Busting Brackets
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2017 American Athletic Conference: Five bold predictions for tournament

By Daniel Benjamin

Feb 25, 2017; Hartford, CT, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Shake Milton (1) works the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Christian Vital (1) in the second half at XL Center. SMU defeated UConn 69-61. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Hartford, CT, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Shake Milton (1) works the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Christian Vital (1) in the second half at XL Center. SMU defeated UConn 69-61. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Cougars forward Devin Davis (15) goes to the basket against Memphis Tigers guard K.J. Lawson (0) and Memphis Tigers guard Dedric Lawson (1) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Cougars forward Devin Davis (15) goes to the basket against Memphis Tigers guard K.J. Lawson (0) and Memphis Tigers guard Dedric Lawson (1) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dedric Lawson will be the best player in the tournament

Dedric Lawson is the most complete and versatile player in the AAC. He is also the reason Memphis is a threat to win the conference tournament.

The sophomore guard has grown in leaps and bounds from last year. He is the only player ranked in the top-15 in the conference in every major category with the exception of three-point shooting — his major weakness.

Lawson leads the conference in rebounding and second in scoring. He is also fourth in blocked shots,13th in assists, and 13th in assist-to-turnover ratio. Additionally, he is ninth in steals as well as 14th in free throw shooting.

Lawson averages 19.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals along with a 28.2 PER. He is shooting 46.8% from field, 26.6% 3-pt percentage and 73.9% from the charity stripe.  Lawson has produced 19 double-doubles and has scored in double-digits in 29 of 31 contests.

Lawson is the second highest ranked NBA prospect in the AAC, behind SMU’s Semi Ojeleye, according to Draft Express rankings.  Draft Express has Ojeleye as the No. 42 prospect and Lawson at No. 87.