(7) UConn vs. (8) Kentucky: Championship Keys

There's a double standard to the awesomeness of tonight's national championship game. On the surface, both of these teams came into the NCAA tournament as underdogs, and have been perceived as such up to this point. Both teams had to endure adversity and most did not expect them to be here, but these two teams are no longer underdogs, because as of today, they are the two best teams in the country. Did I predict the Kentucky freshman to string together this fearless streak of maturity? No. Did I foresee the Huskies making this rally? No. But for me, more gratifying than being right about any prediction is the assurance that I will be watching the two most confident, deserving teams play for the national title.

Keys:

Comfortability

What Kansas State, Wichita State, Louisville, Michigan, and Wisconsin were unable to do was rattle the Kentucky freshman. Rarely if at all have we seen the young Wildcats panic into forced errors and poor decision making during the tournament. UConn's guards are small, quick, and harder to beat off the dribble, which creates a good challenge for the Harrison twins to maintain necessary aggressiveness and poise in their attack from the perimeter. 

Kentucky's advantage stems from their length, athleticism, and presence on the glass. Their best chance of making UConn uncomfortable is by duplicating Florida's first ten minutes of play against the Huskies in the Elite Eight: relentless hedging and recovering on ball screens with Napier plus imposing on the glass and in the paint.

Coaching

Kevin Ollie has squared off against Phil Martelli, Jay Wright, Fred Hoiberg, Tom Izzo, and Billy Donovan in his first NCAA Tournament as a head coach. I think he truly made his mark on this tournament against Florida. Against the immense size and length of the Gators, Ollie's adjustment for his initially struggling squad was a three-guard line-up with Napier/Boatright/Samuels, which became essentially a five-guard unit when he added DeAndre Daniels and Niels Giffey to that mix, opening up the floor offensively and helping his team gain the edge they needed. Ollie seems to have mastered his team's match up advantages. I expect Julius Randle to defend many, many ball screens tonight.

John Calipari is no stranger to this moment, and you have to assume that his experiential element is the driving engine behind what we're seeing with his team. Despite a spotty regular season, Calipari never gave up on his guys, and now they've learned to exhibit that same mentality together on the floor. Cal has found his unsung heroes in Alex Poythress, Dakari Johnson, and Marcus Lee, who came up huge for the Wildcats in the absence of Willie Cauley-Stein against Michigan. He finally has his players' undivided attention and they're responding with willingness and selflessness. 

Winning Plays

Every coach talks about it because it applies to every game. Both teams need to have players make winning plays: diving for loose balls, making extra efforts on the glass and on defense, playing smart, confident, and aggressive on offense, sprinting in transition, getting to the free throw line, taking charges, etc. The wonderful thing about making impactful, winning plays is they can be made by any player at any juncture in the game. Whoever is crowned national champion after tonight will have had more players make more winning plays than the other team.

What makes it painfully difficult to pick a winner in this game is exactly what brought these two teams to this point: resilience. Both teams have shown it and clung to it fiercely in the tournament. Both teams have a gritty fight about them when they fall behind, so neither pick feels too trustworthy. Even though I think Kentucky has shown to be more versatile in terms of their weapons, I'm going with my gut on the UConn Huskies to win tonight with their stifling defense and free throw shooting down the stretch.

SCORE: UConn 62, Kentucky 59

- Martin S (@marley_mcfly)

CBB: Men's Final Four Synopsis

And then there were four. 

Another successfully wild month of March brings us to the defining stage of the process. When we're this deep into the NCAA Tournament, and this close to witnessing a new national champion, it becomes that much more difficult to predict and analyze because every team is here for a reason. In this case, all four teams have endured gauntlets in their respective regions in order to reach this point, so needless to say, they all belong here. Still, we can size these teams up and assess based on match ups and momentum, which is my intent here in my Final Four Synopsis.

