2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking each Sweet 16 team’s top performer
By Connor Hope
4. Bronson Koenig (Wisconsin)
Vs Virginia Tech: 28 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast
Vs Villanova: 17 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
When it comes to experience in the NCAA Tournament, no team boasts more than Wisconsin. Seniors Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig have both played in two Final Fours, including a Championship appearance. Sophomore Ethan Happ was also with the two seniors last year for Wisconsin’s Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Both Koenig and Hayes have shown this experience in their outstanding performances this past weekend. Koenig has been the best player for the Badgers. In their 10 point win over Virginia Tech, Koenig scored a career-high 28 points, including eight three-point field goals. In Wisconsin’s most impressive win of the season, Koenig scored 17 points. He also hit an important three point jumper with two minutes left, giving Wisconsin momentum to close out the game.
Having an experienced guard performing at a high level has been the key to many deep tournament runs. With Koenig shooting this well, Wisconsin has a great shot at beating Florida and moving on to the East Regional.
3. Trevon Bluiett (Xavier)
Vs Maryland: 21 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl
Vs Florida State: 29 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast
When Xavier lost its point guard Edmond Sumner, it was unclear whether or not they could still make the tournament. While Xavier was lucky to earn an 11-seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Musketeers were destined to make a run.
Led by junior guard Trevon Bluiett, Xavier is the only double-digit seed in this year’s Sweet Sixteen. Bluiett had 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals during a very impressive performance in Xavier’s win over Maryland. In the second round win over Florida State, Bluiett scored a game-high 29 points.
Bluiett has been very impressive from deep, going 8-15 from three so far. He has also been incredibly impressive in the second half of both games, helping to put away both teams. Bluiett is the best primary scorer remaining in the West Region, as the other teams rely on balanced scoring attacks. Bluiett will have to have his best game against Arizona if Xavier has any chance at upsetting the Wildcats.