Round Three Player Preview

After each round a lot of talented players from many good teams are eliminated. Therefore, the NCAA tournament fantasy owner sees his options becoming increasingly limited. The Sweet 16 will not feature players like Texas G/F Kevin Durant (has he played his last game for the Longhorns?), Wisconsin F Alando Tucker, Boston College F Jared Dudley, and all of those plucky Winthrop Eagles and Virginia Commonwealth Rams. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there is plenty of talent (including Florida F/C Al Horford) remaining. A fluky team can win one tournament game, but by winning a pair of games within three days, the players on these teams showed that they belong among the elite in college basketball. Once again, PFS provides a rundown of the top candidates who are eligible for your fantasy rosters. Read carefully and you may just find a diamond in the rough that could help your squad

 

-- Guards --

G Jo’Van “Wink” Adams, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

Adams didn’t provide much of anything from a fantasy perspective on Sunday in UNLV’s upset of Wisconsin only scoring nine points with two rebounds. Adams is one of the top scoring threats on the Rebels, averaging 14.3 ppg during the season, but can also disappear in the other aspects of the game. Expect more points and rebounds against Oregon.

 

G Arron Afflalo, UCLA Bruins

The Indiana guards made life tough for Afflalo on Saturday as the Pac 10 player of the year scored ten points on 2-11 from the floor. He did manage to hit a pair of clutch free throws (and went 6-7 from the charity stripe) to break the 49-49 tie toward the end of the game, but nothing came easy. While the pace against Pittsburgh may not be as slow as in the Bruins’ second round battle, the defensive pressure on Afflalo will not be lesser. The Pitt backcourt has shut down a number of top scorers in the Big East, so Afflalo’s value may be somewhat reduced.

 

G Aaron Brooks, Oregon Ducks

Brooks sizzled from long-range on Sunday, making 5 of 9 three-pointers on his way to a game high 22 points for the Ducks. Although his only other statistical contribution for the day was three rebounds, Brooks is still an important fantasy player because of his scoring potential whenever he plays. He should continue his scoring ways against UNLV but just don’t expect much else.

 

G Dan Cage, Vanderbilt Commodores

Cage is the third option and the Commodores generally need him to step up in order to win. He had 11 points against Washington State on Saturday and also grabbed seven rebounds and four assists. Cage is a terrific three-point shooter who has scored in single-digits only five times since December 16. He hits 45% of his threes, but against Georgetown’s tight defense, he might find it hard to get off open shots against the bigger Hoyas.

 

G Mario Chalmers, Kansas Jayhawks

The Superintendent continues to play his best ball of the season during tournament time. In Kansas’ last four games in the Big 12 tournament and the Big Dance, Chalmers has not been held below 16 points. Against Kansas, it was 16 points, eight assists, four steals, and three threes to contribute to the win going away. In Southern Illinois, Chalmers and his teammates will face an animal of a different color. The Salukis love to play defense and they will not allow Kansas to get easy baskets. Yet, if Chalmers finds the range from outside (he’s hit 2.5 3pg in his last four games), Kansas may be able to have a slightly easier road.

 

G Darren Collison, UCLA Bruins

Just when the momentum seemed to be flowing in Indiana’s direction, Collison made a huge steal. With the Bruins up just two points in the waning moments of their game against Indiana, Collison committed burglary on an inbounds pass, was fouled, and sealed the game with two free throws. The 6-1 guard finished with a team leading 15 points, two assists, and two steals. UCLA will not have an easier time making baskets against Pittsburgh, but Collison can get the offense in gear with both passing and shooting.

 

G Mike Conley, Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes

The freshman label can be officially lifted from Mike Conley Jr.'s name. He was more than impressive against Xavier taking over the game in overtime to score all but five of the team's points in the extra period. Conley's stat line of 21 points, five rebounds and four assists has to make you feel good about drafting him as your point guard. But by getting one more block than Greg Oden with three was quite impressive on it's own. Conley will be key for the Buckeyes in the Sweet Sixteen match up as his defense will be needed to slow down Chris Lofton. Look for Conley's offensive numbers to continue to impress.

 

G Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis Tigers

Roberts has become a big time player for the Tigers during their tournament run. Scoring 16 points for the second straight game. He played tough in your face defense on Marcelus Kemp of Nevada. Look for Roberts to draw the defensive assignment of guarding Dominic Kirk of A&M in the next round. If he can shut down Kirk with his quickness that will inspire him to a higher offensive output and very well could carry Memphis to the next round. Look for his numbers to continue to improve as long as Memphis advances.