#1 Florida Gators - South Region

Billy Donovan's team held off the feisty Dayton Flyers in the Elite Eight to reach their first Final Four since 2007. The no. 1 overall seeded Gators are indeed the best team in the country when you look at having necessary facets of scoring, defense, size, paint presence, point guard play, experience, speed, adaptability and athleticism. They are the most complete package of any of the four remaining teams. 

Florida excels with the size and mobility of their front line. Seniors Casey Prather, Will Yequete, and Patric Young make things extremely difficult for opponents because of their versatility, physicality, and activity, particularly on the glass. SEC Player of the Year Scottie Wilbekin is the engine, along with the only underclassman in the starting line up, Michael Frazier II, probably the Gators' streakiest scoring threat on the perimeter. Throw in another versatile forward Dorian Finney-Smith and freshman guard Kasey Hill and you have 30 consecutive wins going into the Final Four.

AGAINST UCONN: It's about defending and containing on the perimeter. Shabazz Napier is the scariest individual player in the tournament, and Wilbekin will have to take on that assignment. Florida needs to do what Michigan State failed to do against the Huskies, use their athletic advantage and impose their presence in the paint and on the glass. To advance to the national championship, the Gators will have to contain the Napier/Boatwright attack, keep active on shooters, and use their experience and athleticism to create simple opportunities against a very sharp team defense.

#7 Connecticut Huskies - East Region

The Huskies and second-year head coach Kevin Ollie make a Final Four appearance similar to their 2011 campaign, and the parallels between Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier are evident. Walker was the last player before Napier to lead their team to the Final Four while scoring or assisting on at least 45% of their team's points in the tournament. 

What makes the Huskies go actually starts with Ollie's active enthusiasm, but on the floor it's about the attack of Napier and Ryan Boatright in the back court. Their ability to break down defenses and get into the paint has made them formidable all season. But in the NCAA tournament, DeAndre Daniels has added 17 points per game to Napier's steady 23.3, making the Huskies' offense more dimensional. The Huskies knocked off Michigan State in the Elite Eight with concerted team defense that disrupted the Spartans into turnovers and contested shots, keeping it just close enough for Shabazz Napier to deliver down the stretch.

AGAINST FLORIDA: Napier and Boatright must continue to find ways to create against the length of the Gators. Most important for UConn will be to limit extra possessions for Florida on the glass. If UConn's guards can manage to disrupt Florida at all, keep them off the glass, and keep the game close, there's no reason why Shabazz Napier can't lead the Huskies to the national championship.

#2 Wisconsin Badgers - West Region

Bo Ryan's first Final Four appearance is much deserving. This Wisconsin team had people impressed all season, much like they routinely have under Ryan as head coach, but this team has shown special ability and toughness on both ends of the floor. 

The Badgers average 73.5 points per game, the most they've averaged in the last 20 years. Their offense is well paced, and mostly inside-out with 7-foot center Frank Kaminsky. His polished skill set, along with junior guard Traevon Jackson, the Badgers' best playmaker from the perimeter, really anchor Wisconsin's patient offensive attack. They get outside shooting from guards Ben Brust and Josh Gasser, and all players show the willingness to show tremendous discipline and unselfishness both offensively and defensively.

AGAINST KENTUCKY: The Badgers have to try and remind the Wildcats of their youth. How? Physicality. Wisconsin needs to be able to keep both Harrison twins in front of them and not only them to play downhill. Their best advantage is to force Kentucky into a game of discipline and execution, and I think Sam Dekker, Wisconsin's athletic sophomore swing forward will have to make a stamp on this game for the Badgers to advance to the national championship game.

#8 Kentucky Wildcats - Midwest Region

Calipari and the kids are back again. What could end in a truly historic run for the Wildcats has already given us some all-time great tournament games from the Midwest Region of Doom. Somehow these kids have crawled out from their freshman shells and found their selflessness and willingness to trust and play for each other.

