Small Forward
Texas Tech Sophomore Jarrett Culver
Stats: 18.9 Pts, 6.4 Reb, 3.7 Ast per game
Listed as 6’5 and 195 pounds, the hometown hero choose to stay in Lubbock, Texas out of high school. He technically is the Red Raiders small forward but he can play and start at any of the guard positions. He will arguably be the most talented player when the two teams face off against each other in the Final Four as NBA Mock Drafts have him going as a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Arguably the most influential player in the Big 12 this season being named the Big 12 Player of the Year, Culver is the main reason that the Red Raiders are in the Final Four.
His distinct ability to take his defender off the dribble and get to the rim and finish is arguably second to only Murray State’s Ja Morant. Not only does he led Texas Tech in points per game, he also leads the Red Raiders in assists and rebounds per game. With the shot clock winding down, Culver has shown the ability time and time again to make difficult, tough shots.
Michigan State Freshman Aaron Henry
Stats: 5.9 Pts, 3.9 Reb, 1.6 Ast per game
Standing and weighing in at 6’6 and 210 pounds, like Goins, he has been a pleasant surprise as he was inserted into the starting line up as a true freshmen when the Spartans 2nd leading scorer Joshua Langford was lost for the season after Michigan State’s 13th game. His defense has been steady and solid and his lock down defense against Michigan’s Ignas Brazdeikis in the second half of the Big Ten Championship game showed his ability to stop the opponents top scorer. Henry has guarded some great players this season but he will have he hands full against Culver.
Henry had his offensive breakout performance in the NCAA Tournament in Michigan State’s Sweet Sixteen match up with LSU. In the game, he had 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to lead the Spartans to a 17-point victory to advance to the Elite Eight. Henry doesn’t need to have a twenty point game against Red Raiders for the Spartans to win but his defense will be needed to contain Culver and not allow him to score 20 or more points.