The NCAA Tournament has finally come and we’re just a few weeks away from knowing the next national champion. March Madness is about more than just that one team as we see 68 teams battling for their dreams. The East Region is particularly full both of talented teams and historic programs that’ll all be battling for the honor of a Final Four bid. Let’s take a look at who will be the most important players to figuring out who is winning this region and heading to Indianapolis.
10. Dominique Daniels Jr. (Cal Baptist)
Many aren’t exactly expecting a deep NCAA Tournament run out of 13-seed Cal Baptist but Daniels is a name you still might know a week from now. He’s the fifth-leading scorer in the nation and is a major reason why the Lancers are in this spot for the first time in program history. Daniels, who averages 23.2 points per game recently dropped 41 points against Utah Valley in the WAC semifinals and is the kind of player who can really go off on any night, even against a strong team like Kansas..
9. Ryan Conwell (Louisville)
The fourth school in four years for Conwell has resulted in his second trip to the Big Dance but now he’s a major cog in the Louisville machine. Brought to town to shore up the Cardinals’ recent shooting woes, he’s averaging 18.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, though his 34% mark from outside the arc is down from his last two collegiate campaigns. If Louisville has a run in them, they’ll need Conwell and the rest of this backcourt to hit those shots that really make this offense productive.
8. Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida)
Nelson followed head coach Bryan Hodgson from Arkansas State and has become one of the most productive players in the field. He was named American Player of the Year after putting up 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per night, really contributing on both ends. He’s made better than 63% of his 2-point field goal attempts and has keyed the Bulls down the stretch this season. His team is one of those 11-seeds that people will be tempted by and Nelson needs to assert himself on both ends to pull an upset or two.
7. Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA)
UCLA faithful were excited by Bilodeau’s return this season and he’s certainly lived up to the hype. He’s a major reason why the Bruins are dancing, averaging 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game on the year. Bilodeau has had some great single-game efforts, helping the Bruins run to the Big Ten semifinals last week, and has made 46% of his 3-pointers, albeit in limited opportunities. No player on this roster is more critical to UCLA’s success, especially with an uphill battle as the 7-seed.
6. Bruce Thornton (Ohio State)
A legendary presence throughout his four years in Columbus, Thornton has Ohio State dancing again but he’s not just satisfied with a Tourney appearance. Thornton averages 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists and rated as one of the most efficient offensive players in the entire country. He’s clearly the key cog in Ohio State’s offensive machine, making 40% of his 3’s and nearly 65% from inside the arc. Thornton has been on a decent run to end the season as the Buckeyes have gotten hot and they need him at his best, especially with a potential game against Duke if they win in round one.
5. Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
There are several important pieces to the puzzle at UConn but let’s not undervalue what Karaban means to that squad. A two-time national champion, he’s not putting up the best numbers of his career but the senior has been good for 12.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Karaban has struggled down the stretch during some of these late season losses for the Huskies and they clearly need him playing at a high level. Even as the 2-seed, UConn is going to have some doubters even though this team has the talent to win this region.
4. Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s)
Ejiofor was named Big East Player of the Year and has clearly found his footing in recent years under Rick Pitino. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game and was a significant reason why St. John’s was both regular season and tournament champions in the Big East. Ejiofor has been good for around 20 points every game since March rolled around and his consistency and skill is a big reason why St. John’s ended the season on a high note, and why that could mean a magical run for Pitino’s crew.
3. Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State)
One of the most productive point guards in the nation, Fears is going to have a major say as to how the rest of this season unfolds for Michigan State. He averages 15.7 points and 9.2 assists per game, leading the entire nation with those gaudy assist numbers. Fears isn’t exactly known for his shooting but he’s the key cog for the Spartans. If this 3-seed has a title run in them then Fears needs to keep his composure and be the leader and facilitator to get Michigan State back into the March spotlight.
2. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
The story with Peterson this season has been uneasy and uncomfortable at times, but it’s vital that he and Kansas put that in the rearview. Peterson has been excellent when he’s on the court, averaging 19.8 points and 4.4 rebounds and it’s not a surprise considering he was one of the nation’s top recruits. Kansas will go as far as their talent leads them and they really need Peterson to lock in early and often in this Tournament before his impending NBA career.
1. Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Already a household name, Boozer has been the next great big for the Blue Devils this season. One of the nation’s best rebounders, he’s putting up 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for some absolute video game numbers. It’s not just that he’s the best player in this region, but the recent injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II and their uncertain statues but even more onus on Boozer’s shoulders. Duke is a title favorite and they are going as far as Boozer leads them, which just might be to something magical in Indianapolis.