 

G Levance Fields, Pittsburgh Panthers

After missing two free throws at the end of regulations that would have won the game for the Panthers, Fields could have easily been the goat of the game. He did not let those misses bring him down for long as he hit a clutch three-pointer in the overtime to help the Panthers advance to the Sweet Sixteen. On defense, Fields help keep VCU G Eric Maynor to 14 points. Fields will once again have his hands full with UCLA G Darren Collison, so you shouldn’t expect huge numbers from the Panthers’ point man. Perhaps around his season averages of 9.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, and 4.5 apg.

 

G A.J. Graves, Butler Bulldogs

Graves paced Butler’s perimeter attack with four treys and 19 points in the Bulldog’s upset victory over Maryland. Graves is a dangerous shooter and always a threat to get high point totals. Florida’s frenetic defense will affect Graves but he should still be able to get his shot off and score.

 

G Antonio Graves, Pittsburgh Panthers

Fields’ backcourt mate, Graves, is another of the many Panthers who sacrifices individual stat lines for team success. There is nothing in his seasonal averages of 9.4 ppg, 2.4 apg, and 1.3 3pg that screams out for fantasy attention, but diminished player quantities make player quality relative. In the two Pittsburgh wins in the tournament, Graves has provided 8.5 ppg, 2.5 apg, and 1.5 3pg, so he is right on his season averages. A big game for Graves against UCLA would go a long way to helping the Panthers into the Elite Eight.

 

G Mike Green, Butler Bulldogs

One of those players who can help a fantasy team even without scoring, Green grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists to go along with a below-average (he averaged 14+ ppg) eight points. Despite the tough test ahead against Florida, Green is a complete fantasy player and someone who can help you in a lot of different ways.

 

G Taurean Green, Florida Gators

After cranking out season-high rebound and assist totals in the Gators’ opening round victory on Friday, Green looked like he had regressed during much of Sunday’s match up against Purdue but put together some clutch scores near the end to redeem himself. Green finished the contest with 14 points making him one of three Florida players in double digits and added in an unremarkable two assists and zero rebounds with five turnovers. Although he did improve slightly over his 1-9 shooting on Friday by going 3-9 (2-8 from beyond the arc) and making all six of his free throw attempts, Green’s spotty jumper continues to plague his overall offensive output. His field goal percentage during the season was 44.6% so you would expect the averages to start going up. At this point, Green should not be considered a first tier guard because of the inconsistency, but the chance for a breakout performance is always there.

 

G Daniel Hackett, USC Trojans

He might be the sleeper from the Trojans and could replace Lodrick Stewart in your lineup. Hackett had a career game against Texas, scoring 20 points, grabbing four rebounds, and also dealing out a solid three assists. He’s not a consistent scorer overall, but he has good size and picks up rebounds and assists in nearly every game. I’m not recommending that you start him this week as North Carolina has plenty of quickness on the perimeter, but keep an eye on him—for next year as well.

 

G Malik Hairston, Oregon Ducks

Finally breaking out of a scoring slump that saw him score less than 6.0 ppg in each of his previous two games, Hairston had a balanced game with 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Assuming that he’s back on track, Hairston makes for a nice complementary second or third guard but his lingering inconsistencies in the second half of the year are still a worry.

 

G Dominic Kirk, Texas A&M Aggies

Kirk continues to use the tournament to shine. With another good stat line of 21 points and eight rebounds while going for nine of 10 at the free throw line. Not only are his offensive numbers improving but his defense has been outstanding in the past two games. A&M will be counting on Kirk to continue playing with a purpose against the quick backcourt of Memphis. With the guards of Memphis keying on Acie Law, Kirk should be able to get his shot at will.

 

G Kevin Kruger, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

After failing to make a single shot from the field in UNLV’s opener on Friday, Kruger bounced back scoring 16 points including four treys to go along with seven assists and six rebounds in a balanced effort on Sunday against Wisconsin. Kruger is a good first option point guard for a team and he’ll continue to get lots of touches for the Rebels. Oregon’s tough perimeter defense could affect his shooting percentages, but you can count on him for assist totals.