The talent of Kentucky's preseason no. 1 overall ranking has taken form in the tournament. Andrew and Aaron Harrison have figured out their appropriate pace and aggressiveness going to the basket. James Young is taking and making (it seems like) all of the right shots. Julius Randle continues to show his pro value by winning practically every individual match up he encounters on the block and on the glass. This young team thus far has remained unphased, and with their talent manifesting they're the scariest team remaining.

AGAINST WISCONSIN: Kentucky needs to continue their streak of resilience and toughness. Discipline will be the key defensively against the patience and precision of Wisconsin's offense, but the Wildcats can gain an edge with their speed in the open court. Oddly enough, with this young group you can say that all they need to do is what they've been doing up to this point: play without fear.

- Martin S (@marley_mcfly)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

March through June is the most exciting period of time in the world of sports. There is no other way to put it. The ever flowing stream of basketball that is provided is refreshing to bathe in for hoops junkies such as myself. In the beginning of March, you have college basketball and their conference tournaments. At the middle and tail-end of the month, you have the glorious NCAA Tournament and the near conclusion of the NBA regular season as the NBA Playoffs dawn upon us.

The NCAA Tournament for many fans is an evaluation period. It's a chance for those who casually skimmed through highlights, box scores and other sources of information during the college season, to truly engage themselves in the viewing of some promising stars. Some college players may be destined to change the fortunes of bottom feeding NBA teams, others may simply become a stellar player hoping to secure a position in someone's rotation. But for many of these kids, their dream of gracing an NBA floor may stop here. The idea of dueling with the Kobe Bryant's, LeBron James' and Kevin Durant's of the world are terminated as their tenure at their respective colleges is soon to be complete.


This is what makes the NCAA Tournament such a joy to watch. The heart, intensity, grit and dedication these kids play with is truly inspiring. It's what basketball is all about. One last chance for a cohesive unit to generate monumental buzz for their institution. One last opportunity to establish some incredible memories that will never dash from their heart, mind, spirit or soul. Factor all of these things in, and it produces some fantastic basketball games. Highly entertaining, thoroughly emotional and hotly contested match ups makes "March Madness" such an intriguing spectacle.

Certain teams were refused the glitz and glamor that big named schools such as Duke, Kansas and Kentucky command. These teams are what add a magic allure to the NCAA Tournament, as ball clubs such as Mercer and Dayton have an opportunity to showcase their talents. They finally have that opening to put on full display for the world why they are deserving to be in this tournament. Teams such as these who define the odds make bracket busting an enjoyable notion, as their victories manufacture fantastic memories that will forever be instilled in not only the minds of these young players, their coaches and their fan base, but of basketball fans country wide. These "cinderella teams"as they are often referred to as, add a spice and flavor to the tournament that makes it such an incredible event. The aspect of unpredictability makes "March Madness" such a great time. The tournament isn't crippled by top heavy teams, boasting numerous superstars. All that matters is one game. One moment to leap up in triumph, or collapse in defeat and misery.

In early April, the national championship game for this tournament rolls around, and a collegiate champion is crowned. The exhausting journey that is the NCAA Tournament concludes, and all attention goes to the big dogs. The NBAers. In early April, NBA teams are jockeying for playoff positioning which produces some of the best games of the season. Throughout the season, many complain of lulls teams go through. Periods of time where teams seem interested and have their mind fully fixated on the playoffs. Some teams in early April elect to preserve their mind and body, in preparation for the war that is the NBA Playoffs.

The intensity of the game, the hostile environments and the physicality that is sure to come during these contests make it such an appealing watch. The game slows down, the possessions mean more and the emotion is in full throttle. Superstars being to salivate at the prospect of cementing their legacy by accomplishing their career long dream: winning an NBA championship. Mid April through June is the most brilliant and beautiful display of basketball any individual could ask for. The NBA Playoffs is a mesh of intensity, skill and wit. Players trying to assert themselves as one of the NBA's top players and or teams.

