2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking each Sweet 16 team’s top performer
By Connor Hope
8. Caleb Swanigan (Purdue)
Vs Vermont: 16 pts, 14 reb, 4 ast, 3 blk
Vs Iowa State: 20 pts, 12 reb, 7 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl
In the first two rounds, Purdue has put to rest any doubt people may have about the strength of the Big Ten. They are one of three teams from the conference in the Sweet Sixteen, and Caleb Swanigan has been the key. The Boilermaker’s star forward has been a double-double machine, playing much larger than his 6’9” height would suggest.
Swanigan has continued recording double-doubles through the first two games. He began the tournament with a 16 point, 14 rebound performance in a victory over Vermont, a popular upset pick. In the second game, Swanigan helped send the Iowa State Cyclones home, with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Swanigan continues to prove that he is one of the most skilled big men in the NCAA. He will have to take over for Purdue to have any shot at beating the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas has a weak frontcourt, so Swanigan could carry the Boilermakers to an Elite Eight appearance.
7. Derrick Walton (Michigan)
Vs Oklahoma State: 26 pts, 5 reb, 11 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl
Vs Louisville: 10 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast
There isn’t a team in the country that has been as hot this postseason as the Michigan Wolverines. A big part of their miraculous Big Ten Championship and NCAA Tournament runs has been the play of Derrick Walton.
The senior guard began the NCAA Tournament with a 26 point, 5 rebound, and 11 assist performance in a close win over Oklahoma State. Considering the excitement surrounding a potential run by the Wolverines, this was a game in which the entire nation got to witness how well Walton was playing. His solid performance continued with the second-round game against Louisville. While Moe Wagner stole the show, Walton finished with solid numbers, including seven rebounds and six assists.
Walton will need to be just as sharp in the Wolverines’ upcoming game against the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks have a solid set of guards that could give Walton some trouble, but Walton has the hot hand right now and should not shy away from taking shots.