 

G Acie Law IV, Texas A&M Aggies

Acie Law again was the offensive force that drove the Aggies. In leading the team with 26 points, he again shows the ability to put this team on his shoulders when it matters most. Against Memphis in the Sweet Sixteen Law gets his chance in front of what amounts to a home court advantage to prove to the country that he is capable of scoring at will and controlling the outcome of a game. Texas A&M has to have his leadership to upset the two seed to advance to the Elite Eight.

 

G Tywon Lawson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Tywon Lawson might be the best point guard left in the region and one of the best in the tournament. He had a terrific game against Michigan State, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. He constantly penetrated into the lane against the Spartans. Against USC, Tywon Lawson is going to be matched up with Gabe Pruitt and Daniel Hackett. He will be able to pressure the ball defensively and has a quickness advantage at the offensive end.

 

G Ron Lewis, Ohio State Buckeyes

One of only two seniors on the team, Lewis really stepped up at the end of regulation by hitting a huge three-point shot to send the game to overtime. He also led the team in scoring with 27 points and contributed eight rebounds along with two assists. With Tennessee up next, Lewis will be just what the Buckeyes need to counter Chris Lofton. As the field of 65 gets smaller, Lewis is a guard to keep in mind for the next couple of rounds. If he can continue to go four of five from deep he will be well worth the pick.

 

G Chris Lofton, Tennessee Volunteers

For the first two rounds of the tournament, Chris Lofton has been the player that Tennessee needed him to be for any hope to advance. With another workman-like performance, Lofton put up 20 points in the win over Virginia. He was clutch at the end of the game by hitting nine out of 10 free throws with the game on the line. Lofton will be motivated to play the Buckeyes in the next round after he poured in 23 points in a mid-January loss. Not only does Lofton need to hit the three-point shot, he needs to penetrate and create havoc on the Buckeye defense. Will he be able to carry the Volunteers to the next round?

 

G Tajuan Porter, Oregon Ducks

The freshman from Detroit shined on Sunday scoring 14 points with six rebounds. Porter is a threat to go for twenty every time he steps on the court and he seems to have put away whatever jitters were there from his first NCAA Tournament game on Friday when he scored only eight points. Porter is an excellent scoring option but don’t depend on him for anything other than points. The six boards against Winthrop are an aberration as Porter only averaged 1.8 rpg during the season.

 

G Gabe Pruitt, USC Trojans

The three-point gunner is not always the most consistent option for your backcourt, but he has been solid all year (once he returned from his academic suspension) and had another very good all-around performance against Texas. He scored ten points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out eight assists. He didn’t shoot well from the field, but he still contributed. Against North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen, he will need to find his three-point shot if USC is to pull the upset.

 

G Russell Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

As a junior, Robinson is the elder statesman of the Jayhawk backcourt. He led the team in assists (4.5 apg) during the season and provided eight dimes in the opening round win over Niagara. While he is not a big scorer (7.0 ppg) on a team with a lot of offensive options, Robinson has scored 12.5 ppg in the two tournament games, including 16 against the Purple Eagles. Against Kentucky, he added nine points and three assists. His steady leadership will be needed in the face of Southern Illinois’ aggressive defense. If he has the hot hand, he could hit a few threes as well.

 

G Brandon Rush, Kansas Jayhawks

Brandon Rush was on fire (and you can pronounce “fire” with two syllables in this case – fayah!) against Kentucky. He nailed a season high six three pointers (in seven attempts) and scored 19 points for the Jayhawks. Brandon Rush, who has been called unselfish to a fault, only had one assist, but why pass when you have the red hot hand? Should Brandon Rush have repeated hotness against Southern Illinois, the Jayhawks may romp again. Expect staunch defense from Jamaal Tatum and Brandon Rush to struggle a bit more (but not too much) against the Salukis.

 

G Jamaal Tatum, Southern Illinois Salukis

In the Salukis second meeting with Virginia Tech, Tatum led SIU in scoring for the second time. The 6-2 guard was somewhat more effective in November when he had 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, but the Salukis were glad to have every one of his 21 points on Sunday, including a season high six three pointers. There is little doubt that Tatum will have as much room to shoot against Kansas, who will send all manner of guards at him: short and quick guards will be complemented by long and strong players. It may be a long night for Tatum, but if he can find open teammates, he might have a nice statline.