Playing against the same team over a possible period of 7 games becomes annoying. Emotions start to fester up, venom starts to spew and blood starts to boil. Rivalries are then etched in stone, and classic match ups are born. While others may breakdown physically, some propel them
selves to heights others thought weren't possible with mental fortitude. Legends are established in the NBA Playoffs. Virtuoso performances are pumped out by those refusing to lie down and die, having their fate decided by the opposition. Legacies are heightened, some diminished. Whatever the case is, us fans sit discussing, blogging and tormenting some players via social media.

Yes, March until June is truly the most wonderful time of the year. A continuous display of basketball and all it's beauty. Fierce and devoted teams looking to promote themselves to the status of champion. Watching these squads attempt to get there is what's so remarkable, as some titans may folly and the meek may surprisingly prosper. Whatever the case is, sit back and immerse yourself in all of this basketball. And as the weather gets warmer, and the days get longer, don't be afraid to venture outside and run a couple games with some buddies. The highlight plays may be omitted, but the concept is all the same. Enjoy the game of basketball with an devoted mindset, and some fantastic memories can be produced. To some it's just a game, but for hoops junkies like myself its more than a game. The same is said in reference to the college and NBA teams looking to hunt down an NBA championship. The results may not always be pretty, but as always it should be appreciated.

Who do you think will win the NCAA Tournament? Who do you think will claim the NBA championship? Do you have any sleeper NBA Playoff teams? Share your thoughts and opinions with me on twitter @wcboyer24, and as always continue to support The Basketball Society.

Are the Miami Heat being plagued by their own "March Madness?"

The month of March has not been great to the defending NBA champions. Their record in the month is currently 7-8, and Wednesday night they suffered a gut-wrenching loss to their bitter rivals, the Indiana Pacers. Is Miami vulnerable? Are their lackluster performances the product of mental and physical fatigue that is sure to come in the pursuit of a third straight NBA championship? Or, is Miami simply saving what they have left in the tank to blitz through the eastern conference when playoff time rolls around? If they have to roll through Indiana in the playoffs, that forceful blitz may be transformed into a humble stagger, because as of right now the battle for eastern conference supremacy would go through Indiana and the deranged Pacers crowd.

What's the reasoning behind Miami's seemingly lackadaisical play? One could accredit injuries as the reason they have been faltering as of late. LeBron James has complained of issues with his back and ankle. Dwyane Wade's availability has been sporadic due to lingering issues with his knees, and has recently been nagged by an Achilles issue. It's tough to sustain health throughout a full 82 game season, but where Miami can succeed is sharpness mentally. The best teams may go through stretches where they are hammered by ticky-tack injuries, but they never feel a chink in the armor mentally. That's what propels them to success. The greatest teams never folly in terms of execution, game planning or focus. It's possible the Heat are being crippled by a sense of boredom, or, they aren't the same team they were last year.

Whatever lull MIA is going through, it's evident through statistics that it's impacting
their record significantly. In the month of March, the Heat are allowing their opponents to shoot 46.1% from the field, 36.6% from three, and are giving up 11.3 offensive rebounds per game. They have given up 170 offensive rebounds through their 15 games in March. In this month,  Miami has allowed teams to score 100+ points on 7 different occasions. In the month of February, the Heat only allowed the opposition to score 100+ 3 times. In Miami's 8 March losses, they are allowing the
opposition to snag down 41 RPG, and allowing the opposition to shoot 40.8% from the three point line. Miami's defensive rotations have been off. The crispiness and fierceness that their defense usually plays with has been absent and teams are starting to figure out how to combat their blitzing scheme. Is this as vulnerable as we have seen the Miami Heat? Is the cloak of invincibility finally being stripped away? If they plan to recapture the magic that makes them such a fearing foe, it extends further than LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh's brilliance. They need help from the role players that make their offense and defense so fluent and ripe.

