March Madness: Top 10 frontcourt players in 2019 NCAA Tournament

By Alex Weber | Mar 19, 2019

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs handles the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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BLACKSBURG, VA – DECEMBER 19: Kerry Blackshear Jr. #24 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass against Kameron Langley #13 of the North Carolina A&T Aggies in the second half at Cassell Coliseum on December 19, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

Zion Williamson is the best player in this year’s NCAA Tournament, But who are the other top forwards ready to shine in March?

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10. Kerry Blackshear Jr. – Virginia Tech

Number ten on this list may come as a bit of a surprise to college basketball fans. Blackshear Jr. doesn’t have the national profile of a Nick Ward or a Reid Travis, but I’d argue he may be one of the most important players in the Tournament. Virginia Tech has dealt with roster adversity all year and has only one player taller than 6’6 Blackshear. Averaging 14.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, he’s the frontcourt anchor of Buzz Williams’ best team yet in Blacksburg.

For the Hokies to make a second-weekend run and have even a smidgen of a chance against Duke in the Sweet Sixteen, Blackshear will need to stay out of foul trouble, crash the boards, and score consistently in the paint. He’s the most valuable player on this rendition of Virginia Tech.

9. Jordan Caroline – Nevada

At 6’7 and listed as a guard on the Wolf Pack’s official team roster, don’t be fooled: Jordan Caroline is a ruthless forward. Tallying 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per contest, Caroline is a significant post presence. He’s a big-bodied aggressive player in all phases of the game. He hits threes at a more-than-serviceable rate (38%), can bully his way into easy layups, and hits the glass as strong as anyone in the country.

Nevada and Eric Musselman will need Caroline healthy and his temper controlled for the Pack to make a run–which they definitely can. With a locked-in Caroline, Nevada can do to Florida what Jordan did to that poor Utah State fire extinguisher.

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