Now that the madness of March is among us, there is a whole field of important things to cover. However, for the most important part, it would be the players going out to play in the tournament. Now we will be looking into who the most important players are in each region:
EAST:
Duke – Zion Williamson
Did you really expect me to say anything else? Zion has took the college basketball platform by storm this season. And also coming back from an injury, his journey is the sole focus of many media outlets. Duke claimed the ACC title last week with a win over Florida State, but will their reign continue into the tournament? Many would say that this is up to if Zion Williamson can take the pressure and work it into productivity for this Blue Devil team.
Honorable Mentions: Cassius Winston (Michigan State), Tremont Waters (LSU), Justin Robinson (Virginia Tech), and Jordan Nwora (Louisville).
WEST:
Gonzaga – Rui Hachimura/Brandon Clarke
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been a team that confused many with their conference championship loss. This team runs through Rui Hachimura, so does this mean that when Rui does bad, the whole team does? This will be a pressing question throughout the whole tournament as Gonzaga goes through their path. Whether or not Gonzaga will lean more on Rui Hachimura or Brandon Clarke is a real concern for the Bulldogs.
Honorable Mentions: Markus Howard (Marquette), Ja Morant (Murray State), Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech), and Jordan Carolina (Nevada).
MIDWEST:
UNC – Coby White
This crazy freshman for the Tarheels has proven quickly that he can compete with the top dogs of college basketball. White will go against a field of great teams in the Midwest region if he’s going to get his team to the national championship. There will need to be an created sense of urgency for the North Carolina Tarheels, starting with White, to get them there. If the Tarheels are going to make the natty, Coby White will lead them there.
Honorable Mentions: Fletcher Magee (Wofford), Bryce Brown (Auburn), Dedric Lawson (Kansas), and PJ Washington (Kentucky).
SOUTH:
Tennessee – Grant Williams
One team that people are still giving hope to after a loss in their conference championship game is the Tennessee Volunteers. With the great duo of Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield, many would argue that Tennessee has what it takes. We can see potential matchups between Williams against the likes of Cincinnati, Villanova, Purdue, and Virginia. If anybody has to show up and prove themselves for a win, it will be Grant Williams.
Honorable Mentions: Admiral Schofield (Tennessee), Deandre Hunter (Virginia), Carsen Edwards (Purdue), and Phil Booth (Villanova).
Do you agree with our top picks? Let us know below in the comment section and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @redcupcollegesports.
Photo Credits: https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/grant-williams-admiral-schofield-say-vols-were-phonies-and-soft-during-loss-to-kentucky/