In March, Miami's role players have been playing horrific basketball. With the exception of Ray Allen, who has upped his PPG and shooting percentages in the month of March (11.9 PPG, 46.7% FG, 41.1% 3PT) Miami's "other guys" have been extremely unreliable. Shane Battier, known for his defensive prowess, sharp basketball mind, and ability to make important plays has been abysmal this month. Battier is averaging 2 PPG on 25% from the field and 22.2% from behind the arc. When mentioning Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole it doesn't get much more promising. Chalmers is averaging 8.2 PPG on 38.3% from the field, and Cole is providing Miami with 4.5 PPG on 35.6% from the field and 32.1% from downtown. If Miami wants to sustain the fluency that makes them such a potent offensive and defensive force, these guys must step up. With each ache of James' back. With each tweak of Wade's knee, these guys must provide Miami with some type of production to alleviate the heavy pressure that Wade and LeBron are under to play a near perfect basketball game.

The Miami Heat aren't concerned about home court advantage in the playoffs. The eons of experience they have, the focus they possess won't waver due to the experiences they have gone through since the establishment of the "Big Three." There isn't a stipulation they haven't faced: wild crowds on the road, a flurry of boos, an immense amount of hatred are all things the Heat have not only become accustomed to, but have utilized to further motivate them in their championship pursuit. They are capable of winning on the road in the most hostile environment. For Indiana, the story is completely different. Indiana hopes to be the ones representing the eastern conference in the championship round in June, and while this thought is feasible without the assurance of home court, it becomes even more realistic knowing things go through Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana is younger and plays with a plethora of emotion, but outbursts such as the one Lance Stephenson had last night won't be tolerated on the road. At home, Indiana can play loosely, with a lot more freedom and higher spirits. Home court reinforces a bevy of positive notions for Indiana, allowing them possibly to reconstruct the way we view who is truly the powerhouse in the eastern conference. Although both teams are sluggish right now, a matchup in the ECF seems inevitable. Hopefully for Miami, this "March Madness" they are enduring right now, turns into "May Misery" for the Indiana Pacers as MIA hopes to waltz to their 4th straight NBA Finals as they attempt to claim a 3rd straight championship.

Is Miami's lackadaisical play a legitimate concern? Or are they just saving their energy for the deep playoff push they hope to have? Hit me on Twitter with your thoughts and comments (@wcboyer24) and as always, continue to support The Basketball Society.

2014 Men's ACC Championship: Virgina vs. Duke [GAME NOTES]

The first half of this ACC Championship game was about defense and toughness. Virginia leads the country in points allowed (55.1) and they showed why, holding Duke, the second-most efficient offensive team in the country per 100 possessions, to just 4 points in the first 7:20 and 25 for the half (lowest first half total for Duke this season). Malcolm Brogdon, Justin Anderson, and Akil Mitchell made concerted efforts on Rodney Hood and Jabari Parker, combined for just 4-18 in the first half. Virginia's team defense was active and cohesive with Mike Tobey and Anthony Gill on the back line, giving up only several clean looks at the rim. Their patience on offense gave them some good looks on penetration, but neither team showed any real rhythm until the last few minutes of the half. We'll see who throws the first punch and where the toughness, rhythm, and big plays come from in the second half.

HALF: Virginia - 28 Duke - 25

Virginia won their first ACC Championship title since 1976 by maintaining toughness and poise in the second half, getting the shots they wanted on offense and holding off a run from Jabari Parker which gave Duke their first lead since 2-0 at the 8:36 mark. Overall the Cavaliers had the more balanced, aggressive attack, getting 17 free throw attempts from Anthony Gill alone and 38 total as a team. Duke had Rasheed Sulaimon go 1-6 from the floor. Rodney Hood (4-12) struggled to find a consistent rhythm, leaving most of the scoring burden to Parker. In the final six minutes Virginia had crucial plays made by Gill, Joe Harris, Malcolm Brogdon, and Akil Mitchell, indicative of how the Cavaliers have been successful this season.

