the senior was rewarded for his play this season, winning the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Award.
18. Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky
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Jones was one of the best freshmen in the country this season. His athletic-and-powerful game has some of the most potential of any player in the country, and he is projected as a lottery pick in the NBA Draft this season.
While Jones has fallen off recently compared to his play at the beginning of the season, he is still the Wildcats second-leading scorer and he leads the SEC in rebounding. He can shoot from anywhere on the floor as well as being able to bang around with other bigs in the paint.
Jones playing well is essential for Kentucky if they are going to advance in this year's tournament.
17. Jon Leuer, C, Wisconsin
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Leuer has been on a tear in his senior season in Wisconsin. The Badgers leading scorer and rebounder has been a key on the team for a long time, and it showed this year, as he was named to the Big Ten first team.
He hasn't had much success in the NCAA tournament, only making one Sweet 16 in his first three years with the Badgers. That may change this season, as he is helping lead a charge late in the season for the Badgers, who are hoping to get back to the Sweet 16.
16. John Jenkins, G, Vanderbilt
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John Jenkins has been a huge surprise this surprise. He leads the SEC in scoring in his sophomore season, and he also shoots pretty well from everywhere on the floor.
Jenkins didn't contribute nearly this much last season, as he had to give up some minutes behind Jermaine Beal. However, he's embraced his new role well this season, becoming a unanimous selection to the SEC first team.
15. Kawhi Leonard, F, San Diego State
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Kawhi Leonard has led the San Diego State Aztecs to a No. 2 seed and only two losses all season. At 6'7", Leonard is one of the best small forwards in the nation, and his stats are actually somewhat amazing.
He leads the Aztecs in points and rebounds (15.4 and 10.7), a double-double. He is an amazing rebounder for his size and he uses his speed and athleticism to out-work other people at his position.
A small forward bringing down almost 11 rebounds in a game is a ridiculous stat that gives Leonard all kinds of credit.
14. Jacob Pullen, G, Kansas State
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Jacob Pullen got off to a rough start this season, but his resurgence led Kansas State to a No. 5 seed in this year's tournament. That may be a disappointment for Wildcat fans, given their high rating at the beginning of the season.
Pullen has proven through many games at K-State that he can do everything people need him to. If he needs to distribute the ball, he'll rack up the assists. If he needs to create his own shots to score, he can do that too. Plus, he can shoot from outside pretty well too. He's a true multi-threat, but whether he has enough support is still in question.
13. Jordan Taylor, G, Wisconsin
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Jordan Taylor wasn't even considered the best player on his team this year before the season started, but he has had a monster junior year. He was named to the Big Ten first team from the regular season after leading the Badgers in assists and coming second in scoring.
While he isn't a point guard, Taylor does a great job of distributing the ball as well as scoring for himself, a characteristic of many great players in the country. Taylor's presence automatically makes Wisconsin something to deal with, but along with Jon Leuer, the Badgers are a scary looking No. 4 seed.
12. Harrison Barnes, F, North Carolina
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Harrison Barnes has emerged as the player that many thought he would be this season. After struggling at the beginning of the year, he is now the best player on a surging North Carolina team that locked up a No. 2 seed after a 19 of 22 finish to the season.
Barnes really exploded during the ACC tournament when he put up 40 points on the Clemson Tigers, 14 of which came in the overtime, which he helped force with some clutch second-half shots. If Barnes continues to be the man for the Tar Heels, they could put together a solid run to at least the Sweet 16 before they meet their match.
11. Jordan Hamilton, F, Texas
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Texas's star has emerged as one of the best small forwards in the country during his sophomore season. He's improved almost every part of his game since last year, and he is the Longhorns' go-to-guy whenever they need a big basket.
Hamilton made the Big 12 first team after averaging 18.6 points and 7.6 rebounds this season. Hamilton is a guy who can create a shot as well as anyone in the country. His athleticism allows him to out-jump some players, and his speed helps when he's being guarded by other small forwards who are a little bit bigger than he is.
Texas certainly has a decent shot at winning as long as Hamilton is in the game.
10. E'Twaun Moore, G, Purdue
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E'twaun Moore had his name in the Big Ten Player of the Year discussion for a while, but eventually fell short of the award. However, he did make the first team in the Big Ten, which is no easy task.
Moore's ability to shoot and control the tempo as a combo guard is very impressive. He has helped lead the Boilermakers all season after the injury to Robbie Hummel at the beginning of the season.
9. Kyle Singler, F, Duke
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Although he's had a very up-and-down year, Kyle Singler has repeatedly proved that he's one of the better players in the country.
