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NCAA Tournament 2019: Tre Jones and Coby White among key players in Sweet 16

By Jake Copestick

BLACKSBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 26: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils defends against Wabissa Bede #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 26: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils defends against Wabissa Bede #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – JANUARY 26: Justin Robinson #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates during the game against the Syracuse Orange at Cassell Coliseum on January 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – JANUARY 26: Justin Robinson #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates during the game against the Syracuse Orange at Cassell Coliseum on January 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

#1 Duke vs. #4 Virginia Tech

Duke Blue Devils – Tre Jones

Everyone knows about Duke’s nucleus of Freshman. In Duke’s near defeat against UCF in the round of 32, Coach K went with a seven man rotation, and only got five points from his upperclassmen. Tre Jones, although a first year player, plays beyond his years, and facilitates Duke’s offense.

His leadership, defense, and ability to take care of the ball can propel Duke all the way to Minneapolis. Zion Williamson might be the best player on Duke’s roster, but Jones might be Duke’s most crucial piece. He acts as the glue guy that creates for his fellow freshman, and helps settle down an at times erratic offense.

Virginia Tech Hokies – Justin Robinson

When Justin Robinson has been on the court for Virginia Tech this season, the Hokies have gone 19-3. Without him, they’re 7-5. Make no mistake about it, Virginia Tech isn’t just about Justin Robinson. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kerry Blackshear Jr., and Ahmed Hill all average at least 13 points per game, and as a team the Hokies shoot just under 40 percent from three.

However, it’s no secret that Buzz Williams’ squad is better with Justin Robinson’s services. Although he has come off the bench in Virginia Tech’s wins against Saint Louis and Liberty, he has still managed to play about 30 minutes in those games. His leadership, scoring, and defense will be needed if the Hokies want to upset the Duke Blue Devils, who are the number one overall seed in the tournament.

The Hokies have already beaten Duke this season, albeit without Zion Williamson, but Justin Robinson was also unavailable that night for Virginia Tech. It’ll be interesting to see how both teams play fully healthy, but Justin Robinson is key for the Hokies to keep moving on.

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