- Martin S. (@marley_mcfly)

NCAA March Madness: Favorite Players to watch this season

It's the most wonderful time of the year. March Madness is upon us. So many emphases were placed on this season in college basketball with regards to the super freshman class, deservingly. This list includes the players I enjoyed watching this season, some for much different reasons than others. This not my top overall players list, nor is this in any particular order. These were my favorite players to watch this season who I had the chance to watch, all of which will likely be participating in the madness after Selection Sunday.



Doug McDermott - Creighton, Senior

All of the numbers on McDermott's season have analysts running out of ways to describe how good he is. For me, it's truly been an honor to watch this guy develop into the clear-cut frontrunner for this year's Wooden Award. I remember watching McDermott years ago with notions of 'solid' in my takeaway from his game. Now, he's flat out dominant, much slimmer, quicker, and a lethal threat from anywhere on the floor. I love his feel, his footwork, and his decorated inside-out game, which has helped him accumulate over 3,000 points in his career after dropping 45 points on Providence in the Big East Tournament last Saturday.

Jabari Parker - Duke, Freshman

I fell in love with Parker's game right away, which for me was Duke's game vs. Kansas in November's tip-off tournament. What I saw was a raw confidence supplemented by gifted scoring abilities and a physical presence, which resulted in 27 points and 9 rebounds by the freshman on his first big stage. Since then we've seen Parker truly elevate his game, specifically in terms of getting easier baskets and playing more adamantly below the free throw line. He has also shown a tremendous, willful knack for rebounding the basketball, specifically defensively, which has kept Duke afloat on the glass against bigger teams. Parker's offensive rating was an astounding 113.3 this season, and that's while using 31.4 percent of Duke's possessions and taking 31.8 percent of their shots. He is and will continue to be a special talent, and I can say I'm honored to have watched him in likely his first and last college season.

Andrew Wiggins - Kansas, Freshman

Most of what I heard about Wiggins as a prospect had to do with his freakish athleticism, but  as I've watched him this season it has become more unfair to simply reduce it to that. Frankly, Wiggins has continued to show why his potential stock garnered comparisons to LeBron James -- he's nearly unstoppable in the open floor and uses his rare length, speed, and athleticism to cause problems on defense. However, he also has a potency to his offense that has started to mature on a major level just in the last week, scoring 41 points on 18 shot attempts in a loss at West Virginia and 30 points, 9 rebounds vs. Oklahoma State in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament. If Wiggins has "figured it out" in terms of understanding time and possession, when to pull the trigger/use the first step, and found that middle ground between smart and aggressive, he's on watch for putting on an encore for what is expected to be his first and last season as a college basketball player.

Gary Harris - Michigan State, Sophomore

I've been a big fan of the Keith Appling-Gary Harris back court for the Spartans these last two years, and I think we've seen Harris grow up a bit this season. Izzo and Co. have suffered injury lapses but Harris has continued to develop individually. Although his shooting percentages dropped from his freshman campaign, his scoring has increased by +5 PPG and his capabilities are still affirmed. At 6-foot-4 Harris is an off-guard that can virtually score against anyone on the perimeter and off the bounce, and I think his junior year could be the solidifier in terms of calling him an elite pro prospect.

Russ Smith - Louisville, Senior

Louisville's postseason run last year opened my eyes to just how much I enjoy watching Russ Smith play basketball. His tenacious individual defense correlates with Rick Pitino's desire to suffocate the opposition with full court pressure. I love how Smith uses his cat-quickness as a defender to corner, jam, and dictate ball handlers. On the offensive side, he's a cannon. When you see how dangerously streaky this guy is you start to understand why Allen Iverson's name has been mentioned incessantly along with "Russ-diculous". You also get a sense of how he earned that nickname. His trigger is quick off the catch, his shot selection is eager but justified, and he can get wherever he wants using the dribble as fast as he wants to get there.

