2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking each Sweet 16 team’s top performer
By Connor Hope
16. Kelan Martin (Butler)
Vs Winthrop: 10 pts, 8 reb, 1 blk
Vs Middle Tennessee: 19 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl
Butler had one of the easiest paths to the Sweet Sixteen, playing a 13-seed and 12-seed to get there. However, that does not mean that their starters performed overwhelmingly well. In fact, through the first two games, the Bulldogs’ best player has been Kelan Martin coming off the bench.
Martin recorded 10 pts and 8 rebounds in just 17 minutes during Butler’s First Round win over Winthrop. In the second round, Martin took advantage of an increase in minutes for 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Martin, who was once a starter, has been extremely productive coming off the bench as the Bulldog’s sixth man.
Butler will face an extremely talented and deep UNC team in their next game. They will need Martin to be just as productive off the bench to advance to the Elite Eight. Anything less than his best performance of the NCAA Tournament will end in a Butler loss.
15. Zach Collins (Gonzaga)
Vs South Dakota State: 10 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk
Vs Northwestern: 14 pts, 5 reb, 4 blk
Despite holding the NCAA’s best record and being one of the most efficient teams on both ends of the court, Gonzaga has had an underwhelming start to their NCAA Tournament. The Zags struggled in the first half of their 20 point win over South Dakota State and nearly blew a 22 point lead against Northwestern. While stars Nigel Williams-Goss and Przemek Karnowski, backup forward Zach Collins has been the answer.
Playing only 21 minutes in each game, Collins has established himself as an efficient scorer and aggressive rim protector. His seven blocks in the first two games sre impressive, although one has been at the center of some controversy. With five minutes left in the Northwestern game, Collins stuck his hand through the hoop to block a potential bucket. When Head Coach Chris Collins argued for goaltending, he was called for a technical foul, halting the Wildcats’ momentous comeback.
Collins will be called in to provide support whenever Karnowski’s lack of lateral quickness is exposed. His intensity may carry Gonzaga to one more win, but other players will need to step up if the Zags want to make the Final Four.