Now that the final four is set, we are back to continue our series highlighting who are the key players for the remaining teams. These players will be the x-factors for each team to be successful in Atlanta. Saturday two games will be played to see who will battle for the championship on Monday.
Check out the four players we picked this year.
Mitch McGary, Forward/Center, Fr., Michigan– McGary has been ballin’ all tournament long but during the season he wasn’t even a starter. I know that doesn’t mean anything but he has provided rebounding and low post scoring for this team. They play the Orange, Saturday who live and die by the 2-3 zone, with the shooters that the team up north has Mitch should be able to carve out some room in the post on Saturday. Mitch will have to help Burke and company finish off this season strong.
James Southerland, Forward, Sr., Syracuse– Southerland is a lethal shooter, which can be a game changer because he normally played the 4. When Southerland is on it makes it a lot easier for their guards to get to the rim because if you are in man you don’t want to help off of him. James must ball for the Cuse to knock off Michigan and to go all of the way in Atlanta.
Malcolm Armstead, Guard, Sr., Wichita St.- The team that nobody picked to be here. How can I pick a player off of this team? Easy, they are playing a team who press like no, no, no other so it has to be point guard Malcolm Armstead. Malcolm will have to steady the ship if the Shockers want to beat the Cardinals. It’s going to be a tall task but in March anything can happen. Malcolm showed an ability to get to the rim and hit a few jumpers during the tourney.
Gorgui Dieng, Center, Jr., Louisville– Gucci Dieng is the Cardinals eraser. Dieng makes a lot of easy shots disappear and on a very talented team this is the icing on the cake. From the jump Louisville has been one of the favorites so if Dieng can keep doing what he does it is a high possibility they may be holding the trophy on Monday.
All four of these players are key cogs for each team. All teams made it this far so they must not be taken lightly. Let us know if you agree with our x-factor picks.
