What makes the NCAA Tournament so fun to watch are the players and those who come through in the clutch with a timely block, steal, or game-winning basket at the buzzer or just an all-around great performance. Here are several players who have the potential to show their moves during The Big Dance.
Aaron Brooks, G, Oregon Ducks
Brooks is a high-energy point guard who has been clutch this season for the Ducks. One of the better players in the loaded Pac-10 conference, Brooks has the ability to score from the outside or by taking it to the hoop and is a strong contender for Pac 10 Player of the Year. Brooks has become a strong leader his senior season and easily one of the more exciting players to watch.
Darren Collison, G, UCLA Bruins
While teammate Arron Afflalo gets most of the pub, Collison is perhaps the most important player for the Bruins. Collison has matured and really taken to his position after Jordan Farmar left the Bruins early to jump to the NBA. Collison is almost guaranteed to be the quickest player on the floor and is a very strong defender, but also can turn the ball over quite a bit. How he handles the pressure of March Madness as a starter will be key to how far the Bruins go.
Kevin Durant, F, Texas Longhorns
Monster. A tall, long, and very thin monster, but just as intimidating as the Incredible Hulk nonetheless. How do you defend a player that can just as easily hit a three-pointer as go inside for a score? Despite being thin, Durant length serves him well in blocking shots, rebounding the ball, and shooting over defenders. If the freshman decides to leave Texas early, he could very well be the number one overall pick.
Jeff Green, F, Georgetown Hoyas
Teammate Roy Hibbert might have better NBA potential because of his size, but Green is one of the more versatile big men with great court vision and handle, especially for a 6'9" player. He can shoot from the outside and move well without the ball and is more of a key for the Hoyas than Hibbert.
Dominic James, G, Marquette Golden Eagles
James is a strong, agile, and quick player. He can not only score, but pass off to open teammates. He possesses one of the better first steps in college and can fill the passing lanes on defense for steals. James is the key for the Golden Eagles.
Acie Law IV, G, Texas A&M Aggies
I'm not sure if there's any other player in the country that wants the ball at crunch time more than Law. Did you catch that Texas/Texas A&M double-overtime matchup a couple of weeks ago when Law sent the game into both overtimes with three-pointers? The Aggies lost that game, but it wasn't for a lack of trying on Law's part who finished with 33 points. If there is any player ready to shine during March Madness, Law is certainly that player who could excel in the spotlight.
Ty Lawson, G, North Carolina Tar Heels
Pressure? What pressure? Lawson, a freshman from prep powerhouse Oak Hill Academy came off the bench to start the season, but his talent was too good to keep on the pine. Lawson has been a very good decision-maker for the Tar Heels in their up-tempo offense and has handled the lead guard position like an upper classman. In the tough East Regional, Lawson will need to keep as cool as he has been for most of the season.