 

G Bryce Taylor, Oregon Ducks

Taylor followed up an “ok” game on Friday with one that could be considered below average on Sunday in going for eight points and three rebounds against Winthrop. Although he had been shooting well from the field in his recent history, Taylor only made 3 for 9 in Sunday’s game. Taylor will bounce back and get back to the mid-teens in points with five or six rebounds against UNLV.

 

G Michael Umeh, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

On Sunday against Wisconsin, Umeh’s scoring dropped substantially from the 19 he scored in Friday’s game. He tallied only seven points. Although he had scored over 15 points in each of the previous three games he played, the seven points is much more representative of the 7.7 ppg season scoring average. It’s difficult to predict which Umeh will show up against Oregon next week and fantasy owners should proceed with caution here.

 

G Jonathan Wallace, Georgetown Hoyas

Wallace is the key to the Hoyas. He is their third option offensively and needs to score in order for Georgetown to win. Against Boston College, he did. Wallace took only seven shots but scored 15 points. He only had one rebound and two assists, though. Against Vanderbilt, he won’t be matched up with any explosive guards, but Alex Gordon is a solid two-way player who is quick. Wallace could get open shots.

 

G Wendell White, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

After opening the tournament with 19 points on Friday, White continued to pour in the points Sunday leading UNLV with a game-high 22 points on 8-12 shooting from the floor. At this point White should be considered as a top tier guard for fantasy teams. He has been scoring consistently and despite only grabbing three rebounds against Wisconsin he is a rebounding threat after averaging over 6.0 rpg during the season.

 

G Tony Young, Southern Illinois Salukis

With F Matt Shaw not playing, Southern Illinois needed one of their complementary players to have a big game offensively against Virginia Tech. Young found himself open often, raised his hand, and nailed four three pointers. He finished the game with 17 points or two more than the 15-point winning margin. Where would the Salukis have been without Young? Coach Bill Self will have the Jayhawks prepared for Young and rest of the Salukis, so they had better hope that they can hit a high percentage of contested shots.

 

-- Forwards --

 

F Corey Brewer, Florida Gators

Following up his 21-point outburst on Friday, Brewer went off again Sunday against Purdue scoring 17 points while hauling down eight boards. He was particularly aggressive down in the low post and was sent to the line eight times (he hit all of them). Brewer is demonstrating that he’s a threat to score twenty every game and can contribute with strong board totals. Horford and Joakim Noah will continue to draw attention, giving Brewer scoring opportunities against undersized Butler.

 

G/F Derrick Byars, Vanderbilt Commodores

Byars went back to being the leader and go-to-guy for Vanderbilt against Washington State. He scored 27 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out two assists. He also had a tremendous game-saving block in the first overtime. He will probably have trouble against Georgetown. Jeff Green can match his quickness and has the height advantage. Byars is going to need to hit his outside shots so Green respects his dribble-drive.

 

F Ryan Childress, Tennessee Volunteers

For the season Childress is only averaging 5.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, and 0.8 apg. When Tennessee needed him the most with their season on the line, he stepped up and delivered. He doubled his average in points with ten and really attacked the glass by grabbing eight rebounds, which is more than double his season average. At 6-9 and 238 pounds, Childress is the closest thing that Tenneseee has in matching up with 7-0 Greg Oden. And he needs to have another good performance if the Volunteers are going to make it to the Elite Eight.

 

F Brandon Crone, Butler Bulldogs

Crone was the second leading scorer for Butler on Saturday against Maryland netting 13 points. He also chipped in four assists and two rebounds. If you are desperate for forward help, Crone can provide some limited scoring and rebounding assistance (season averages of 11.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg) but will have a tough task ahead against Florida’s frontline.

 

F Robert Dozier, Memphis Tigers

Dozier maintained his season average in scoring with nine points but he outperformed his season average of 6.3 rebounds per game by grabbing eight. Defensively, he was just as impressive by recording two blocks and two steals; both coming at critical junctures of the game. In the next round he will have to face another quality big man in Joseph Jones. Jones will keep him busy, going from the block to the perimeter and back. Dozier is athletic enough to keep up with Jones so it should be an outstanding match up. If he can limit Jones' touches or get him into foul trouble it will make for a long game for A&M. Look for Dozier to continue with his offensive output.