Nik Stauskas - Michigan, Junior

I love seeing guys embrace a new role. Nik Stauskas' role during Michigan's Final Four run last season was to hit outside shots, which he did. Without their Trey Burke catalyst this season, Stauskas has taken on a more primary role in Michigan's offense. The ball is in his hands more and he has shown more of a repertoire, particularly off the dribble. Increasing his scoring average by 6 points per game and harnessing more responsibility for the Wolverines offense has shown Stauskas' full embrace of his new role. He's deceptively shifty with the basketball and has helped his team maintain their identity even after losing Burke and Hardaway Jr. to the NBA Draft and big man Mitch McGary to injury.

Nick Johnson - Arizona, Junior

I started taking a closer look at Arizona when they began to ascend as one of the nation's top teams this season, and what I first noticed, per usual, was the guard play. I saw stability in the back court with T.J. McConnell and Nick Johnson. Earning Pac-12 Player of the Year, Johnson's two-way impact is what I enjoy more than anything. Recognized as one of the best defenders in the conference, his quickness, strength, and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions. On the offensive end, he leads the Wildcats in scoring (16.1 PPG) with efficiency and poise. He's not really a prolific shot creator but he provides steady and stable offense, which obviously comes in handy this time of the year.

Georges Niang - Iowa State, Sophomore

This season for Iowa State has pointed so much deserving attention to stand outs DeAndre Kane and Melvin Ejim, who have had spectacular seasons, but I might argue that Georges Niang is the most critical asset of their big three. My first time truly watching Niang was during Iowa State's match-up with Oklahoma State on February 3. I watched him make two 17-foot jumpers and complete two pinpoint, high-IQ assists to DeAndre Kane, (one an alley-oop from the top of the key, the other a kick out from the post on a double team) scoring or assisting on 15 of the Cyclones' first 17 points of the game. This guy is one of those rare playmakers at the forward position who compensates a lack of vertical athleticism with a savvy feel for the game.

Jerami Grant - Syracuse, Sophomore

What I've enjoyed most about watching Jerami Grant this season is his role in the Syracuse 2-3 zone. Jim Boeheim does an excellent job of finding guys like Grant and C.J. Fair who have great length on the bottom wing of the zone, but more importantly, can cover ground quickly by discouraging the wing pass and guarding the bass line simultaneously. Grant's length is a crucial aspect to Syracuse's ability to neutralize offenses with the zone. He finds his points offensively, mostly on the glass, and displays great patience for his size when he does look to create. Grant is the kind of specimen that NBA scouts have kept their eye on all season.

Shabazz Napier - UCONN, Junior

Napier is the current poster child for embracing a new role. Filling the shoes of his predecessor Kemba Walker might have seemed like a tall order at the time, but right now I believe Shabazz Napier to be the most dangerous guard in college basketball. His fearlessness is evident, but more specifically, it's his elusively off-the-dribble that astounds me each time I watch him. His ability to go from the dribble into his jump shot is seamless and limitless. You can't really disrupt him or make him uncomfortable because he fully understands situations, spacing, and timing. Deservingly earning AAC Player of the Year, don't be at all surprised if Napier lights up March the way his predecessor did.

Lamar Patterson - Pittsburgh, Senior

Patterson very well may be one of the most improved all-around players in the country. The fifth-year senior increased his scoring average from 10 to just under 18 PPG this season, giving Jamie Dixon and the Panthers their reliable go-to option. Dixon's offense runs through Patterson as a scorer, but also as a playmaker, constantly in pick-and-roll situations because of his wonderful passing and decision making in those scenarios. He's a gifted shooter, can put it on the floor, and can seemingly create any shot he needs, but I love watching his concerted knack for getting his teammates involved.

Other players I've enjoyed watching this season: Julius Randle (Kentucky), Patrick Young (Florida), Tyler Haws (BYU), Perry Ellis (Kansas), Marcus Paige (UNC), Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati), Kyle Anderson (UCLA), Aaron Gordon (Arizona)

- Martin S. (@marley_mcfly)