2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking each Sweet 16 team’s top performer
By Connor Hope
2. Tyler Dorsey (Oregon)
Vs Iona: 24 pts, 5 reb
Vs Rhode Island: 27 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl
Oregon’s sophomore guard Tyler Dorsey has surprised many people with his stellar performance in the first two rounds. While teams try to tame the Pac-12’s Most Outstanding Player Dillon Brooks, it has been Dorsey that has been trouble.
In Oregon’s first game against Iona, he shot and rebounded well, but was unable to get involved much on defense. Dorsey was fixed those issues in the second game against Rhode Island, adding three assists and three steals to his stellar scoring. His second round performance may have been the most efficient game of his career, as he shot 90%.
Dorsey’s biggest struggle has come at the line, where he shot a disappointing 9-15 over the course of both games. It is not likely that Dorsey continues to be the top performer, with Brooks likely to take over moving forward. However, Dorsey has shown that he can be a key player in a Final Four appearance for the Ducks.
1. Sindarius Thornwell (South Carolina)
Vs Marquette: 29 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 3 stl
Vs Duke: 24 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl
South Carolina’s senior guard Sindarius Thornwell has been by far the best player in this tournament. In the first round, Thornwell recorded 29 points and 11 rebounds in an impressive win over a tough Marquette team. His second game was even more impressive, as his 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists paved the way for an incredible upset victory over the Duke Blue Devils.
It has been impressive to watch Thornwell play with such efficiency during the Gamecocks’ historic run. So far, Thornwell has shot 16-33 from the field, 6-12 from three, and 15-19 from the free throw line.
Next: Ranking the Sweet 16 Teams
It will be interesting to see if Thornwell continues his offensive dominance when South Carolina faces Baylor. While Duke and Marquette are decent on the defensive end, Baylor plays a very efficient defense that may give Thornwell problems. Regardless of his performance going forward, Thornwell will be remembered as the player behind South Carolina’s first NCAA Tournament run.