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 /

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Mar 25, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Johnathan Williams (3) defends against Xavier Musketeers guard Trevon Bluiett (5) during the first period in the finals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Xavier Musketeers 83-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Johnathan Williams, Gonzaga

Johnathan Williams has been the defensive catalyst for the top defensive team remaining in the tournament.

Williams completely shut down South Dakota’s Mike Daum while also grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking two shots in the Zags’ opening round game.

Williams will likely be charged with keeping Chris Silva off the offensive boards when the Zags meet the Gamecocks in their Final Four game. If Gonzaga reaches the championship game, he will likely be charged with Oregon’s Dillon Brooks or UNC’s Justin Jackson.

Williams has been effective on the offensive end as well. The 6-9 junior forward is averaging 10.1 points and 7.4 boards while shooting 55.8 (19-of-34) from the floor. He also has six blocks and three steals in the tourney, four of the blocks and two steals came against Xavier in the Elite Eight.

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