2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking each Sweet 16 team’s top performer
By Connor Hope
12. Devin Robinson (Florida)
Vs East Tennessee State: 24 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk
Vs Virginia: 14 pts, 11 reb
With the injury to forward John Egbunu, many college basketball fans doubted the Florida Gators’ ability to win in March. While they suffered an early exit in the SEC Conference Tournament, that is not the case in the NCAA Tournament. The biggest key to Florida’s success is forward Devin Robinson, who has played well without Egbunu helping him in the frontcourt.
In the team’s first-round game against East Tennessee State, Robinson scored a game-high 24 points and collected a team-high seven rebounds. Against Virginia, the junior recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. His effort on the defensive end also helped keep the Cavaliers under 30% from the field in the Gators’ 65-39 victory.
Robinson and the Gators are set up well for a potential Final Four run with both Duke and Villanova out of the Tournament. It will be tough for Robinson to compete against the larger forwards and centers, but he has shown he can excel if the game runs small.
11. Johnathan Motley (Baylor)
Vs New Mexico State: 15 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk, 1 stl
Vs USC: 19 pts, 10 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 1 stl
Despite coming into the NCAA Tournament, the Baylor Bears have gotten back on track and are in the Sweet Sixteen. Forward Johnathan Motley, who has been the Bears’ best player all year, has had a solid performance so far.
In his first game, Motley was able to do a little bit of everything, playing well on both ends of the court. He finished the night with a double-double in rebounds and assists, while contributing a steal and a pair of blocks. In the second-round game against USC, Motley scored 19 points and 10 assists, his second double-double. However, he was not able to help Baylor close out the game against the Trojans, because he fouled out with 1:39 left.
Going forward, Motley will have to stay out of foul trouble. With the games getting tougher as the tournament progresses, it is important for the Bears to have their best player on the floor down the stretch.