NCAA Tournament 2011: Best Individual Matchups in the Sweet 16
The opening weekend of the 2011 NCAA Tournament has come and gone quicker than a rain storm. We've seen buzzer beaters and upsets. We've witnessed the Goliath's fall to the David's. To say that the second and third round of March Madness has been exciting would be an understatement.
We now get to enjoy the Sweet Sixteen. We have weeded out the teams that didn't belong (USC) and kicked out the teams that were overrated (Pittsburgh). Now we have 16 teams that are playing their best basketball and are looking to make it to the Elite Eight.
Although basketball is mainly considered a team sport, there is nothing better than watching two spectacular players go one-on-one. It's like a boxing match where each shot is a jab and each fighter is willing to go the 12 rounds no matter what happens.
Here is a look at the best individual match-ups in each of the Sweet Sixteen games.
8. Chris Singleton (Florida St) Vs. Jamie Skeen (VCU)
1 of 8
Chris Singleton has missed the last month with a broken foot, but when healthy, he is the best defender in the country. He is big, athletic, and can defend inside and on the perimeter. He played 16 minutes against Texas A&M, but only 10 minutes against Notre Dame. Florida State is known for their defense, and throughout the season, Singleton has been the catalyst. Even at 50 percent, Singleton is the best player on Florida State.
Jamie Skeen has really stepped up his game this year for VCU. He has increased his scoring by seven points a game and his rebounding by three rebounds a game. He does most of his damage on the offensive end in the post, but he has the ability to step outside and hit the three also. He is fantastic at rebounding and can run the court well for a big man.
Who wins this match-up?
Chris Singleton, if healthy
If Singleton can stay on the court for extended periods of time, he has the ability to completely shut down Skeen.
7. Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin) Vs. Ronald Nored (Butler)
2 of 8
Jordan Taylor has blossomed into one of the best point guards in the nation this season. He leads the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio, but also leads the Badgers in scoring at 18 points per game. He is deadly from long range, hitting 44 percent of the shots he takes from deep. He has the ability to take over games, but it's his ability to keep the ball in Wisconsin's possession that is his greatest asset to his team. If he gets off to a hot start, the Badgers are a difficult team to beat.
Ronald Nored is a two-time Horizon All-Defensive Team pick and the 2009-10 co-Defensive Player of the Year. He is the best on-the-ball defender that Butler has and is fantastic at shutting down guards that can score. He isn't a real threat on the offensive end of the floor, but his defense certainly makes up for it.
Who wins this match-up?
Jordan Taylor
Taylor has been fantastic throughout the whole year and the fact that he rarely turns the ball over is the reason he wins this match-up. He might not score 30 points, but he will have his fair share of assists and run Bo Ryan's swing offense perfectly, like usual.
6. Harrison Barnes (North Carolina) Vs. Jimmy Butler (Marquette)
3 of 8
Harrison Barnes is averaging 23 points, nine rebounds, and two steals a game during the NCAA Tournament. He is starting to put the college game together, and that is a scary thought for opponents. He can finish at the rim, but tends to prefer to do most of his damage behind the arc. He is a streaky shooter and he doesn't mind shooting to get out of a funk. Barnes is oozing with potential, and it appears as if he is just starting to tap into it.
Jimmy Butler is Marquette's best defensive stopper. He has size, speed, and is an experienced player. Not only is he exceptional at defense, but Butler is also the second leading scorer for the Golden Eagles. He is able to beat defenders off the dribble and attempts nearly seven free throws a game. He has been the most consistent scorer for Marquette, only scoring in single digits twice all season.
Who wins this match-up?
Harrison Barnes
The freshman has looked outstanding as of late and it appears as if no one will be able to slow him down. He is an underrated defensive player and will make Butler work on both ends of the court all game long.
.png?w=256 "NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship")
5. Kemba Walker (Connecticut) Vs. D.J. Gay (San Diego State)
4 of 8
Kemba Walker is the best scorer in the country not named Jimmer Fredette. He has scored 30 or more points 10 times this season and has only been held to single digits once. Walker needs the ball in his hands and shoots nearly 18 times a game. When he is struggling from the field, Connecticut is a very vulnerable team. When he isn't struggling, Connecticut is nearly unstoppable. Through the first two games of the tournament, Walker has been sensational. He is averaging 25 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds while Connecticut has blown out its first two opponents.
D.J. Gay isn't anywhere close to the scorer that Walker is, but he is a quality point guard who runs one of the best teams effectively. He has a knack for hitting big shots and is a solid defender. His best quality is his ability to not turnover the ball for long stretches. He won't overwhelm anyone in any one category of his game, but he does everything good enough to be a threat.
