March Madness: Top 10 candidates for Final Four most outstanding player

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) makes a basket with .3 seconds left against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. North Carolina won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 12

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) drives around West Virginia Mountaineers guard Daxter Miles Jr. (4) during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention

Luke Maye, North Carolina Tar Heels

Luke Maye went from an unheralded player, who was offered a scholarship as a freshman only because J.P. Tokoto left for the NBA early, to being named the South Region’s Most Outstanding Player in a week. Maye had two big games last week in Memphis, recording his first career double-double in UNC’s win over Butler before sinking the game-winner against Kentucky.

The 6-8 sophomore forward averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the two games in Memphis. He connected on 12-of-19 shots (63.1 percent) from the field, including 5-of-8 (62.5 percent) from behind the arc last week. For the tournament, he is averaging 12.5 points along with 6.2 rebounds in a little over 18 minutes a game.

It is hard to put Maye any higher since his minutes have fluctuated so much during the season. He is averaging just 14.4 minutes a game though he is producing 5.4 points along with 4.0 rebounds in that time. Maye has seen 20 or more minutes of playing time just five times this season.

Jordan Mathews, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Jordan Mathews has struggled with his shot this entire tournament. However, when the Zags have needed him the most he has delivered.

With most of the Bulldogs’ uncharacteristically struggling to get anything going against South Dakota State in the opening round, it was Mathews who stepped up. The Cal transfer netted a team-high 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including three triples. He has scored in double-figures in each of the last four games. Mathews is averaging 13.5 points along with 4.8 boards despite shooting 34.7 percent from the floor for the tournament.

Joel Berry II, North Carolina Tar Heels

Joel Berry II has battled through two ankle injuries during the NCAA Tournament. As a result, he has struggled with getting his feet under him on his shot. Still, if the 6-0 junior point guard is healthy, he will be a major factor for the Tar Heels as he is the team’s heart and soul.

Berry has made just 15-of-46 shots (32.6%) from the field, including only 6-of-26 attempts (23.0%) from beyond the arc during tournament play. But he showed what he is capable of against Butler in the Sweet 16, compiling 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor. He is the team’s second-leading scorer at 14.4 points a game.

Home/March Madness