 

F Randal Falker, Southern Illinois Salukis

Falker always provides an interesting bunch of stats and against Virginia Tech on Sunday it was no different. Although he does not have a fluid offensive game, Falker used his strength and grit to score 12 points, haul down ten boards, and provide threes in assists, steals, and blocks. In the Sweet 16, the 6-7 junior will be facing a number of players who are taller and bigger than he is. His scoring will have to come from hustle, but his defense will be needed in a number of ways. If Falker can shore up the low post, the Saluki perimeter defenders will have one less thing to worry about.

 

G/F Shan Foster, Vanderbilt Commodores

Foster followed up his 18-point performance in the first round with another big game, scoring 20 points despite hitting only one shot from behind the arc. He also picked up six rebounds and an assist for good measure. Against Georgetown, he is going to have to be matched up with the athletic Dajuan Summers. His size and versatility could give Foster problems, but I think Foster is going to have a solid game.

 

F Taj Gibson, USC Trojans

Just as predicted, Gibson had a huge advantage against the smallish Texas frontline and he exploited it. He scored 17 big points, and also grabbed 14 rebounds, which were key to a USC victory. That followed an 18-point, 8-rebound performance against Arkansas. North Carolina could pose problems for him. The Tar Heels are big inside and have plenty of post players to throw at Gibson. He might not be such a great option next week.

 

F Jeff Green, Georgetown Hoyas

Green has had some interesting but solid games in the first two rounds. He hasn’t demonstrated his all-around game in a single contest yet, but he has shown the ability to dominate at times. Against Boston College, Green had only 11 points, but grabbed 12 rebounds, and picked up two assists. He will have a tough battle with Derrick Byars against Vanderbilt, given Byars’ quickness and all-around ability. Green’s size will be tough to deal with.

 

F Maarty Leunen, Oregon Ducks

The only non-guard starting for the Ducks, Leunen scored in his usual range (12 points) but disappointed from the one area you can usually count him for against Winthrop on Sunday when he only grabbed four rebounds. In Leunen’s defense, Winthrop attempted 31 three-pointers and when those carom off the rim they often go in unexpected directions and can reduce the rebounding numbers of post players. Leunen is still a solid option if you need a rebounder who won’t make you sacrifice too much on the scoring end.

 

F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA Bruins

The 6-8 native of Cameroon has had trouble get on track offensively in the month of March and it was more of the same against Indiana. Mbah a Moute hit just one of seven shots, but was able to pad his total with 5-7 from the line for a total of seven points. More importantly, Mbah a Moute brought down 12 rebounds (five offensive rebounds) and had three steals. It’s unlikely the sophomore will find his shooting touch against Pittsburgh, but if your team has other players to score, Mbah a Moute might be able to help you in rebounds, steals, and blocks.

 

F Reyshawn Terry, North Carolina Tar Heels

Look who is back in the mix for the Tar Heels? Terry was one of the best players on the team a year ago, but he was up and down for most of this season. He struggled with his mid-range game, especially. However, it looks like he might be finding his stride. He had 14 points against Michigan State, two days after scoring 18 against Eastern Kentucky—a week after getting 13 in the ACC title game.

 

F Brandan Wright, North Carolina Tar Heels

While Terry is starting to step up in the spotlight, Wright has struggled. He grabbed seven rebounds, but had only three points on five shots against Michigan State. In the NCAA Tournament, he is averaging 8.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 1.0 apg. He needs to break out against USC. He has the length and athleticism to make a difference against them and could be a key performer inside due to his advantage in the paint.

 

F Julian Wright, Kansas Jayhawks

While it was expected that Kansas would have no answer for Kentucky’s big man F/C Randolph Morris (who scored 22 points and had eight rebounds), Wright proved a handful for the Kentucky interior defenders, providing 21 points on 8-12 shooting and eight boards of his own. The agile 6-10 forward added three assists and two steals to complete his statline. Although Wright is not a consistent offensive presence, his numbers should be interesting against the shorter, gritty Saluki defenders. He seems like a big game player, so take a chance that he’ll have one of his better offensive games against SIU.

 

F Nick Young, USC Trojans

Young continued to be the go to guy for the young Trojans, leading USC to an easy win over the highly touted Texas Longhorns. He scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, giving up averages of 21.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg in the NCAA Tournament. Despite Kevin Durant’s length, Young had no problems getting baskets whenever he wanted. Against North Carolina, Young will need another big game and he might get it due to the fact that he is far quicker than whoever will guard him.