Who wins this match-up?
Kemba Walker
Don't be surprised to see Walker put up another huge game for Connecticut. He seems like a man out to prove a point to all his doubters and even a freight train won't be able to stop him. Last time I checked, D.J. Gay is no freight train.
4. Kevin Anderson (Richmond) Vs. Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas)
5 of 8
Kevin Anderson is the engine that runs the Richmond Spiders. He has played all but two minutes during the first two games and has only one turnover during that span. He is averaging 19 points per game and was spectacular against Vanderbilt with 25 points and hitting four three-pointers. He will be top-five all time for Richmond in scoring, assists, steals, and minutes per game as he is a four year starter. He will be looking to prolong his career one more game against Kansas and you can be sure he will come to play.
Tyshawn Taylor runs the show for arguably the best team in the country. He has very good size for a point guard and uses that size to his advantage. He has had an up-and-down season, but has played well during the Big 12 Tournament and so far through the NCAA Tournament. If Taylor can continue to play at a high level, Kansas is nearly unbeatable.
Who wins this match-up?
Kevin Anderson has had a spectacular career at Richmond and is better player than Taylor. The Spiders probably won't beat the Jayhawks, but Anderson will have a better game than Taylor.
3. Kyle Singler (Duke) Vs. Derrick Williams (Arizona)
6 of 8
Kyle Singler has put together an underrated season at Duke. He hasn't put up numbers like most people expected, but 17 points and seven rebounds is nothing to be ashamed about. Singler can stretch the court with his NBA range and he also has the ability to beat larger defenders off the dribble. He is one of the smartest players in college basketball and is a future NBA player. He has a ton of experience and a national championship and is looking to add a second to his already stellar resume.
Derrick Williams is a National Player of the Year candidate and a top-five pick in the NBA draft this year. He shoots 60 percent from the floor and a ridiculous 58 percent from behind the arc. He is a beast on the boards, using his athleticism to grab a handful of offensive rebounds every game. He is the focal point of Arizona's offense and has played his best against the better teams in the country. If Duke can't stop Williams, look for Arizona to advance to the Elite Eight.
Who wins this match-up?
Kyle Singler, with help from the Plumlee brothers
Williams is one of the best players in the country, but I expect him to struggle against Singler on the perimeter and the Plumlee brothers in the paint. Duke will throw different defensive looks at Williams and Singler wins this match-up with a little help.
2. Jimmer Fredette (BYU) Vs. Kenny Boynton (Florida)
7 of 8
Jimmer Fredette has taken America by storm this year and hasn't disappointed so far during the tournament. He is averaging 33 points per game during his first two games. If you have ever watched a BYU game you know that Fredette is the whole Cougar offense. He either scores or assists on most baskets for BYU. He has the ability to shoot and score from anywhere once he crosses half court. He has played 79 minutes in two games so far, but he never appears to get tired from running all over the place. He lead BYU to an incredible season, but don't expect him to slow down anytime soon.
Kenny Boynton is a prolific scorer and can score in bunches. He can score in a number of ways, but is most dangerous when he gets into the lane. On the defensive side of the ball, Boynton uses his quickness to his advantage. It is very difficult to beat him off the dribble due to his ability to stay in front of his man. He is a true competitor who loves the ball at the end of the game.
Who wins this match-up?
Jimmer Fredette
Jimmer has manhandled every one in his way and Boynton won't be any different. My prediction: 43 points.
1. Brandon Knight (Kentucky) Vs. Aaron Craft (Ohio State)
8 of 8
Brandon Knight has great size for a point guard and uses that size along with a quick first step to penetrate at will. However, he often decides to pull up for a jumper rather than finish at the rim. He scored a career high 30 points against West Virginia in the tournament and has easily been one of the best freshman players in the nation throughout the course of the year. He is a score first point guard who rarely looks to set up teammates. Turnovers have been a major cause for concern, but if he can hold on to the ball and score like he did against West Virginia, watch out for Kentucky
In my personal opinion, Aaron Craft doesn't get enough credit. He runs the show for one of the best teams in the country and does it superbly. He is a smart basketball player who rarely turns the ball over. He won't impress you with his athleticism, but it is the small things that makes him a fantastic player. He plays shutdown defense on the perimeter. The fact that he is a freshman and leading the Buckeyes this far is an incredible feat.
Who wins this match-up?
Aaron Craft has had a fantastic season, but Brandon Knight's size gives him the advantage in this match-up. This match-up of standout point guards will be fantastic to watch.
.png?w=480 "NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