Despite coming off of a bad game against North Carolina to end his regular season, Singler ripped through the ACC tournament and made the all-tournament team. He's a very dangerous part of this team who shouldn't be overlooked despite his less-than-expected output this season.
8. Ben Hansbrough, G, Notre Dame
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Ben Hansbrough has been around forever in college basketball, but this season was a huge difference for him. He played his first three seasons at Mississippi State, but playing for the Fighting Irish has opened all kinds of opportunities for the him.
Hansbrough is at his best while he's handling the ball. He can get to the basket pretty easily, but also passes very well. The thing that makes him even scarier is his ability to shoot. He shoots 44 percent from beyond the arc.
The under-appreciated senior has exploded in his senior year. If Notre Dame keeps playing like it is, Ben may get a title to match his brother's.
7. Marcus Morris, F, Kansas
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This year's Big 12 Player of the Year has evolved from a role player to one of the best big men in the country. Marcus Morris has shown that he's very gifted in the post, both scoring and rebounding.
Having Marcus Morris in the post is a tool that Kansas utilizes very well. Other teams have to defend their shooters, but at the same time, they can't devote all of their defense to the perimeter, because leaving Morris alone could spell disaster.
Watch out for some monster games from Marcus, as he should continue his high level of play.
6. JaJuan Johnson, C, Purdue
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JaJuan Johnson has a different game then most centers, but he manages to make it work. He is very athletic for his size and he is fairly gifted around the rim. While he may not be the best rebounder for his size, he makes up for it with other abilities.
Johnson is a great ball-handler for his size and position. He can drive around players and take it straight to the rim as well. He's even developed a decent outside jump-shot.
Johnson has Purdue playing quite well lately and he's peaking at just the right time as well.
5. Jared Sullinger, F, Ohio State
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Sullinger has emerged as the best freshman in the country, hands down. While there are plenty of great freshmen, none have completely dominated their conference like Sullinger does the Big Ten. He's on a great team, full of super talented players, yet he still outshines them all.
His power in the post is almost equalled by his control and finishing. When he gets the ball in the paint, chances are he's going to get a pretty good shot up. And if he misses, he is very likely to pull in the rebound.
Teams that face Ohio State and Jared Sullinger better beware. He will be quite a test for whoever gets put in the paint.
4. Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
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Derrick Williams has been one of the best forwards in the country this season. The sophomore has just dominated Pac-10 play, and very few teams have been able to stop the massive big man.
Arizona is a No. 5 seed in this year's tournament, so Williams has the potential to lead the Wildcats at least to a Sweet 16 berth. If his play continues to be so efficient (61 percent from the field), the Wildcats definitely have a chance to make a deep run riding the back of D-Willy.
3. Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut
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Kemba Walker was the front-runner for Player of the Year for a long time, but slacked off his pace of ridiculous scoring games once he got into Big East play.
Now it seems the Kemba Show has returned in full force, as Walker carried the UConn Huskies to the Big East championship despite having to play for five straight days.
He has shown all year that he can blow by anyone guarding him and get a decent shot off. With Shabazz Napier running the point, it's become easier for Kemba to do what he does best: score. He no longer has to worry about running the offense; he can now be the offense.
His step-back jumper was just one of his many clutch moments this year. He's going to be a person of interest in this year's tournament because of his sheer ability to win basketball games.
2. Nolan Smith, G, Duke
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Ever since he took over the spot of point guard for the Blue Devils, Smith has been a ridiculous asset. He won the ACC Player of the Year honor and he has Duke playing extremely well.
He can score off the dribble, he can shoot and he's an excellent passer.
While he might not put up 50-point games or anything, he does consistently score above 20 and has released a couple of 30-point games this season as well.
Smith is easily one of the best players in the country this season, and his team has truly benefitted from his success as well.
1. Jimmer Fredette, G, Brigham Young
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Fredette has to be the best player in the country and the tournament this season.
If there was any doubt, his performance in the MWC tournament semifinals in which he scored 52 points (33 in the first half) answered those.
Fredette is the nation's leading scorer and he has steadily carried the BYU Cougars all season, to a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. His 28.5 points per game is easily better than anyone else in the country.
As we've seen in the past, dynamic scorers can do very well in the NCAA tournament. Fredette has a history of good performances as well. He scored 37 against Florida in their overtime victory last season in the opening round.
I would put my money on Fredette to light up the scoreboard once again this year, as they're hoping to make their first Sweet 16 since 1981.
.png?w=480 "NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
