We’ve waited four months for the NCAA Tournament and that moment has finally come. Teams train not just for these months but for their lifetimes for that shining moment. In the Midwest Region, that’s pretty clear when you look at both the potential and the pedigrees of some of these programs. Even with a few favorites, this region will be a dog fight to the end. We’ll be considering just who will be the important pieces of that puzzle as we point out the most important players out of the Midwest for the weeks ahead.
10. Robbie Avila (Saint Louis)
Two seasons ago, Avila didn’t get his March moment when Indiana State’s bubble was burst on Selection Sunday, but now he’s back with a vengeance. A critical cog in Saint Louis’s standout season, Avila averages 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. The A-10 Player of the Year didn’t have the best numbers of his career but has become a more complete presence for the Billikens even though this team fell short down the stretch this year. They need Avila at his best if they can make noise from the 9-seed.
9. Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
The Wolverines possess one of the nation’s most talented starting lineups and we cannot ignore Johnson’s importance in their brilliant season. The Illinois transfer has been the Big Ten’s most efficient scorer, averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He’s far from the only key cog in that frontcourt, but his important was really evident last week. He struggled in the Big Ten Tournament loss to Wisconsin and the Wolverines clearly are at their best when Johnson is on his game.
8. Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)
If you’ve watched Iowa State this season it’s pretty clear that Momcilovic can play a monumental role for the Cyclones in the postseason. He’s the nation’s best 3-point shooter at 49.6% while averaging 17.1 points per game. Not every performance is special, but Momcilovic did just have 28 points (8 3-pointers) in their Big 12 Tournament loss to Arizona. Any team in the nation wishes for a sharpshooter like him and you can just feel that that ability is going to alter a game for Iowa State during these coming days and weeks.
7. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
After great strides at Belmont and Maryland, Gillespie has really found his footing as a leader for these Volunteers. He’s averaged 18.0 points and 5.5 assists per game this season but it’s beyond just the raw numbers. He’s an effective 3-point shooter, a playmaker on both ends, and an important facilitator for a Tennessee team that really needs someone beyond him and Nate Ament stepping up if they’re going to make a run here. Frankly, Tennessee needs him to step up and lead this team to the promised land.
6. Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
A major weapon for Mark Pope and this Kentucky team, Oweh continues to be important despite Kentucky’s struggles down the stretch. After all he did put up 18.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game and was one of the most productive players in the SEC. Oweh recently had a run of 20-point performances and will need to play smart ball to lead the Wildcats as the 7-seed. Any potential run from Kentucky is going to come on Oweh’s shoulders.
5. Thijs De Ridder (Virginia)
The first season of college ball for De Ridder has been filled with memorable moments, as the Belgian forward has really found his footing with these Cavaliers. He’s averaged 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds and is a major reason why Virginia is back in the fold as a Tournament team and ACC contender. After a season full of consistent showings, De Ridder struggled against Duke in a tight loss and they can’t afford to have him limited or bogged down by opposing defenses if they’re going to make a real run of this in March Madness.
4. Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
Jefferson has been here before with both Saint Mary’s and Iowa State but there’s a different feeling when you’re a senior and a top scorer. He’s been a monumental presence on both ends for the Cyclones, averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on the year. His presence can be felt up and down the lineup, with shot making ability and defensive prowess, sitting as one of the top steals guys in the Big 12. As the 2-seed, Iowa State certainly has a path to the Final Four and they’ll really need a bit of everything from Jefferson to get them there.
3. Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama)
Philon gained national attention for his prowess as a freshman last year, but he’s been even more special for Alabama in year two. In a starring for the Crimson Tide, Philon is putting up 21.7 points and 4.7 assists while making 40% of his 3-pointers. Alabama’s leading scorer has topped 20 points in their last four games and players a major role on the highest-scoring offense in the country. Philon on his game means there’s great potential for Alabama to shake off their recent woes and match or top last season’s run to the Elite Eight.
2. Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
It’s hard to find the words to describe just how incredible a player Lendeborg has been in his career, even at UAB before his recent success with Michigan. Named Big Ten Player of the Year, he’s averaging 14.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game and is a big reason why the Wolverines have this region’s top-seed and are national favorites. Lendeborg does a bit of everything, with shooting, rebounding, and defensive capabilities off the charts and a deep Michigan run likely falls on his successful shoulders.
1. Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)
Year two in college basketball is all about taking that next step forward and Anderson has certainly done that at Texas Tech. He’s averaged 18.9 points and 7.6 assists per game while making nearly 43% of his 3-pointers with gaudy figures across the board. His importance stems from the Red Raiders’ loss of JT Toppin for the season, needing Anderson to step up even more in a starring role. He’s had some great efforts down the stretch in Toppin’s absence and will need to be even more incredible even after injuring his groin during the Big 12 Tournament last week.