 

F Sam Young, Pittsburgh Panthers

Young came off the bench against VCU to lead the Panthers in scoring with 15 points. Although he was a highly touted recruit in 2005, the 6-6 Young has had to become accustomed to being a reserve and taking advantage of his opportunities when they arise. In 25 minutes against the Rams, he went to the free throw line 12 times, making seven of those attempts. His inside offense will be needed against UCLA who feature excellent defense players at every position. If Young can score some baskets in the low post, it may open up some perimeter shots for the Panther guards.

 

-- Centers --

 

C Aaron Gray, Pittsburgh Panthers

Gray fended off the smaller, pesky Ram defenders in the second round of the NCAA tournament to have one his better all-around games. The 7-0 center provided 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, eight rebounds, and a season high five assists. Like most Pittsburgh opponents, UCLA has no one with similar size to Gray, so it will be incumbent on the Panther center to use his physical mass to the greatest advantage. If Gray can provide five assists again, it means he is hitting open players and they are making open shots. Gray has not had a double-double in the last four games, so a player who averages 14.0 ppg and 9.6 rpg may be due, if you believe in that kind of thing.

 

F/C Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina Tar Heels

Hansbrough is back to being the main performer for the Tar Heels. He struggled big time in the ACC Tournament, averaging only 10.0 ppg. However, he dropped 33 points and nine rebounds on Michigan State on Saturday. He is averaging 27.0 ppg and 9.5 rpg in the NCAA Tournament thus far. He will have an edge inside against USC. If remains his relentless self, the inside post players of the Trojans will struggle against his strength.

 

C Roy Hibbert, Georgetown Hoyas

Hibbert had a huge inside advantage against Boston College and he used that advantage en route to a big game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He is still an inconsistent post player, but when he has a height edge inside, he is tough to stop. He will have the edge against Vanderbilt next week. The Commodores don’t have a lot of size inside and Hibbert could be poised for another huge outing.

 

F/C Al Horford, Florida Gators

Horford, who teammates have given the moniker “The Godfather,” showed again Sunday that he’s the man running things for the Gators by scoring 17 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and a block. He is as good as money now from a scoring and rebounding standpoint with his consistent efforts. The great thing about players like Horford is that you know what you’ll get almost every time out and being able to count on steady performance like that is the key to any successful fantasy team and a key reason Horford is one of the most valuable players in the tournament, particularly due to his eligibility at the center position.

 

F/C Joseph Jones, Texas A&M Aggies

Joseph Jones played one of his better defensive games recording three steals to go along with his 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists. All season long, Jones just chugged along providing quality numbers and as the tournament progresses he continues to do so. Jones will be matched up with athletic forwards of Memphis in the next round. If A&M's big center can draw the attention of Memphis, Jones will be able to provide a big offensive lift that the Aggies will need to advance.

 

C Antanas Kavaliauskas, Texas A&M Aggies

For the second straight game Kavaliauskas was in foul trouble throughout. He was never able to get into any kind of offensive rhythm and his stats reflect as such with two points and two rebounds for the game for a total of seven points, five rebounds and one assist for the tournament. Not exactly the kind of numbers you are used to seeing from Kavaliauskas. It would be very surprising to see this downward trend continue as he is too good of a player not to produce. Perhaps playing in what amounts to a home game in San Antonio in front of a large contingent of A&M fans will provide Kavaliauskas with the motivation he needs to get going.

 

F/C Joakim Noah, Florida Gators

Although he didn’t notch double-figure scoring totals (netting only nine points), Joakim Noah showed how his incredible hustle and energy can fill out the rest of a stat book by pulling down nine rebounds and getting three blocked shots while adding two assists. Joakim Noah can always be depended on for the rebounds and blocks, but like today his scoring is an up and down thing. Count on him for the defensive totals, but just know that the points may or may not be there. Butler doesn’t have one of the strongest frontlines in the country and Florida will be looking to run, so you can expect a strong overall performance from Joakim Noah.

 

C Greg Oden, Ohio State Buckeyes

While having a rough day on the court by his standards, Greg Oden still continued to impress with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Although he altered numerous shots, he only blocked two. The guards of Xavier showed that maybe the way to play against Oden is going right after him and getting him into foul trouble, but you should not rely on this type of performance often. He is still the best center in the game and will continue to put up outstanding numbers. The Buckeyes next round opponent, Tennessee, does not have anyone capable of guarding Oden and he will have a heyday in the paint blocking and altering shots. This alone should give Oden and the Buckeyes the opportunity to play another day.

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